Are you sure that price isn't in pesos? I got the same price quote only it was pesos and not dollars.

I'm not sure, but it's $385 with taxes and fees and it does have a $ in front???

You tell me.

Pe$os
 

In Argentina the $ sign means Argentine pesos, unless otherwise stated. You will see US$ when that is the case (for example, real estate transactions).

Try to avoid airlines that charge an increased price for non-argentines (Southern Winds apparently does not discriminate).

John

Thanks John,

In that case, the fare is great!, but how can I be sure? I just did a quick conversion and it's ~US$130 for the r/t. No problem there, but I don't want to be charged US$385.

Anyway, that is not the most important issue here, I would still like to get some info on Mendoza and also anything on the luxury bus trip.

Thanks.

It's Pe$0s ...
 

Andrezej -

I looked at the SW site www.sw.com.ar for flights from Aeroparque to Mendoza for a week in November, and the price (with taxes) was $384.72 PESOS (at least on the Spanish pages, it's listed as being pesos above the price).

I was in Mendoza for a week a year ago last February. I really loved it - sort of a cross between the wine growing area north of San Francisco (Sonoma/Napa), and Colorado. There are lots of outdoor things to do in the summer, hikes, horseback riding, parapente and river rafting (I did the later two, and had a great time). I also took a bus trip up to the Chilean border, which was a good way to see the dramatic scenery.

The city of Mendoza is very relaxed, and had a completely different feel from BsAs. Tourism was booming (lots of Chileans enjoying the cheaper Argentine peso), despite the gloom in BsAs at the time.

I wouldn't bother with taking a bus and wasting time. The Mendoza airport is only a short taxi ride from the city.

John

I my view, if Wine is not your thing, then I would rather go other places in Argentina. Patagonia, the Glaciers, Tierra del Fuego, Iguazu, Purmamarca, etc. etc. etc.

Harrods Reopening?
 

I have heard that the Harrods in Buenos Aires has reopened. Is it on par with the one in london or is it a shadow of its former self?

P.S. My fiance always went crazy for the stuffed bears in london anything like it in the buenos aires store?

Thanks everybody for great advice so far.

It looks like Mendoza is out this time around. I will visit BA only for 3-4 nights and it will be sooner than I thought (mid-October).

Just one more question. Kempinski Hotels? Any one stand out for any particular reason?

Park Plaza - Parera 183 - Recoleta neighborhood

Park Central - Diagonal Roque Saenz Penas1174

Park Elegance - Avenue Pueyrredon 1940

Park Chateau - 1253 Talcahuano

Any other hotel recommendations? I do have status with Hilton(seems expensive) and Hyatt(no Hyatt in BA), so any nice 3*+ hotel will do.


Remember, this is my first visit, so location is everything. Thanks :)

Check out tripadvisor.com for Kempinski Buenos Aires and there should be some "reviews". The Kempinski properties vary, but I have never stayed at them in Argentina so cannot help you there.

The Hilton Buenos Aires can be booked for a lower cost through local travel agents in Buenos Aires and the Hilton hotel staff will more likely than not accomodate you (but my experience could be different since I have cumulatively spent a few months there on and off).

The Park Plaza is my choice amongst all Kempinski hotels in Buenos Aires. Small hotel, superb location.... ^

Park Plaza will have to do!!! Thanks ^

The Hilton wants ~$180 per (US) the Park Plaza ~$90. I wouldn't mind the Hilton, so if you could look up or check local rates I would really appreciate.


Ok, so I lied :D , I DO have one more question.

I'm a football fanatic, but I will admit I do not foillow any South American league games. I can tell you the EPL schedule by heart, but I know nothing of the schedule down under :) . I know of River Plate and Boca Juniors, but that's about it.

What if any chance I have of scoring a ticket to a game during my visit? Would that be something I should consider? and if so, are there any 1st/premier league games during the weekend of 10/16-10/20?

I went to Boca Juniors v San Lorenzo a few weeks back, the concierge at the Hilton got me the ticket - it was a package, bus to the ground, ticket - bus back to the hotel.

andrzej,

Hey, I'm going to be in BA around those dates, and will be attending the Boca vs. Banfield game on 10/17. I'm a big Boca fan !! Some other games being played that weekend.

Torneo Apertura 2004- Fecha 11
17/10/2004

Almagro Estudiantes LP
Boca Juniors Banfield
Gimnasia LP Colón (Sta.Fe)
Independiente Huracán (TA)
Lanús River Plate
Newell's Racing Club
Olimpo (BB) Argentinos Jrs.
Quilmes Arsenal
San Lorenzo Instituto (Cba)
Vélez Sarsfield Rosario Central

Don't worry this game will not be sold out, so you don't need to purchase tickets in advance. There are a few options to get tickets.. You can do the tour thing.. Last time I used GoFootball I got charged 100 pesos ($33) for one ticket, which includes pick up/drop off from hotel and ticket. Or you can purchase the tickets at the stadium for a lower cost.

Let me know if you're interested in going to the game or meeting up ?

These services that include hotel pick-up and tickets are the best option. The tickets offered are not the best, but location at the Bombonera is not the most important thing, its all about the ambience... ^ :D

Thanks for the link. I will know if I'm going next Monday, so I will let you know. Would love to hook up for the game.

Thianks Gaucho for starting this thread. Great info. ^