all flights lead to Buenos Aires
 

I will let Gaucho probably elaborate on this for you but quite simply there is no way to fly anywhere in Argentina without going through BUE.....or EZE...
Exception....you can do a Ushuaia to El Calafate to Bariloche series of flights....

You can go to some places in Argentina without going through BUE/EZE. LAN Chile can get us to Mendoza and Cordoba in Argentina without going through Buenos Aires.

And for Ushuaia there is LAN 996 or 997 or something like that which ran (and still runs I believe) from Santiago, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina.

GuWonder is correct, the only other feasible gateway to destinations inside Argentina is Santiago de Chile, else, one will have to come in through EZE. There are of course seasonal charter flights from Sao Paulo and Rio to the airports near the skiing destinations, but those dont count for practical purposes. In the mid 90s there were internatinoal flights from MIA coming in directly to Cordoba and Rosario, but those are also things of the past.

If asked, I will always say that coming from North America or Europe, its such a long trip that I find its a shame not to come through Buenos Aires, this becomes even more a point when one considers all this city has to offer. Then again, this is my home town and Im partial to it... so I will let others chime in with their advice and their experiences.

Cheers,
Gaucho100K

If someone decides to route via SCL and as a result skips the contemporary wonder that is Buenos Aires, that would be a huge mistake in my opinion -- an opinion that is apparently widely shared. For example: even people who wiggle out of follow-up international/regional meetings using every imaginable excuse under the sun never given an excuse to no-show at the follow-ups in Buenos Aires. It's usually one visit and your hooked. (I cannot say the same thing about Santiago de Chile -- even if I do go to Portillo, Chile a bit. :D )

... there are great reasons why the "Buenos Aires (EZE) - the ultimate Q&A" thread is the biggest (and I think best) running thread out of all the regional travel forums on FT. [Thank you Gaucho. :) ] And to skip Buenos Aires on a visit to Argentina is something I would never do.

I have to agree 110% with both Gaucho and GUWonder. After having worked there for over a year during their economic meltdown (and very successfull at it!) I have to agree that Buenos Aires is practically a g-d's send!! there's just so much to do, see and of course eat and drink (Gaucho can bring you up to date on this topic) that it would be a shame.

The Patagonia is defienetly worth going back to as the more tourists arrive, the less natural it'll be. Calafate, (south of) Bariloche, Ushuai are all great places that should be on your agends, especially the Perito Moreno (an uncomparable closeness in compared to Alaska) as you can actually take a trek with snow shoes on the glacier!!

Flights within Argentina
 

BIG j,

Lan Argentina now flies to Comodora Rivadavia along with Bariloche. Probably by the time you arrive next year they'll have more flights. You may want to consider buying a South America travel pass with one-world (hoping you can use it on LAN Argentina - not 100% sure) or an Argentina travel pass. They'll run you about $400 - $500 for a number of flights plus taxes, allowing you to reacquiante yourself with your childhood and explore more of your country.

Otherwise you can also try booking each flight individually with a local agency with Aerolineas Argentinas or an Argentina fligth pass with them.

Something to consider is that some flights that go to Bariloche, or somewhere else in the Patagonia usually continue further south before heading back to AEP in Buenos Aires, thereby allowing you fly the same airline if you coordinate correctly.

hope this helps a bit.

If asked, I will always say that coming from North America or Europe, its such a long trip that I find its a shame not to come through Buenos Aires, this becomes even more a point when one considers all this city has to offer. Then again, this is my home town and Im partial to it... so I will let others chime in with their advice and their experiences.

Cheers,
Gaucho100K[/QUOTE]

Your not being partial. Anyone who doesn't like Bs As doesn't like life!!!

I have yet to meet someone who has not liked Buenos Aires. Argentina is a "must-do". Buenos Aires is an incredible city with many many things to do including great food, the best (red) wine and nightlife which starts at 2AM. Then you can go to Iguazu Falls which are breathtaking. Stay at the Sheraton if you can afford it. Then you have Bariloche which is fun both in winter for skiing and summer for trout fishing among many other things which can be done there. And finally you have Perito Moreno (the glaciers). You will need more than one trip to fully appreciate Argentina. Do not let a chance go by without at least stopping in BA for a few days!!!

I am uncertain as to anyone’s particular beef in this issue, but there is too much at steak to chop out a stop and cut over to Buenos Aires.

Too many puns to chew on here!!!!! :D

Does anyone know the weight restrictions for luggage for domestic flights on Lan Argentina? Are there luggage storage lockers at the Aeroparque?

I don't know of storage lockers.. but checked weights within Argentina on LAN:

Primera Clase 40 kilos
Clase Ejecutiva 30 kilos
Clase Turista 20 kilos

If you are elite status of LAn (and sometimes oneworld) and check in at those counters, they may allow you an extra 10 - 20 kilos

all of the above as per their website

This website implies that AEP has them: http://www.aa2000.com.ar/index.php, you can call their customer service line for more info: 5480 6111

Thanks for that:

I'd call the number supplied by KurtD and inquire.

Some hotels will also agree to store your belongings, but I would call the hotel and ask before relying upon such.

Can't wait to get to BsAs!
 

Wow! I just found this forum and spent 2 nights reading all the previous posts. Amazing amount of info. Thank you Gaucho! My husband and I are excited to be in Argentina from 11/22 to 12/02. 6 nights in BsAs and 2 nights in Iguazu. We are staying at the De Las Americas at Libertad 1020. Any comments or suggestions about that area??

I definitely want to know about your wine shop, Gaucho, as that is one of the things we are anxious to buy and taste. As a matter of fact, the new Wine Specatator has an article about Argentinian wines. Can you recommend any wine bars where we can sample some wines? I have a bunch of questions, so I guess I'll just asking away!

My husband would really like to go to the horse track. Their website is in Spanish only and we can't figure out when it's open (days, hours). Any info regarding this is appreciated.

What is the electrical currency? I'm talking about recharging the MP3, camera, etc in the hotel room.

Where do you recommend shopping for nice men's and women's leather shoes and boots?

We may try to see a football or polo match. Where can I find a scedule?

I'm sure I'll think of more questions, but that should keep everyone busy for now.

Thanks in advance!

Debbie