We were considering it, but to tell you the truth, neither of us have any real desire to see Iguazu. (I almost feel sheepish saying this, but) we are both more interested in experiencing urban areas -- I'm sure the falls are quite awe-inspiring, but I would rather spend my time having coffee on a crowded noisy sidewalk cafe, or shopping for things that I probably don't really need.

We're hitting Punta Del Este because we want to stay at the same hotel/casino that they gambled in on Amazing Race (sad, I know!).

If you're interested in experiencing urban areas, don't bother going to Colonia for 24 hours. And avoid Montevideo, there's nothing that exciting in this city. I'd suggest spending most of your time in Buenos Aires and spending,at least, 2 days in Punta del Este (great nightlife and great place for watersports). While you're in Buenos Aires, then take a day trip to Colonia but don't stay there, not really worth it.

Punta del Este is not exactly urban. Also, if one is looking for the urban type "buzz", then Punta is only a real option during January, less so in February and the rest of the year its rather quiet.

If one if willing to go a bit-far, then all the porteneos head to Mar del Plata, where the nightlife in January is really cookin

Gosh, I really could not disagree more. I think Colonia is well worth a night and maybe even two. On summer weekends the town is a destination for sailboats coming across from Buenos Aires. Quite a fun atmosphere. The old town is quite nice with a few galleries and other interesting shops. While I agree that the town can be seen in a few hours, I think it's a great place to catch your breath for a day in incredibly pleasant surroundings. Don't miss the sunsets over the Rio.

Call me crazy, but I like Montevideo. First, it has a faded glory atmosphere about it that I find interesting. Second, you absolutely have to do lunch at the customs house at the old port. Incredible parilla, in my opinion, better than what I had in all of Argentina. Third, wait until you taste the ice cream in this city. BsAs has its share of very good ice cream outlets, but Montevideo is the ne plus ultra. Incredible. Last, there are a number of excellent restaurants in the city.

I was in Punta during the high season last January for a weekend. Very crazy then. Although crowded, we're not talking the Hamptons here. I'd recommend it for the people watching and a bit of beach fun.

If your wife happens to be pregnant, she should wear any shirt that bares her entire midsection!!! Quite a thing there in Argentina.

This same fare was available all of last January and February while I was in Argentina. I imagine they will offer it again.

Not to start a food fight, and yes, I will agree with you that Montevideo does have a lot of good things and nice places to see.... but, Im trying to think really hard about what places you had your meals here in Buenos Aires if you think that 'parrilas' are better in Montevideo. The same goes for your ice-cream comment...

Im not saying its not possible to eat good meat in Uruguay, but your average meat in Montevideo or even Punta del Este is not the best that is produced in Uruguay because they tend to export just about 100% of their prime beef (unlike Argentina).

In any event, to each his own. I think its important that visitors take time to see both Buenos Aires and Montevideo, and as I always say, its not only important that you come down here, but its even more important that you return to visit us sometime soon.

I'm trying!!! But business class award seats are next to impossible to get! And 10+ hours in coach isn't gonna cut it, particularly with the Mrs. who's had a blood clot in her leg in the past.

Oh that Uruguayan ice cream, yum

Gaucho, now that you've thrown down the gauntlet, I believe the only way to sway me in your favor would be to personally show me some better parilla argentina. I'm open to new ideas. Balls in your court!!!

tfjim-- I would be glad to give you some places to go. When is your next trip down here...?

Yes, I remember them from the last few years as well, but couldn't find them online until I remembered Asatej . They have 8 day6 night Capetown air/hotel/transfer packages beginning at a remarkable $550 USD per/pax.

Does anyone know anything about Hotel La Mision in Colonia? Their rates seem to be reasonable for an air conditioned room (about half the cost as at the Hotel Plaza Mayor)

http://www.lamisionhotel.com

Folks, just wanted to give you all the heads up with this announcement. Please see:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=371229

Cheers,
Gaucho100K

Gaucho hello,

First of all congratulations on your new venture - best of luck! Second - thanks for the time and effort you have put into this thread. I had been reading through and on the spur of the moment called DL a couple of weeks ago and snagged 4 coach tickets using miles to EZE. BA is one of the places on my list to visit, so this will be our winter vacation.

A couple of questions that you might be able to help with. We arrive on the 22nd of December and are leaving on the 1st of January, so we'll be in Argentina for the 2 holidays. Do most stores, shops, museums, etc. close for the holidays? How about the falls at Iguazu - are tours conducted New Years eve and day?

Since we'll be spending a solid week in BA, it seems that a rental apartment is a much better arrangement (2 adults, 2 children) than a hotel room. Any opinion on the apartment rental scene?

Thanks - runningshoes.

BTW - have you finalized your Greece/Egypt vacation plans?