First time to Rio and Buenos Aires and need help BAD!
 

Hi! I am tentatively planning a mostly solo 3 week trip to South America for August 2006 (only time I can go, I know it's winter). Here is my tentative itinerary:
1. Fly from NYC to Rio-arrive mid day on a Friday, spend Friday day/night in Rio and then going to a spa south of Rio on Saturday morning.(all-inclusive with transportation to and from Rio).
2. After the spa, go back to Rio for Saturday-Sunday nights, will have full day on Sunday to explore.
3. On Monday morning will fly from Rio to Buenos Aires. Will have Monday midday through Friday night in BA
4. On Saturday morning, will fly VERY early to Santiago, Chile to go skiing in Portillo for a week with friends.

What I need to know is am I leaving myself enough time in Rio (1.5 days) and is 4.5 days in BA enough? I am a really good tourist and can hustle if need be. I'm scared to go to Rio since I've heard nothing but awful things i.e. burglaries, thieves, etc. (my dad's friend got mugged in the airport!) but I figure since I have to fly there anyway I should see the place for a day or so.

Does anyone know of tours and/or personal tour guides for Rio and BA? I would rather have someone else take me around and feel safe than wander around on my own.

Also, what are some "not to be missed" sights in each city? I've done some preliminary research but I'd love the opinions of other Fodorites!

Thanks so much.
Abby

I've never been to Rio, so I can't really say much about it, except that it will be warmer than BA. I agree that it does not seem to be the ideal place for a solo female.

About BA, why don't you read my "the REAL Buenos Aires" thread and see if you are interested.

You could also post your question and/or research the subject on the tripadvisor.com Argentina forum.

Your tour sounds interesting. Can you please email me at [email protected] with more information? Thanks so much.

You can read all about my tour on my "The REAL Buenos Aires" thread.

If you are unable to find it, I'll "send it to the top" for you.

I am still looking for an English-speaking tour guide for a day in Rio-any suggestions? Also, has anyone stayed at Mar Ipnamea in Rio?