I am surprising my boyfriend for his birthday and taking him away to... can't decide between Belize and Buenos Aires. We are from San Francisco and have a wedding in Miami, so Miami would be our jump off point. We would be traveling in early November, and we would only have 4 days to spend in either place. We both like the outdoors and we both like European cities. Any opinions on the better destination given the time of year and time constraints?

Those sure are two extremes.

Does the four days include travel time? If so, I'd go for Belize, a two-hour flight from Miami, rather than Buenos Aires, about 10 hours one way.

We loved Belize and it's a quick trip from Miami, but don't expect European-type cities. In fact, I can't really think of a country where you're LESS likely to find European-type cities.

Overnight flights from Miami to Buenos Aires minimize the time you will lose due to distance. Buenos Aires is known as the "Paris of South America" because of the European influence. November is a perfect time of year to visit Buenos Aires, where you might expect spring like weather. Bottom line....would you rather scuba dive or go Tango dancing?

No contest: Buenos Aires.
Check all the negative feedback for Belice recently.
I have no idea what has happened there, but...
M (SMdA, Gto.)

Thanks for all the feedback. Even though it is a longer haul to BA, I'm leaning in that direction. We would have a total of 4 full days and 3 nights in BA excluding travel time. What are the musts? And, what is a good, small hotel that is reasonably priced?

Hotel Bobo. Home Hotel. Both in Palermo Soho.

Cocker Hotel in San Telmo

All small, smart and not overly expensive.

BA in four days? You'll have to move it in a city of 13 million. I'm sure there are others, but I inspected the rooms at Ayacucho Palace Hotel. [email protected]. About $50 a night for a double.
It's in Recoleta near the cemetery, the museums, and shopping district Sante Fe. Easy walk to the metro to get to other districts. Cabs are cheap, but use only "radio taxis". Restaurants will gladly call one for you. You can also hail them, but don't get in if they don't say "radio" on the rear door.

BA would be my first choice since you like European cities. BA is like the wonderful cities in Europe with out the high prices. The weather should be great, and if you can sleep on an overnight flight the extra travel time won't matter. You might check the Wilton Hotel since I stayed there in Aug/Sept., and it was safe, clean, comfortable. It is not fancy nor does it have a bar with night life, but after a day walking the city, it was quiet retreat. It is a great location. Must see? Get a good tour book and pick your likes ---museums, tango places, cemeteries, shopping malls, San Telmo, restuarants. Like mentioned before use only RADIO Taxis (very reasonable) and have small peso notes (2,5,10)to use in the taxis. Four days will only give you a brief experience, but it is so wonderful you will want to return for a longer stay!

We really enjoyed Buenos Aires and did it with only a couple of nights. I would try to do something small like the Home Hotel (we are heading there in 2 weeks) or stay in Recoleta area which is close for sightseeing, their weekend market, and dining/bars. You can do a check on www.tripadvisor.com for hotels in this area and personal reviews. San Telmo was very touristy so if you have limited time, avoid that area. Although cabs are inexpensive, we found most of Recoleta to be walkable if you are healthy and fit. Have also done Belize but I think you will find more to do beyond watersports with more charm in BA.

I have been to both locations and loved them, but for totally different reasons. Go to Belize if you want relaxing beaches or active outdoor adventures. Go to BA if you want big city culture, shopping, great food. BA will probably be the more expensive flight, but costs should be cheaper once you arrive (though you can find some great budget places in Belize too). Belize has the advantage of being English-speaking if that matters to you.

Sounds like you're leaning toward BA, so I'd say be sure to go to Recoleta cemetery and eat in Puerto Madero. You might even have time ot take a day trip to Uruguay. Whichever country you pick, you really can't make a bad choice. Have fun and buen viaje!