I know I'm not suppose to advertise, but a couple of messages have recommended Cintia <[email protected]> as the tour guide for Buenos Aires. Although I ended up cancelling (due to the war), I wanted reiterate how lovely it was to work with Cintia. She is very knowledgeable and her suggestions were great for a 9-day trip. I ended up cancelling two-days before my trip and she was very understanding and did not charge me for all the work she had done.

Dear Jennfn. I just returned from Argentina &amp; Brazil, and just don't understand why anyone would cancel going to South America due to the war. There's just no safer place to go, when the war is so far from there.<BR><BR>We loved it, and felt secure everywhere we went. <BR><BR>We visited Buenos Aires, Iguacu Falls (yes !) and Rio. Everyone in our group said it was one of our best trips, and we go someplace twice a year.<BR><BR>If Cintia made all those plans for you and didn't charge you when you cancelled at the last minute, you've found a treasure !<BR><BR>Rosemary<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Cintia is a treasure!

Hi Rosemary--<BR>I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your trip b/c your itinerary is similiar to the one I'm considering w/one exception, I'd really like to get into the rainforest...<BR><BR>Did you go to Iguassu Falls on a tour or did you see it on your own? Did you buy an airpass to get from place to place?? <BR><BR>What I'm thinking of doing is this: fly to Rio, spend 3-4 days there, then to the rainforest for another 3-4 days and to the falls from there and onto BA. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to have to fly back to Brazil (can go back to Rio or to Sao Paulo) to get home...Is there a better way to do this so I'm not spending so much time flying?? I'd also like to see more of Argentina than just BA--what did you do on your trip?<BR><BR>Debbie<BR><BR>

Debbie, we flew into Buenos Aires, then used LAPA to the Falls and another local carrier to Rio. We were a group, so used a tour operator. You can fly into one country and out of the other. We used United. When leaving Rio you do go to Sao Paulo, then they have a non-stop flight to Chicago from there. United did have non-stop from Rio, but discontinued it. The flights were great. Don't forget to get that visa for Brazil.<BR><BR>In Buenos Aires we took the River cruise and had lunch at an outdoor restaurant on one of the islands, which made a very nice day. We had a welcome dinner at Cabana Las Lilas, which was elaborate. It's in a restored district of warehouses at the river. We visited an Estancion for a gaucho show and BBQ dinner. We also enjoyed a fantastic dinner and Tango show at Esquina de Carlos Gardel. It must be the best in Buenos Aires. Prices were great for us. We ate lunch for as little as $3.<BR>Shopping for leather is really good.<BR><BR>At the Falls the group saw a great show, but I didn't get the name. We took the boat ride up to the bottom of the falls and that was really exciting. Our driver was a cute little hot-rodder who gave us all the thrills we wanted. You can take a nature walk and see all the colorful birds.<BR><BR>Our hotel was the Bourbon, and it was wonderful. There is a more expensive hotel, but this was beautiful, having it's own nature walk of 2 miles behind the hotel. Full 3 course dinner for $10, but you could eat for less if you wanted to.<BR><BR>In Rio we took the train through the Tijuca Forest up to the base of the statue of Christ at Corcovado. Also took a cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain. The rest of the time we shopped ! Prices about the same as in Argentina.<BR><BR>It was a great trip. Don't let the war in Iraq stop you for a minute from taking this great trip.<BR><BR>Rosemary<BR><BR><BR>

Hello Rosemary!<BR>Me, stay home? No way! ;-) This will be my 3rd post 9/11 international trip--and I've flown quite a few times domestically too. I was on a plane 3 wks after 9/11 to visit my family in NY, so no, I don't let this kinds of stuff stop me!<BR><BR>Thanks for the info about your trip. I spoke to a travel agent and she has already organized a great game plan although it's pricier than what I expected. I'm going to see what I can find tonight and will email Cintia too!<BR><BR>Debbie

Debbie - Ooops ! I had you mixed up with Jennfn, who said she had cancelled her trip to South America because of the war, and I was chiding her a bit. We also had a trip planned for 3 weeks after 9-11, and only one couple cancelled. The rest of us just have this attitude, I guess.<BR><BR>If the trip costs more than you were expecting, just look elsewhere. We got a very good deal for our 10 night trip - remember, this is for a group - and I later found the same exact trip for $1,000 more from another company. I'm not joking. In fact, it was only 9 nights.<BR><BR>Actually, with the recommendation on this site for the local tour operator, you could probably do very well that way.<BR><BR>Rosemary<BR><BR>

Jen, thank you so much for your comments. It was a pity you decided to cancel your trip but I understood your reasons perfectly and I just hope I will have the chance to assist you in the future.

I agree with all of you ladies, Cintia is a treasure. She´s not only a tour guide, but she is an honest, knowledgeable young woman who will go out of her way to develop services specific to your likes and interest.<BR>Debbie, I visited BA,Iguacu Falls and Colonia. At the falls I stayed at Sheraton Hotel and took the boat ride excursion for as little as $10. In Colonia, Cintia arranged a full day tour around the city plus lunch. I enjoyed my trip and I´m sure you´ll enjoy yours too.

Hi!<BR>After having gathered a lot of information for a China trip I decided to postpone it because of the SARS outbreakand substitute Argentina and maybe Chile for approximately 2-1/2 weeks.<BR>Your raves about Cintia have prompted me to get in touch with her; however, does anyone know of an Argentina tour where I could be with other people and not go alone? This would be in either September or October.<BR>Looking forward to hearing from some of you travelers.<BR>Judy

duh.. sorry but i cant find a web site for cintia. do they have one or is [email protected] their email address? thanks for the help

Pooky--That's Cintia's email address. Her website is: www.wowargentina.com.ar<BR><BR>I am in the process of planning a trip w/her help. She's been quick to reply to my emails and has already given me some great info. I look forward to meeting her in July!<BR><BR>Debbie

Judy--<BR>Have you ever heard of Geckos or Peregrine Tours? I believe they're sister companies...I've never used them, but noticed that they have some interesting options for South America and Asia.<BR><BR>Debbie

My wife and I have been to Argentina twice this year. Once in January and once in March. It is a spectacular country and we are planning several more trips to see this vast country.

We have used Mayra at Argentinago.com both times to arrange in-country flights, guided tours, tour to Colonia, Uraguay etc and she in FANTASTIC!! Her email is [email protected].

We found her because other Fodorites recommended here on these boards....Thanks!!