berendo

We're hoping to do a 2 week first trip to Argentina this Fall, but torn between destinations. We would like to limit our iniitial visit to 2 cities or regions. We assume BsAs should be one, the question is the other. Our primary interests are history and culture although interesting scenery and nature are always welcome too. With these criteria we assume the second option might be Mendoza or Salta over Lakes District, Pantagonia or Iguasu, or maybe some other overlooked alternative. Just to be greedy being able to find a 2 week period with acceptable weather in both locations is also desirable. Our knowledge of Spanish is middling if that matters.
Any advice from posters on this board would be greatly appreciated.
We have other questions about BsAs and guides that we'll be posting separately. Thanks in advance for your help.

avrooster

I would say Buenos Aires and Salta.

If you have enough time and patience, you can read my LONG Salta trip report:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...Argentina.html

Have a great time in our country.

cmcfong

Berendo, AV Rooster is the Argentina expert, but I topped my trip report to Bariloche last November (perfect weather, by the way) for you in case you are considering that part of Patagonia.

avrooster

Well, it depends a little on what you mean by "this Fall".

If you mean mid November to mid-December, the Lakes District would be fine.

You also indicated your "primary interests are history and culture", which is why I suggested Salta over our South.

mikemo

Fly into BsAs and out of Santiago, CL.
Both are outstanding.
Iguazu worth a trip, but Colonia, Uruguay; Bariloche; Puerto Varas; P.Montt way shabby.
M (SMdA, Gto., MX)

flintstones

AVRooster is right... the Argentinian HIstory was written in the NW of Argentina, and the traditions are kept in Salta as treasures... But the sceneries, nature... no words! Salta worths a visit, you will never regret.
Flintstones

skatedancer

We went to Salta region as well, and it is a wonderful place, which has the culture, history and the scenery! It is the region with the indigenous populuation, Inca ruins, museums, folkloric music, small remote villages, great food, local wines, craft sellers.

I will also top my report for you. We went in early November, and that was a fine time to go. Be sure if you go there, that you don't go in the rainy season. it is a very dry climate, but there is one brief period when some roads do get washed out. "Flintstones" will know when that is.

Dick

Hope you dont mind my tacking onto your thread.

We will be in Argentina in Nov for 10 days. We plan on B.A....Iguazu (one night) and cant decide between Bariloche or Salta.

Any suggestions...thanks

Jennyanne

Another query on a second location. We are going to be in Argentina in August. We only have 8 days and thought we might stay in Buenos Aires the whole time w/perhaps day trips. Or will we have time to go elsewhere. We want a feel for the country and one of our group is fluent in Spanish. (I have none.)

berendo

Thanks to all who replied, Salta has definitely piqued our interest. We were wondering, splitting 2 weeks between Salta and BsAs, how many days would you suggest in each assuming we're mainly sightseeing & soaking up local color as opposed to hiking or doing any driving on our own?

skatedancer

A trip to the Salta region involves a lot of driving around, whether you do it yourself or take guided excursions. The city of Salta itself is not the only, or even the main, reason for going there.

there are two circuits, the northern one and the southern one, and you have the time to spend time on both. It sort of depends on which things you want to see.

You can do one-day round trips from Salta and see a limited amount, but if you have that much time, there is no need to do it this way.

The minimium tourist excursions would take you to Purmarmarca and Tilcara in the north, and to Cafayate in the south. Add on the salt flats in the north, and you need at least two days there. To soak up local color in Cafayate, and get to the ruins of Quilmes, you'd need more time, maybe two days there.

If you want to get to Cachi and take that spectacular drive, then that adds a day or two.

Personally, I think you could divide it up a week for each.

and, although you say you don't want to hike, you should definitely take the walk through the hills behind Purmamarca. If you have a guide, they can drive you part of the way, if you cannot walk the whole thing. you can even drive it the whole way, but....

CollegeMom

Would agree that BA and Salta region are excellent destinations. BA has the history, architecture, culture, excitement, and flavor of an international city, and Salta area or the NW region has the quaintness, natural beauty, history, ruins, local markets,wonderful food and wine, and a more relaxed pace. A week in each area would be fine. With your interests of history and culture, IMO you would enjoy more time in the Salta region. It would be spring/early summer in Nov. so the scenery in Salta would be prime. Flinstones is a Salta guide and comes highly recommended on this post.

alan64

Does one fly between BA and Salta? If so, what airlines should I look at?

Sorry if this is a newbie question, but we're well-versed in Europe but know nothing of Argentina (yet!). We had been thinking of BA & Mendoza, but that was just a preliminary idea.

CollegeMom

BA to Salta was Argentina Airlines Once within Salta, the distances are still long, but the views are wonderful. Fall is a good time to be there. Be sure to enjoy torrentes, the local wine, and empandas. The small towns, local markets, and natural beauty as well as amazing history make the area well worth the trip. Depending on your preferences, IMO Salta region is worth 5 or 6 days with the rest of the time in BA. The city offers more international city appeal, nightlife, shopping, museums, people watching, dancing etc. If you like natural beauty and quaint villages extend your stay in Salta. Both destinations offer a wide variety and could easily keep one busy for two weeks in either place. Spanish is not required in BA in most tourist places, hotels or restuarants, but Salta has less English. Had no problems either place with limited Spanish.

mjs

In Salta now and leaving for Colome in a hour. Will chat more after this trip.