Argentina Report
 

Happy New Year everyone!

I wanted to share my Argentina experience with all of you. My friend and I returned from a 17-day trip on December 27 and we simply fell in love with Argentina. I hope that my report will encourage you to visit this beautiful country.

1) We spent 3 days/2 nights in Iguazu (a must...the Falls are really something else). We stayed at the Cataratas Hotel and we thought it was a great hotel (nice pool, great service, good rooms and great bathrooms!).
2) Most of our trip was spent in B.A. Amazing city. We discovered the city by "barrios": Recoleta, San Telmo, Palermo Viejo, Puerto Madero, etc. Our favorites barrios were San Telmo (loved the market on Sunday) and Palermo Viejo. We visited the Museum of Fine Arts; the Colon Theatre (take the tour, it's worth it...): we even decided to buy tickets to the Giselle Ballet, it was amazing; the Japanese Garden; the Botanical Garden; went to a Tango Show to Senor Tango in San Telmo (glad we went but definitely touristy...); Playa Mayo (got the see the grandmothers on the Thursday at 4 o'clock walking around for their loved ones still missing...very moving); Cafe Tortoni (a must...); lots and lots of walking around everywhere that enabled us to discover the beauty of B.A. Some drawbacks though: lots of noise (hard to sleep at night...) and pollution! The taxi drivers are crazy...but aside from that, we loved every minute of it. We decided to rent an appartment as opposed to staying in a hotel. It was located in Recoleta, location was perfect and the appartment quite nice.
3) We spent one day in Tigre and Olivos, quite nice.

I know I'm forgetting a lot of things but I simply want to express how happily surprised I was with this country. Lots of history and passion there. I will definitely go back to visit other parts.

A Canadian who fell in love with Argentina!

Great report rozelle!

Try to give us some more details when you have time!

Thank you.

Dear Rozelle:

Great report. We were in BA eight years ago and skipped Iguazu. We have regretted it. Your report gives me a reason to go back!!

MY

Rozelle,

What was the "perfect location" of your apartment in Recoleta? Which company did you rent from? Any highlights of Palermo Viejo?

Thanks!

I leave Thursday, Jan 12th, 2006 for BsAs. I've rented a full scale 1 bedroom apart,16th floor, rooftop pool and maid 3 times a week for U$S600.00 for one full month in the "best" area as well, 2300 block of Ave Santa Fe in Recoleta. You may email me if you wish @ [email protected].
I would like to know if I need my cell phone there? I'm also taking my laptop?

florist: Av. Sta. Fe is NOT considered Recoleta. It would be "Barrio Norte".

Cell phone is a matter of taste. I would use the "locutorios" mentioned in many threads and forums.

Does your flat have a broadband Internet connection? If not, it may not make much sense to take your laptop.

Locutorios, which are used both for internet and for phone calls are the cheapest ever.....and there many many locutorios all over. It is a fantastic service available to all in Buenos Aires.

Let me try to answer some of the questions...

1) avrooster: you're asking for more details, can you be more specific? What kind of info are you looking for?
2) matisse: our appartment was on Uriburu, between Juncal and French, about 5 blocks from Santa Fe. We rented through Mayra Brill (I got her name on this site a few months ago...she is fantastic!). I don't have her e-mail handy but if you want it, let me know and I will find it for you. No specific highlights on Palermo Viejo, just walk around...believe me, you'll see some pretty nice sights.
a1florist: I agree with the locutarios answer, they are everywhere in the city...Much easier than a cell phone, I think.

Rozelle: I have lived in BA my whole life, so I don't need any more details for myself. Please just elaborate on whatever you feel a tourist could be interested in.

Dear all,

We have booked our honeymoon in Argentina. Feb 5-10 will be in Buenos Aires. Can someone explain what exactly this locutorio is? We are intentionally making ourselves unavailable by phone, but might want to check email.

Also, I'd love to get everyone's opinion on what is the FIRST thing we should do upon arrival on Sunday Feb. 5 (assuming we are awake after 16 hours of air travel). We're action-oriented travelers that find the most value in getting to know the local flavor of wherever we are.

A locutorio is place where you can use a phone at a reasonable cost (as opposed to hotels) and a computer to check your mail.

I wish to stress the point that there many, many locutorios all over Buenos Aires. Also rates are
the lowest I have ever seen.