Hi everybody,

Hoping to get your help for a trip to Buenos Aires that my husband and I are taking from May 27 2007 to June 10. We would like to spend about 5 nights in Buenos Aires, if that is enough, and then figure out where else to go. Our options are the Falls, Uruguay, Patagonia, Chile. Please help with flight and hotel information also!!

Thanks so much in advance!

I would take the Water Falls, take the NW, SAlta and jujuy, at least 4 days. And your Vacations will be perfect! You will never regret about this option, Believe me. Skatedancer maybe could help you to decide. Hear to people who had toured in Argentina before.
Warm regards.
Flintstones

I thought a few days in Buenos Aires was enough. Not really that much in Uruguay or Chile either. Peru is the big destination in South America with enough to keep you busy for 2 weeks. Have you already done it?

it will be a little cold for Patagonia as the seasons are reversed. I agree with Salta and also the wine region of Mendoza. BA is a great town and 5 days is just skimming the surface a, but you will get an overview. Not big on Chile, but a quick excursion to Uruguay by ferry to colonia is a nice day trip and the Falls are spectacular.

I insist with the NW, Salta and Jujuy, Purmamarca is really beautiful, and the SAlt Flats, and the wine country, Cafayate! You will never regret, and the weather is perfect in May!!!!!!
Flitstones

Skatedancer is here to concur! I just returned on Sunday, and posted a trip report here on the "Amazing NW Argentina." My favorite parts were Purmamarca, Cachi and the resort Colome. The road to Cachi and Colome is amazing, but you definitely need a guide to take you!! "Flinstones" (aka Angie) is a guide, always well loved by the Fodorites who travel with her, and I also recommend the guide we used.

I cut back on a day in Buenos Aires to add time to my NW itinerary and have no regrets!

I posted my report under the general Latin America forum, and not specifically in the Argentina section, so I hope you can find it there.

Would agree with Flintstone that the NW is worth at least 4 days or more if possible. If you like big cities, nightlife, etc., then this beautiful, scenic, peaceful area is not for you. The colorful mountainns, unique formations, native people, animals, cactus, vineyards, clay homes, local markets, wonderful local wines, fruit and nut trees, clear night sky, and just relaxed atmosphere make this area hard to describe even after experiencing it! I am jealous of flintsotnes that he gets to live there! Can highly recommend the TA out of Salta we used if interested.

Thanks so much for everybody's advice! I will take a look at Skatedancers post and read some more. Does anybody recommend a travel agency to book fights within? Also any hotel recommendations at the Falls?

The Sheraton at the Falls is more expensive than others in the area, but it is located in the national park so saves time and transportation costs to get into and out of the park. It also allows time to enjoy the walkways before the tour groups arrive from town. There is a price difference for "falls" or "forrest" side views, but unless you plan to spend daytime in your room or on the balcony, the forrest side is fine. Can recommend Silvia Moore as a BsAs TA at: www.argentina2rs4u.com.ar. or Argentina Tours 4U at 54 11 4737-1034 She is bilingual, met us at the BsAs hotel (after arranging trasportation from airport to hotel) with tickets, vouchers, and emailed boarding passes for internal flights to various hotels. Being able to use web check in at the domestic airport in BsAs avoided LONG lines. Also have local TA in Salta if you are interested.

Thank you, Skatedancer. I was really pleased to meet you. Salta is a nice city, safe, quiet and ... no words...
I just love it! Than you for YOUR objective opinions, LOL! I can exagerates sometimes... so, thank you again for helping with the promotion of the NW of Argentina. I also love Purmamarca, Skatedancer.No words. Tell people no words. They should come and experience.IMO.
Much love.
Flintstones

Hi Flinstones! It was great to meet you, too! I hope "Alana" posts a report as well on her return. There are a few of us out here who are now charter members of the "Flinstones is right about the NW of Argentina" club!

all the best to you!

Would highly agree with Flintstones that the NW (Salta and JuJuy areas)offers an incredible experience that is very different from BsAs. Spent 5 days in early Sept. touring out of Salta to Cafayate to Ruinas de Quilmes to Tilcara to Purmamarca (Mananial Del Dilencio a must) to JuJuy. The experience is hard to describe, but it was wonderful! It is better than the Grand Cayon and Sedona combined as far as formations and colors are concerned. The people, villages, and local markets were so welcoming but not in a typically tourist destination way. We saw no US tourists while there. Will definitely go back again for a longer stay! The Torrentes wine in Cayafate was exceptional(and cheap) and so far I sadly have not been able to find it in US.

Dear CollegeMom; I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay in the NW of Argentina! I am sure you will come back hope not before I get stat with the cooking classes. I will be pleased to invite you to eat some home-made empanadas... And torrontes can be found in California, some Domingo Hermanos or Domingo Molina`s wines. I will get the web-sites from the importers in the States, of course do not expect the prices you had in the wineries. Get in contact.
Warm regards.
Flintstones-Giena(T.A.)