Very interested in your input re our upcoming trip to Argentina. Traveling with 2 kids ages 10 and 7 to BA, Punta del Este, Iguazu and possibly Ushuaia, Bariloche, Calafate arriving BA Dec 11 and departing Dec 30. Need to confirm if identified destinations make sense for kids and the number of days at each location. We're older parents so we lose energy before the kids. Beach at Punta is our target before returning home. Thanks in advance.

An initial observation would be: too many places. I would suggest, particularly considering you call yourselves "older parents", you do BA and two or at most three other places. If not, you will spend too much of your time travelling.

The most I would do is BA - Bariloche -Calafate - Punta del Este and you are probably going to need a good local travel agent to help coordinate the local flights. I would say the best places for the kids are Bariloche and Punta del Este, which are highly popular local holiday destinations.

I agree w / Avrooster in terms of too many choices.
With the experience of taking my kids w/almost same ages to Iguazú falls.. definitly dónt miss it.
The issue is that december in Iguazú is very, very hot and humid ( 30 C. and up),activities should be organized in the early morning and at noon.
Most Hotels have a nice pool, and good air condition. I always prefer the Sheraton ,its close to all tours / activities( walking distance) and with a great view of the falls.
Argentina is a country with lots of places to see and litlle to do ( lack of infrastructure).With kids thats a problem.
Punta del Este, in December its still beautifull , never go in January !! too many Porteños like me!
Punta is very touristy, the nice places are from José Ignacio to the Brazilian border , Chuy. Need a car for that trip of about 150 miles.Incredibly beautifull and still quite wild but w/ enough nice hotels to enjoy a confortable stay.
As for Bariloche / Calafate and Ushuaia
think in choosing just one destiny , belive people enjoy all of them . Ushuaia has a kind of once in your life tour to Isla de los Estados and Faro del Fin del Mundo. A must is to arrive to Isla de los Estados and Faro del Fin del mundo for a walk. Breathtaking.

Thanks, avrooster. Please let me know why you think Bariloche and Calafate would be more appealing to children rather than Iguazu or Ushuaia. And how many days should we spend at each location? With my research, I haven't read much about kids and above destinations.

Dear santiogov, Iguazu is definitely on our list and so is the Sheraton. Would 2-3 days suffice? The drive to the Brazilian border is very tempting but don't really want to deal with maps & navigating (I want to stay married!) and our Spanish es muy mal. However, would you know if there's a tour or an affordable car/driver? Re tour to Isla de los Estados and Faro del Fin del Mundo,is this something the kids would enjoy? Having kids like us, you know what's like if they're bored...

I'm going to go against the grain on this one. Assuming you use a good and trusted travel agent, see as many places as you can while you are all the way down here. Many places you are talking about going are a short plane ride from Buenos Aires.

My advice is to use BA as a "home base". Punta del Este is very easy to get to from the domestic airport in Buenos Aires. It's a very quick trip. I've been there and it's really beautiful. Just make sure you book ahead of time.

Bariloche is also not a long flight from the domestic airport in BA. I liked Villa la Angostura much better than Bariloche though. An easy 1 hour transfer. I had a transfer pick me up and it was quick and easy. I only spent 2 nights in Bariloche and the rest in Villa la Angostura. I stayed here - http://www.hosterialaposada.com/galeria.htm And it was great. For your kids they have a pool and they have a sauna, spa for you and your wife to relax. They have a good park good for a hike. The Posada has a game room for your kids with Nintendo and internet access. Great restaurants as well there.

That is plenty of time to see many different areas. Maybe cut out one city but honestly, you should make the most of the trip. When is the last time you will all be in Argentina again? It will be a trip that your kids will remember for the rest of their lives.

Argentina is such a beautiful country. Good luck.

Mike

Nsideri

For Iguazu falls 3 days /2 nights is enough.Although always my preferences are to give extra days if possible anywhere i travelled , i prefer "in depth" to quantity. I wouldn´t skeep the Brazilian side of the falls , the Colonial Hotel in Brazil is a nice place to visit after the tour in the falls, ans sit for a relaxing beverage, many Coatis in the area , kind of huge rats !!not as ugly , but funny , walking everywhere "demanding food" ,kids will love that.
There´s a post from good Drdwaggy regarding Visas for Americans and a few "tips" to cross the border without fuzz.
Not really a problem to cross...
I would hire a cab if in your budget and from the front desk in the Sheraton.Yes there are buses that will take you , but again probably in a taxi cab will be easier. Its aprox a 20/ 30 minutes ride

I have been in Ushuaia, not in Faro del Fin del Mundo / Isla de los Estados, but evaluated this trip that was unfortunaely cancelled.
For sure kids will LOVE it.
If you surf a little on the www, you will find more about Antartida/ Isla de los estados/ Faro del Fin del mundo in terms of tour proposal . I think those places are UNIQUE ...just do it for fun its worthwhile. Try Icelady Patagonia and links.