Help with January 2009 Itinerary
 

Hi Everybody-

My husband and I are returning to Argentina and adding in Chile in January. We have been to the NW, Iguazu and BA in Argentina and now want to go south. I know that it is very last minute which is why I need your help! All we have booked right now is our flight to/from US (to BA and out of Santiago). Here is our tentative itinerary:

January 2 -Arrive in BA at 8:00am and hope to leave ASAP to go to El Calafate.
January 2-3: El Calafate
January 4-5: Chalten
January 5th night: El Calafate
January 6: Fly to Bariloche
January 6-7: Bariloche
January 8: Lake Crossing to Chile
January 9: Fly to Santiago from Puerto Montt, spend night in Santiago
January 10: Fly to US

Questions:
-Any recommendations on which airlines are cheapest to fly within Argentina/Chile?
-Are we trying to do too much in this timeframe? Should we skip Bariloche and go right from Calafate to Santiago and spend time around Santiago instead?
-Any hotel recommendations in El Calafate, Chalten, Bariloche, and Santiago?
-What is the best way to get from Calafate to Chalten?

Thanks so much for all of your help!

You need to look at space available on flights now as it will be high season. LAN is your best option in Argentina. Fares are different for tourists and locals/residents. You will have to change airport for national flights.
There are no budget airlines, but SKY is usually cheaper than LAN in Chile. Sometimes it requires a phone call for cc details if you are trying to book outside the country. Fares are the same for everyone but some fares are available in country only.
You really need to book everything as soon as possible.

Pgshorty... You saw already the NW, The galciars for sure are different... but I expect you miss the NW! ;)
Flintstones

Hi Angie-

I really do miss the NW...so beautiful and highly recommended to everybody!

Does anybody have a recommendation for hotels in El Calafate and Chalten??

We are looking for a hotel that is mid-level and that is easy to get to places. We will be spending most of our time outdoors exploring but would still like a nice place but not crazy expensive!

Thanks!