travel04

hello,

3 of us (in our early 30s) are planning a trip to buenos Aires and Patagonia mid Feb. is it safe for us to travel without men?

also while we're trying to arrange a guide for the El calafate mini trekking through Isabel, can anyone help us with info on how to get from BAires to El Calafate?

And any good hostels(and areas) to stay in BA ?

Thanks much!

avrooster

Both here and in the tripadvisor.com Argentina forum, this question has been asked many, many times.

So, I suggest some research, but the answer is a qualified YES, meaning that it IS safe, asumming you take the normal precautions advisable for any large town.

I suggest flying, but you can also take a bus to Calafate. Isabel can reserve your flights.

For hostels in BA, I also suggest some research on trip advisor, using their search feature.

Have a great time in our country.

Scarlett

Yes, it is safe to travel without men. Just use common sense..Women travel to Argentina all the time with other women and alone..
In addition to buying a good Travel Guide, I suggest looking in the section of a book store or online for books for Solo Travelers or Women Traveling..always good to find helpful hints.
There are a few women here who travel Solo..just keep reading the forums .
Keep reading the forums and books, you will get an idea of the areas in town that people like.
I live here, I like Recoleta and Palermo for visitors..some people like to stay in San Telmo ... after you read abut BA and get some ideas about the neighborhoods ( barrios) .. you might get a feeling for one that appeals to you.

Good luck on your research..

georgewoodie

travel04:

My wife and I have only been to Argentina twice.

Both times we found the people friendly,helpful and certainly not threatening.

We were approached on more than one occasion and asked to converse in English. These people were studying the English language and wanted to practice. Nothing more ever came of these encounters. They were always in wide open parklike settings or in front of retail stores on busy avenues.

Once on a day tour, a local man on our same trip asked if we were having a good time or had any problems. At other times we stopped [a well dressed] stranger on the street in Bs. As. to ask directions. As we talked, more people stopped to offer help.

I would say that for the most part, Argentina [Portenios] is a safe place to visit, friendly, caring with lots to see, very good beef and excellent leather products.

Their present difficult financial times is not reflected in the people's rightful pride of their country nor does it seem to alter their pleasant disposition.

Of course there are always specific areas where safety is a serious question. One is the old port, very colourful, a bit more expensive and could be dangerous at night. I suggest visiting there with a guide or small tour. Some major rail stations could be questionable as well but that is not typical of Argentina to my experience, rather it is typical of man, crowds and the criminal element found in all countries. So do not worry but take the "normal" caution and have a great time.

We look forward to our return for a third visit next year.

Woodie

suruby

BA it's safe . Of course you have to stay in safety areas: Recoleta, palermo, Barrio norte , belgrano.
From Ba to calafate: by airplane.
Hotels, b&B of hostels: check on the forums or web sites: there are many of them and different prices!

flintstones

Safe... Let`s see... If you do not risk yourself like going to a "dangerous area", if you do not try to hike by yourself in lonely areas, if you do not practice banji jumping from the Bridges in the entrance/exit of the city... it is safe. You will be able to detect the risky activities. BA is like all big cities you have been before. Take care of yourself. Oh, and you are three... no problem.
Flintstones

travel04

Thank you for the tips folks! I have some questions on isabel's pricing and itinerary. Will post separately.