Help on trip to South America
 

I will be traveling to South America at the end of December. I plan on spending New Years in Rio and then traveling on to Buenos Aires. I would like to visit one more spot for two or three days during the middle of my itinerary. I am considering either Ihla Grande or Iguassu Falls. Any thoughts on which would be the better destination during the beginning of January and which one would be the most convenient to visit.

Also as far as going to Iguassu Falls, does anyone have any insight as to whether it would be easier and/or less expensive to travel from Rio or Buenos Aires? Would it be feasible to fly from Rio to Iguassu Falls and then fly on to Buenos Aires. Any help or suggestions on the best place to look for plane tickets online to this destination would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Andrew

DearAndrew,
I know that this is a bit confusing to lots of people so I hope I can help you clarify your doubts.
The Falls are shared between Argentina and Brazil. The nearest argentine city to the falls is Puerto Iguazu and the airport code is IGR. The nearest brazilian city to the Falls is Foz do Iguassu and the airport code is IGU.
If you fly from RIO, you will get to IGU. The cheapest way to come to Buenos Aires is by crossing the border from Brazil to Argentina by taxi or bus (there are regular buses running all the time) and then flying from IGR to AEP (Domestic airport in Buenos Aires).

Hi Alatimer, a few months ago we met in Iguazu with a friend that lives in Sao Paulo Brazil.
I believe that her ticket Sao PAulo,
Iguazu, Buenos Aires was more expensive that ours. We flew from the US to Buenos Aires and then bought a round trip ticket Buenos Aires Iguazu by Austral.
( An Argentine Airliner)
I noticed Cintia answer before than me, she should know because I bought the ticket and hotel stay at
Iguazu ( Sheraton) from her.
Sheraton is the best bet, location wise because it is inside the national park (Argentine side) and not only can you see the falls from the hotel but they are at walkable distance.
I forgot in order to have a good price for your ticket you have to buy it at
least ten days ahead.

Another option for a place for you to go to instead of the falls is Buzios. This is an old fishing village built up in recent years to be a very nice seaside resort. Many pousadas/beaches/restaurants/nightlife. Its 110 miles north east of Rio and you can take a taxi there in 2 hours or so. Take a look at www.buziosonline.com or www.blameitonrio4travel.com. Try the Collana park or the Casas Brancas hotel.

Ihla Grande would be easier to get to and very nice at that time of year.

Buzios is nice but in the wrong direction. But if you plan on flying from Rio down to BA then it would not really matter. Buzios is great in high season.

There is very little difference in prices, but would suggest easiest is Rio to Iguassu to Buenos. Believe me Iguassu Falls should not be missed. Have seen Niagara Falls from Canada & New York sides, Victoria Falls in Africa, but Iguassu is one big WOW. Have been on both sides and our favorite is definitely the Brazil side. Can not beat morning coffee view from the terrace at the Tropical das Cataratas Eco Resort. Sleep on the Brazil side, play on the Argentina side!

My husband & I will be travelling to Buenos Aires in late September for 4 days/3 nights and need some lodging recommendation. I have read a lot of good reviews about La Recoleta area at this website and want to find out: 1) In terms of location, Kempinski, Loi Suites, Design Suites and Art Suites - which one has the best locatin/convenience? 2) How are the hotels in Centro area?
3) What is the approx. transfer cost from the airport if stay in any of the hotels mentioned above in La Recoleta?

Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
rpw

rpw,

1. Loisuites and Kempinski are both chains that operate several hotels in the Buenos Aires area. Loisuites Recoleta (on Guido) is newer and nearer the tourist-center of recoleta than any of the hotels you mention....The Kempinski Park Plaza (on Parera) is just a couple of blocks away and enjoys one of the most upscale locations in Buenos Aires...Art Suites is about 4 blocks from the heart of the tourist area and offers good value compared to the other two hotels....Design Suites is a little more out of the way...

2. Centro can be subdivided into several areas...near Plaza San Martin, near Plaza de Mayo, etc....There is a wide variety of hotels in both areas, from 1 to 5 stars (be wary of the stars that hotels assign themselves in Buenos Aires)I like the NH Hotels....NH Florida is near Plaza San Martin, and City is near Plaza de Mayo....

3. Transfer...lots of choices here...as you exit the customs area you will see a row of booths directly in front of you....you can take a bus, remis (private car) or taxi to downtown. The cost to Recoleta by private car will be about 20dollars. You can also bypass these booths and go outside where you will find another taxi booth...the price to Recoleta as of July was 30 pesos (about 10 dollars)...if you opt to save money and take a shuttle from one of the booths in the airport, they will take you to the Plaza San Martin area...from there you can grab a cab to Recoleta, about a 3-4 peso ride....Sorry, I don't know the price of the shuttle, but I think it is about 15 pesos....