Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Just back

Travelled thru Argentina Oct 19-31st. Big tips re: Iguazu Falls.The walk out to the falls are on very long walks on grated platforms overlooking the river and falls. It rained the night before and the wind was really blowing when we walked out to the falls on the 1st tram ride. The grate was slippery and I fell, skinning my knees. The gentleman who came to my rescue also slipped. My athletic shoes did not have adequate traction. Recommend wearing Tiva type sandals with good gripping sole and NO sox! You will get very wet just standing by the falls. We got totally drenched as did our cameras. It may not always be like that, but best to wear a light hooded rain jacket that zips well, bring a plastic bag to protect your camera. This was not on the boat, but just on the lookout area. This was late October and it rained the 2 days in the afternoon and into the evening. The rest of our day was lovely once we came back to change our clothes. Do not wear long pants or sweaters as you'll not dry well. That is my best advice. Perhaps you'll be lucky and it won't be windy, but in any rate wear shoes that won't slip on the grated walk.
We stayed 2 nights at the Sheraton, rates were very high due to huge tourist groups. Food was expensive and not good with the exception of the breakfast and the dinner buffet with wine about $100 USD for 2.
We went to the Wanda Caves which were very interesting. Once we did the falls there was little else to do. I think if you arrive early enough into Iguazu and try to do the falls that same day, you can leave the next day. 2 nights are expensive, plus AR cancelled our flights so we had 8 hours by the pool before we could leave!
I also loved Mendoza. Isabel arranged all our air and hotels and we stayed at the lovely Executive Hotel, not far from Plaza Independencia and the Park Hyatt. We loved the vineyards, Catena Zapata, Ruca Malen, and the tour and cooking class at Famila Zuccardi - that was the highlight of our trip. The staff and owner Jose Alberto and his daughter Julia were so friendly, welcoming and gracious. Lunch there was unbelievable as was the entire restaurant! We dined at Francis Mallman - wow, that was a welcome surprise. Mainly tourist except for a huge table of men from a local vineyard. We're from Chicago and have some of the best restaurants, but we came away happy as larks!Also went to Acongagua - wow, but a 2.5 hr drive from the center of Mendoza. Loved it though.
Buenos Aires was great, enjoyed 2 nights at Malabia House then the last 4 nights at Ayres de Recoleta, a studio apt. steps away from the Recoleta Cemetary. The Museo de Buenas Artes was one of the best with Rodin's Kiss and many other amazing collections. it's located across the street from the cemetary.
I love Argentina, the gorgeous people, San Telmo and Plaza Dorrego, the tango dancers in the Plazas.
One note if you dine at La Cabrera in Palermo be warned that they serve way too much food with each entree which they don't tell you about - tons of side dishes. We went home with an entire 2 lbs of filet that we didn't touch. We think the quality of cuts may have gone down hill with the huge demand to go there. You must have a reservation and people are in line waiting to get in. I think it was overrated. It may have been better in an earlier review - just packed with people and the meat was OK.
Overall, Isabel was amazing, taking care of us every step of the way, B.A is an easy city to walk around in (look out for the dog poo - lots of dogs and dog walkers and they don't all pick up after their dogs!). I would recommend Argentina time and again.

Hope these tips help. Also ladies most women wear jeans, flat shoes or athletic type shoes. The sidewalks are uneven and they do lots of walking. No need to get real dressed up, just leave the t-shirts at home, they do dress tastefully and the people are beautiful!