mehtaal

My husband and I are going to Argentina for 7 days. We would like to do BA for 3-4days, Colonia (day trip) and one other area for 2-3 days. We were thinking of either Iguazu, Bariloche or El Calafate (which may be too far for just 2-3 days). We're open to other regions as well. If you had to choose 1 more place anywhere in Argentina, where would it be? All suggestions are welcome!

evelyntrav

In my opinion, I would forget the Colonia trip. If you have been to small towns with cobblestone streets in Europe, this town is not much different. I enjoyed it, however, it is an all-day, expensive trip to see one small historical area. We spend 7 days in BA alone and thought is was great so we had time for this excursion, but given your limited time I would skip it.

My favorite area in Argentina was El Calafate, but you have time considering the travel time. Bariloche is also too far and needs to be done at a slow pace. On the other hand, you could do a two night/two day stay at Iguazu and see a good deal and not feel too rushed. It is near to BA and the park is not far from the airport. Take a morning fligh, and in the afternoon of the first day, you could do the Lower Circuit. When you arrive, sign up for the first trip for the Grand Adventure boat road for Day 2. Do that trip, Isla San Martin and the lower circut all on Day 2. You can do Gargantua del Diable that afternoon, or the next morning. There is nothing like Iguazu Falls anyplace else in the world. It is different from Victoria Falls, Plitivice, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Niagara. I've seen those and still loved Iguazu. I did a report on my experience at Iguazu which might be helpful.

In summary, I would skip Colonia and give two days to Iguazu.

mehtaal

Thank you very much- that is very helpful. Can you recommend good hotels and areas to stay in BA? Did you go through a tourguide or did you see the city on your own?
Thanks!

evelyntrav

We had a city tour on our first afternoon, but it is really unnecessary. Lonely Planet has a really good guide book on just Buenos Ares. We stayed at the Argenta Tower and would recomment it because of its convenient location and helpful staff. The room was just perfect for us and even had a kitchenette. I think this is what we did each day, but it really does depend on you personal interests. 1. Recoleta Cemetery and Fair, Fine Art Museum, Piazzolla Tango Show
2. San Telmo Fair and area, Puerto Madero and river walk
3. Florida Street, Gallery Pacifico, Japanese Garden, MALBA ( Mus. Of Latin American Arts) , Teatro Colon tour, Evita Museumn
4.Colonia
5. Caminito Street in La Boca, Zoo, Decorative Arts Museum, Cafe Tortoni, Plaza de Mayo, Fernandes Blanco Museum

BA has a really nice zoo and we had a beautiful couple of hours here. I think Cafe Tortoni was a waste and the food was dreadful. The Blanco museum (beautiful colonial silverwork) and Florida street are right near the Argenta Tower hotel.

We took taxis and did not use public transporation as we wanted to make the most of our time.

mehtaal

Thank you for your recommendations for BA. I just read your report on Iguazu falls- very interesting and informative. Sounds like there is enough to do for the 2-3 days we are there. Is going to the Brazil side risky? Do we need to show them anything else besides our passports?

evelyntrav

The taxi driver will handle everything for you at passport control while you sit in the air-conditioned car. Your passport isn't even stamped. All you need is your passport. If you stay at the Sheraton, the taxi desk is in the lobby with a helpful dispatcher and the taxi station is downstairs where the shops are. The trip to Brazil isn't mentioned in any of the Sheraton's literature. If I hadn't been following the advice on this forum, I would never have known about it. Ask for a English-speaking driver, unless you speak Spanish. It isn't necessary, but it helps and most know some English. It takes about 45 minutes from the Sheraton to the Brazil side so you don't have a lot of time. Personally, although I did like the view from the Brazil side, I don't think it is worth the time and money unless you combine the excursion with the bird park and/or the village. For example, in my final photo album which includes eleven photos of the falls, only one is from Brazil.

There is absolutely no danger in this part of Brazil. The falls and the birdpark are right across the street in an out-of-the way area.

alice13

Iguazu would definitely be my choice for one other place apart from BA in a week. But you don't need to take a taxi to get to the Brazilian side - there's a bus too if you are into that.