staceytann

Thanks to all the helpful suggestions and posts on this web site, I have previously visited Argentina (two trips) and have seen Mendoza, BA, and Salta - all wonderful stops which I really enjoyed!

Any suggestions of places to go that are really fantastic? I love to eat, see the scenery and experience the people and culture. My travelling partner is a fluent Spanish speaker. I tend to enjoy less touristy destinations. We will be travelling for 2 weeks this coming December.

Thanks for any suggestions!

avrooster

I suggest visiting our South, at that time of the year, ideally before Christmas, when the locals start their holidays.

Have a great time in our country.

MarnieWDC

Although a definite 'tourist' destination, do not underestimate the gloriousness of Iguazzu Falls, Misiones etc. And you could then add some time in Brazil if you wanted to or further exploration of the Northeast.

And the South, as avRooster says, should provide ample scenery, culture and off-the-beaten-path excursions.

~MarnieWDC

staceytann

Thanks for your replies.

Can you recommend a specific destination in the South? Do you recommend the beaches down there (or are the beaches better in Uraguay?), or do you recommend a specific region/town in the interior?

flintstones

Maybe you should repeat NW. I am sure you did not see everything!
Flintstones

owlwoman

I would recommend El Calafate/El Chaltan and definitely Bariloche. Not beach destinations, glaciers and lakes instead, but the scenery is incredible. We also enjoyed Ushuaia for a couple of days, again, fabulous scenery.

Sorry, can't help you with the beaches.

kodi

Stacy, I recently returned from spending time in the Lake district of Patagonia, Bariloche area in the Andes. ( Trip report is coming, I promise).

While Bariloche if very touristy, I stayed just outside Villa La Angostura and loved it. It's a beautiful area. I rented a car and did day trips to even less touristy, but fabulous areas of the mountains.

I stayed at a wonderful B&B, Marianne's, and not only was it a great B&B, but Marianne was wondeful at suggesting itineraries each day.
One day I drove up to St Martin de la Andes, and enjoyed really fantastic scenery.

Marianne's is actually just south of Villa La Angosture in Puerto Manzano.

A car is necessary and I hightly recommend the area.

milla

Villa la Angostura is maybe the favourite place for the Argentinians in all the district area. Not far from Bariloche and quite near the Arg-Chilean crossing. VLA is a really a nice stop to make a base to explore the area, places that are for many people, unknown. Mariana is a wonderful host, honest and friendly who enjoys helping her guests. Good choice
milla

owlwoman

Yes, we also stayed in VLA last year and really enjoyed the area. Very nice town and beautiful scenery, lots to do there. Kodi, how did you like the trip to St. Martin? We were fortunate to have a beautiful day, but it was still quite an adventure. (Or, did they finish paving the road?

clove7524

Read my trip report and perhaps you can see why we chose a few other places to visit . If I had more time on my trip I would have gone to Bariloche and Ushuaia (the most Southern inhabited city) . Have a great trip!

kodi

Owlwoman, The road is still not paved. You are right, it was quite an adventure.. such beautiful scenery. but the road kept me on my toes! I wish I'd had more time in St. Martin. It was a great town. I kind of rushed because I was concerned about getting back before dark. And I was afraid I'd get a flat tire. I loved all the pull offs they have built to really enjoy the beautiful scenery.

99JanF

Recoleta is ladies-that-lunch central. If Botox and boob jobs are what you're into, then try the strip opposite the neighbourhood's iconic cemetery. But if too many pet poodles put you off your pastries, then hop along to Florencio.

flintstones

What about NW. HAve you ever been to SALTA or Jujuy???
Tou should consider the possibility of incuding the wine country and the Humhuaca Gorge and the Salt Flats.
See some of the pics from the area, http://cometosalta.spaces.live.com/
Flintstones

owlwoman

Kodi, We did the same, just had lunch in St. Martin and headed back for similar reasons....We can always return

kodi

Ahhh, Owlwoman, that would be so great to go back. I really wanted to go down the road to Villa Trafulo, off the gravel road to the right. I started down it , and turned back. It was raining, and the road wasn't very good.

Such beautiful scenery.
Did you stop to have the fried toast at the campground , halfway up the gravel road? If you hadn't been told about it, you probably missed it. That alone is worth the trip back!

Opps. sorry Stacy. If you go there, I will give you directions.

owlwoman

No, we stopped at a big farm/estancia (that our hotel had told us about), I forgot the name, for the worst cup of coffee we've ever had (basically boiled water w/grounds).

The scenery was nice though, a pretty lake and lots of animals running around. In retrospect, it might have been the place w/the fried toast, there are not that many places to stop between VLA and SM.

kodi

Darn it all owl, I think you were at the right place. There was a shed out back where they were selling the fried toast. I bought it, and went for a walk by the lake. Did you see the ducks there with the ruffled feathers? Then decided that I deserved another piece of the fried toast. It was so good. There was a bus tour there and I had to line up for the toast. It's too bad that you were right there and didn't go out back. Next time.

owlwoman

That's where we got the coffee, from the shed out back, from a little old lady who spoke no English. We weren't hungry, had a big breakfast at the hotel, where I think they did tell me about the toast....Oh well, yes, next time.

Yes, we saw the ducks and there was a little tour van there too when we stopped. We have some great pics from there.

kodi

owlwoman , you will just have to go back.
I have some cute pictures of the ducks, and of the little old lady serving up the toast.