Jim, I wish I could be of more help immediately, but Im not sure that there are baggage storage services at AEP (the Buenos Aires City Airport). Let me see if I can find some more info and get back to you on this.

storing bags at AEP
 

Jim, it seems that AEP does have baggage lockers.... check out the website of the airport at:

http://www.aa2000.com.ar

They do have an English version... the baggage storage lockers are on the ground floor, in the public area (ie. near the check in counters). I dont know the details of what sort of space they offer, so I guess this may be an option for you depending on the size of the bags that you are thinking of leaving behind.

Cheers
Alejandro (Gaucho100K)

It will be my first time visiting South America and Buenos Aires will be my only stop in that continent (as my RTW tickets only allow total 6 stops). I will be there for a week t0 wander around and visit an old friend who lives 3-4 hrs from Buenos Aires. But due to lack of thinking about the weather, after the tickets were issued, I then realized I will be there in the cold cold WINTER (mid July 2006). I don't like snow much, just dry and cold is ok....wet and cold can be miserable. And this will be the only stop out of the 6 that is COLD... :(

However, I am very excited about it and will not change my plan. Any advices on what to do during that month besides skiing (I don't ski)?

I've always managed to have jolly-good time in Buenos Aires even in July. It's not nearly as cold as NY or Paris in winter and the restaurants and indoor tourist options are as good if not the best ever, with galleries, museums and more rich in their offerings then than in the summer "peak vacation" period there. I'll take July there over January there any and everytime.

One great thing about the Park Tower's transportation is that the drivers have a decent command of English which might be beneficial if your command of Spanish is not strong (or if you are too tired from an overnight flight to function!)

When I was down in September, the driver also gave us a mini-driving tour of the city on our way to the hotel, pointing out landmarks and sharing local history along the way - this alone was worth the price of the car service.

Of course, YMMV.

A couple of questions:

1) I arrive EZE at 11:40 and depart from AEP to COR at 18:50, so I have about 4-5 hours in BA to kill. I would love to ditch my bags at AEP and go out and see something. Any recommendations for such a short time?

2) What is the transit time between AEP and EZE? On the return from COR I am officially on an "illegal connection" due to lack of time. (Depart COR 18:20 to Arrive AEP at 19:30 on LAN and need to connect to a 22:05 UA flight.) How long will it take me to collect my bags at AEP and get over to EZE?

The Hilton drivers have generally been able to speak English too and with or without being asked generally do much the same.

In any event, I'd rather not be given a driving commentary when coming off a flight somewhat tired or anti-conversational.

I know the Hilton uses a separate vendor for their car service and that the Park Tower used to too. Does the Park Tower still rely upon an outside vendor for its car service and if so, does anyone here recall the name of the firm? Thanks.

1. You can check out Recoleta easily enough and parts of Puerto Madero or Retiro/Centro within that time. (I'd save Palermo for a nicer, more leisurely day.)

2. The transit time between AEP and EZE is 1 hour by car. But I'd always budget in 3 to 4 hours for transfers because of various wait times. And at EZE the tax-paying line or the emigration line can be rather long. That said, if your flights are on time and can do business class check-in, you should be able to make your connection.

Thanks!

What is the fastest and most reliable way to get from AEP to EZE? Taxi? Or is there some kind Airport Bus/Limo service?

tango fesival
 

Jim We travel to Bs.As. two three times a year mostly for tango. There is a "festival late feb it is listed on this web sitem( http://www.tangoslo.net/festivals.html ) which lists festivals all over world" I have to admit that I am not at all familiar with this festival, The World tango fest in Oct and CITA in March I know about . They are all different. In any event if you are interested in tango there is so much to do in buenos aires that festivals are not important. infact that tend to draw in tourists and the dance level is not the greatest. you can pick up a magazine " Tanguata" or BA tango which has daily listings of Milongas(dances) and teachers. depending on where you are staying in city there are many places where these are available We probably will be there for two to three weeks in Feb but not attending that festival... I dont know what experience you have with tango but remember that it is not International or American tango that you normally see on dance shows.

There are various options, but if your time is tight, then I suggest you arrange for a car service or Taxi.

I'd second that suggestion.

It can be quicker to head straight for the taxis/taxi lines at the airport than to search around for a driver -- especially if you don't know the driver to be reliable or will otherwise have trouble quickly recognizing the driver.

hello.

1 month to go before we arrive on our first trip to BA ^

Can anyone recommend a good restaurant for Valentines night?

Also I'm still torn between the Hilton BA ( Puerto madero) and the Bel Air Hotel (Retiro)

I can't decide if the Hilton is a bit removed from the city

Also with regards to the fake currency out there, would it make any scense
to buy currency here in the US and take it with?

Thanks for any replies

The Hilton is in the Puerto Madero section of the city, and it's nearly always where I stay if not at a private residence. I like the Hilton Buenos Aires quite a bit and it's a good place to stay and be based out of for a variety of reasons especially on a first trip.

I second GUW's recommendation of the Hilton for a first time visitor to BsAs.

For dining recommendations there are some very nice restaurants within easy walking distance of the Hilton, and you can have a romantic stroll around the diques after dinner. Depends on what kind of food your're looking for.

The Hilton will also have a Valentine's day menu. A few years ago I remember they had live opera singers in the restaurant (I was seated at the bar chatting to my bartender buddies, and drinking the leftovers from the blenders as they mixed drinks :p

John