BA + 1 other place - which one?
 

My husband and I have about 9-10 nights for a trip to BA. We want to make 2 stops - maybe somewhere in Chile, Uruguay, Iguazu Falls, or Bariloche. I just don't think we have time for more than 2 destinations. I don't want to spend our entire time in BA since we are from Chicago and I would like to get out of the big city and relax on vacation. What side trip would you suggest from BA if we can only take 1?

Thanks!

Please tell us during what time of the year you are coming, bmcc.

Sorry for leaving out that detail! I am hoping I can plan something still for mid-December of this year.

Thanks!

Mid-Dec. is low season in Bariloche and/or Villa La Angostura, the weather is great and the locals haven't arrived yet for their summer holidays.

It is a 2-hour flight (with LAN) and you can rent a car, because, before Christmas, the traffic will be light.

Have a great time in our country, bmcc.

we really enjoyed our 2 nights 2.25 days in iguazu. as eleanor roosevelt said upon seeing the iguazu falls: " poor niagara"

cheers
AndrewDavid

What is there to do with a car rental in Bariloche? Are the roads well paved? Can you swim anywhere here? I am considering a rafting excursion if we go. Are the safety standards up to par for that, and are the rapids pretty rough or calm?

For Iguazu - are there tons of tourists everywhere? Are there things to do on your own outside of guided tours? I had read somewhere about a zip line tour I think.

Thanks in advance. I'm having such a hard time deciding because I want to see it all.

Some of your questions are a little beyond me, bmcc.

The roads in Bariloche are decent, that I know.

You COULD swim, but it could be EXTREMELY cold.

Rafting is definitely a popular option.

About the safety and the rapids, I don't know, but if you ask here: http://tinyurl.com/nw9f4
there is an American poster who lives in Bariloche and will answer all your questions.

Yes, Iguazú is quite touristy and very warm, at that time of the year. I believe there is a zipline tour.

Hola, I think I am the resident Bariloche person, as AVrooster suggests.

For things to do in Bariloche, check out http://barilochevacationrental.com/activities.php

The rafting is class 2, 3 or 4.

The lower elevation lakes are warm enough to swim in December, the bigger ones, not until February or so.

The roads are paved, except a few off the beaten path destinations.

Feel free to PM for more info. Suerte!

Wow. I clicked on that link and I think I am totally sold on Bariloche! So many fun things to do outdoors. I may contact you with some more detailed questions later. Thanks so much for all the help. This is great.

OK BMCC, operators are standing by.

Why not SALTA? Iguazu could be extremely humid... Bariloche extremely cold, BA...extremely crowded, Salta will be perfect. It is not extremely dry, not extremely hot, not extremely empty. Great wines, lots of empanadas, nice people, good weather garanteed... I garantee... beautiful town...
Flintstones.

I wouldn't give up on checking out Punta Del Este Uruguay either bmcc. If you're looking to relax on a world class beach that's been labeled "the beach where South America's rich and famous vacation" then this is worth a look into as well. I've only got one day there and I am completely looking forward to that one day.

In Chile, I would fly from Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama in the north for a few nights- a small pueblo in the high desert with snow capped mountains, lakes and wild lamas, vicunas and other interesting species.
From Buenos Aires I would fly to Iguazu Falls for one night- it is unbelievably spectacular and not commercialized.

There are many options in Argentina, all of them lovely places. Something unique is El Calafate, where Perito Moreno Glacier is. It is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that are not
retreating. Additional advantage is that you could fly Buenos Aires-Calafate-Bariloche-Buenos Aires and visit both places. Enjoy your visit.

Nothing like the NW, nothing! You will never see such a variety of sceneries,... nowords to describe it!
Amazing lanscapes, and wonderful people, delicious food, great wines!
Flintstones.