I have a few questions re Argentina travel.<BR><BR>Has anyone used either HotelsArgentina.com or Hotels-Argentina.net? If so, I'd like to know the reliability and security of those sites, as they offer better prices and selection than the major US players (e.g., Orbitz, Expedia, etc.).<BR><BR>Also, has anyone taken the Chilean Lake Crossing from Barioloche, which is referenced in Fodors? If so, I'd appreciate any feedback re which tour operator to use, what the cost is (whether it's worth it), and how long the trip is. Also, if it is more than a one-day trip, are the hotels in Barioloche generally willing to store your luggage during the lake crossing if you stay at the hotel both prior to and subsequent to the lake crossing trip?<BR><BR>Thanks in advance.

Jackson,<BR>It's very easy to go from Chile to Argentina (and viceversa) thru the Cardenal Samore pass. This pass is located between Villa La Angostura in Argentina (gorgeous town), and Puerto Montt in Chile. You can drive easily there. There is only one short stop at customs, where you must provide a valid passport. You may do it on your own, without a travel agent, if you rent a car. Feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]

Why don´t you check Cintia´s posts? She recommended several hotels and gave pithy info about accommodation in BA.

I am a first time user of fodors and what a GEM i found. I inquired about accomadation in BA and mentioned that i was looking for an old school friend from Argentina, who went to school in Australia 10 years ago!!!! i then recieved a reply from a lovely lady who goes by the name Cintia and works for WOW Argentina. She emailed me and asked for details about my friend and went out of her way to track him down out of her own time and expense. Four days later i was speaking to my old friend and organised what will be a holiday to remember. Thank You Cintia you have made my up coming South American trip so much more exciting

I take my hat to Cintia. Great job.<BR>There are many nice people in Argentina and Uruguay that go out of their way to be of help to visitors.<BR>I have recently returned and this was my general feeling.

Thank you Graziella for your nice words. I like to help people and this goes beyond my business. I am very happy I could help Santiago and Craig to meet after such a long time and people´s happiness is my best reward. <BR>Fortunately, there are many people in Latin America who are willing to make tourists feel comfortable and make things as hassle free as possible for them. At the same time, it´s a pity that there are unscrupulous people who are desperate for making money and they cheat tourists by overcharging them or by providing services in which they have no expertise at all. I am happy you found good people on your trips. Take care.