Spunkie

My husband and I are heading to SA in September for 12 days. We have been researching itineraries and would like to see the traditional 3 - Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and Rio. There seems to be a wide difference in the price for internal flights. 3 agents we have contacted appear to have similar itineraries with a wide range of pricing for a great deal of "free time." When we traveled in Peru we used a local agent but are having a challenge finding a trusted person in Argentina or Brazil. I have heard from 2 friends that the person who guided them on a side trip tried to charge them more money when they were dropped off at their hotels. Does anyone have a recommendation for someone you have used that can assist us with a trip? My husband has mobility issues with his ankles so he will not be able to wander the towns for long or enjoy hiking at the falls. But he is always good sipping a beer while I head out and take pictures to share with him. We may need to arrange private touring at the falls so he can still take in the beauty of the area. Thank you for your thoughts.

thursdaysd

Why are you using an agent for the internal flights? I booked directly with the airlines.

I can't help with guides, as I very rarely use them, but it will be easy enough to arrange transport at Iguazu through your hotel.

Spunkie

Thanks thursdaysd. as a matter of fact my husband was just looking at LAN and deciding to book this part as you recommended. The reason for using an agent was that we felt it would be safer and that we would have a contact person to help plan for transfers and transportation. Otherwise how do we make advanced arrangements to tour around? We will be in need of a private driver or small group to see the sights as my husband has trouble walking a lot. Do you just use the services at your hotels to help out with arrangements?

thursdaysd

I mostly go solo and use public transport, but I don't have mobility issues. You might find my TR helpful, click on my name for the Fodor's version, or start here: http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/...-taste-of-rio/

I did take a few tours in Rio and BsAs, in both places I booked through my hotel after I arrived. For Iguazu I just took a bus to the park (both sides) and used the in-park transport. I don't know whether you can be driven within the parks, other than to/from the one hotel on each side, you really need to be able to walk. You could contact the in-park hotels (Sheraton and Hotel das Cataratas) and ask them what might be possible.

crellston

We spent a few days at the falls both on the Argentine and Brazilian side and like Thursdaysd used public transport. The Hostal Marco Polo, where we stayed in Puerto Iguazu. Had many tours available and seemed quite reasonable in terms of cost so it will be easy to book something on arrival. For someone with mobility problems, the Brazilian side was the better organised and I would say easier to get around. We did see some people in wheelchairs but whether they could get all the way around I am not sure.

There is a train on the argentine side which has stops at several points around the falls.

As a general rule, the most expensive ways to book a tour are from your own country, followed by booking with a local company from abroad and then locally on arrival. Hotels will do this for you but IME charge for the service, sometimes extortionately in the case of 5* places ( usually for much the same service),

Avrooster sometimes recommends an agent in BA but I cannot recall the name maybe if you search using his name?

Spunkie

Great suggestions from each of you. Thanks! My husband did book hotels in BA, the Falls and Rio. Also book internal flights. We can get transfers from the airports to each. Rather expensive but seems the safest way to arrive. My husband can walk but not for extensive amount of time so from your description he should be OK and we will take the transport you both recommended. Sounds like it will be best to book any additional tours/day trips from the hotels. Do they all add fees? Is there a better way to make arrangements once in the area? Did either of you go on a gaucho day trip in BA? Thought this would be a way to see the countryside and ride a bit - no walking for my husband.. And how about a boat or train ride to the Tigre? As far as Rio, I am clueless other than seeing the statue. Sounds like there are bus tours in each city. Any thoughts? Again you are great to help me out. I feel like we are definitely making progress.

thursdaysd

In Rio I did a day tour to Petropolis, also booked through my hotel (see my blog linked above). The tour brochures were at the front desk, and they didn't add any fees. However, my hotel was definitely down-market, actually more of an apartment building, have no idea what a four or five star would do.

Spunkie

Definitely of interest. May I assume that this was a bus trip? I see that it is 68km from Rio. How long was the drive? Highlights?

avrooster

I just saw top South America DE Crellston mentioned my name a few posts above.

The local independent Argentine travel agent I usually recommend is called Isabel.

Anyone who is interested can type her name in TA's search feature in http://tinyurl.com/nw9f4 and draw his/her own conclusions.

Have a great time in my country (Argentina).

thursdaysd

Re: Petropolis. See: http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/...me-around-rio/ - second half.

The problem wasn't the time it took to get to Petropolis, it was the time it took to collect the other tourists (it was a minivan). If I were doing it again I'd take the public bus from Retiro.