roosevelt

We are two 60 somethings in good health/shape. While we enjoy some hiking where applicable, we are most interested in seeing the sites. Travel period - Oct/Nov;
Please advise on the itinerary (am I allowing adequate time to see the various locations) and sites in each location, 4-5 star hotels (even ones with club floors), guides, etc.?
1) Intend to fly Miami to Buenos Aires and transfer to domestic airlines for flight to Califate - allow 2 full days;
2) Fly from Califate to Bariloche - not sure how many days to allow here and thoughts on a driver in Bariloche
3) Fly from Bariloche-Mendoza - 3 full days; guides
4) Fly from Mendoza - Buenos Aires - 4 full days that would include a Sunday in San Telmo

thursdaysd

By two full days in El Calafate do you mean three nights? That was my choice and it worked for me (click on my name for my TR). However, I also enjoyed going up to El Chalten from El Calafate (bus both ways). You do need to do some hiking there.

I managed in Bariloche with buses so can't help with a driver. Three nights/two days would also work there, unless you want to tackle the drive to San Martin.

Are you sure you just want to do Argentina? From Bariloche you could do the lake crossing to Chile, fly up to Santiago and then cross the Andes again to Mendoza for some great scenery on both crossings.

GSTOCOVAZ

If you are fond of nature and hiking you have made the right choise.
Most of the excursions in Calafate are full day, so you should stay at least 3/4 nights to have enough time. Perito Moreno Glacier takes one full, and you can do several hikings from Calafate, Glaciers in Calafate, Chalten and even Torres del Paine in Chile.
Bariloche also needs at least 3/4 nights. There are several small towns arround that are worth visiting.
Mendoza´s high spot are the wineries, you could be able to stay in one of them and experience others during the day.
The distances in Argentina are long! It takes more tan 24 hs. by bus from BA to Bariloche. Flying is the best way to combine all the cities. Bear in mind that the flights from Bariloche to Mendoza are not daily.
Hope to be useful...

thursdaysd

I would not do either El Chalten or TdP as day trips. I know some people do, but they are short-changing themselves.

GSTOCOVAZ

Chalten and Torres del Paine are worth visiting, it is always better to spend more time, but if you are short of time and are in good health and fond of hiking and adventure, they are an open possibility to do as full day excursions. Not everyone have the oportunity to return to South America.
There are also 3/4 day small expedition cruises that depart from Ushuaia and you are able to visit Cape Horn and other Glaciers in Chile. They are superb!!

thursdaysd

@GSTOCOVAZ - By the time you actually GET to TdP from El Calafate, especially if it is high season and you have a long wait at the border, there will be little time for any hiking.

But then, I see that you are some kind of small-time travel agency.... Selling tours in Argentina.

GSTOCOVAZ

Dear thursdaysd,
I believe that there is no need of your comment, you know nothing about us. I have visited all my country and I know what I am talking about. I am only giving suggestions to the couple that have posted their interest. I do not need to argue with you, or show my experience and expertise in the matter, that is not the point of this fórum. If they find interesting the information that I have posted, they know where to find us.

thursdaysd

@GSTOCOVAZ - it is always useful to know whether suggestions are being made by people with a professional interest in the information.

GSTOCOVAZ

No need to continue the conversation with you. Too much agression out of nowhere.

roosevelt

Thank you for your responses. I will check out the trip report.