LovesToGarden

I will be flying BA to Salta to Iguazu to BA in July. It looks like it will have to be on Aerolineas. I'm reading a range of horror stories about cancelled flights/no record of the ticket as well as satisfied do-it-yourselfers.
I know I can book the flights myself from the US, now. But is it worth getting someone in Argentina to do it and monitor the flights for me? Does anyone know of an agent that would do this (for I fee, I would expect, of course). Or have things improved with the airlines?

avrooster

Check out Isabel, a local independent agent, by typing her name in Trip Advisor's search feature http://tinyurl.com/nw9f4 and draw your own conclusions.

Have a great time in our country.

avrooster

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...cash-pesos.cfm

You may find the above thread interesting.

Have a great time in our country.

LovesToGarden

Thank you - very interesting about the currency. I am familiar with the excellent exchange rate via Xoom, since my daughter has been using it in Buenos Aires, and I see an office is available in Salta. I thought we would use this technique for hotel rooms and possibly car rental, but can't see how to make it work with purchasing airline tickets in advance.

Any particular advice about a reliable car rental agency in Salta? I know to make sure it includes driving on gravel roads.

thursdaysd

I booked my Aerolineas Argentinas tickets on their website. Once I figured out how to pay for them (payment was separate from booking) I had no problems.

My flight from Iguazu to BsAs was an hour late, my flight from BsAs to Montevideo left on time. I met a couple in Montevideo whose Iguazu to BsAs flight was also late. (I had left plenty of time between the flights, but they had to wait for their luggage to catch up with them.)

avrooster

Since your daughter is studying here, that suggests you will be doing this trip during our winter holidays.

Therefore, reserve your flights as soon as possible, as you should for any popular holiday period anywhere. I would try to avoid Aerolíneas, but that may not always be possible.

I'll ask Flintstones, better known as Angie, for her advice about car rentals in Salta. I would be VERY careful with those.

I also suggest you research Angie, a top independent Salta guide, by typing her name in TA's search feature http://tinyurl.com/nw9f4 and draw your own conclusions.

Have a great time in our country with your DH and DD.

avrooster

Recent "bright idea":

About your: "but can't see how to make it work with purchasing airline tickets in advance."

Send money to your DD via XOOM and have her buy the plane tickets in pesos here!

Have a great time in our country.

jhubbel

I'd like to back up avrooster on his suggestion about angie. While getting your own car seems like a great idea- I started out with that in mind for that same area and instead went with Angie as a guide for four days and never regretted the decision. The only sadness I had was that I didn't have another four days with her.

flintstones

Hi, everybody;
Renting a car has pros and cons...
Pros; cheaper, unless you break a tyre or a mirror... it that case might turn into the worst bussiness ever!
Some independence... that turns into lonelyness when you hesitate what way to take...
Cons... Reading the maps takes time, valuable time when you are in vacation. While driving it is not possible to see everything and admire the scenery...
A private tour takes you wherever, stopping at the best view points.
Anyway, If I cna help you with some advice, itinerary,etc, pls let me know.
And... regarding the original question about flights, Aerolineas Argentinas are not as they used to be years ago, Now the flights arrive earlier than any other airline!!!
Warm regards,
Angie/Flintstones...

avrooster

Angie/Flintstones:

The OP is asking about "a reliable car rental agency in Salta".

Do you have an answer to that question?

flintstones

Sorry, I would use Localiza, as they have newer cars and they are usually very clear intheir contract. No tricks.
Localiza is at the airport and it also has office in town next to St Francisco Church.
Angie/Flintstones.

avrooster

Thank you for your prompt reply to the OP's question, Angie.