need itinerary answers and suggestions.....
 

we are planning a trip to argentina in early december. we will be there 20 nights; BA4- 5, iguazu 2-3, bariloche/san martin 6, calafate 3, and we plan to end at punta del este for 3. 1)any thoughts on # of nights (especially BA & iguazu)? 2)any suggestions as to the order (i'm planning BA first)? 3)have considered salta & mendoza but i think the areas we picked will be prettier &/or more unique.

The number of nights at each place seems about right to me. Try to plan your local flights so as to spend as little time as possible in airports. If your trip includes Xmas week, I would do BA last, to avoid crowds in tourism destinations favored by Argentines. It will be very warm in Iguazú. Have you read my "The REAL Buenos Aires" thread?

Sounds like a great trip. Personally, I prefer a more relaxed itinerary with fewer stops and more in-depth experiences in each location, but that's just me.

My only real observation is that you need to check logistics of flights in Argentina...It is sometimes difficult to get from one point to another in Argentina without doubling back to Buenos Aires. You might want to allow a night back in BA before taking off again to a new destination....

Bodhijack:

As for BA the amount of days to spend will depend on how "urban" your preferences are and what outdoors are you interested in , close to BA.

Maybe a week is short, if considering 3 days for top outdoors while in BA.

1 full day for Estancias
1 Full day for Delta Islands and Tigre
1 Full day for Colonia in Uruguay.

From spring up to the end of Fall a overnight stay is a excellent choice in any of the three attractions.

As for Iguazu , been there many times , its always a pleasure, a minimum stay of 2 nights/ 3 days recommended ,but if you want to include 1 more day, a visit to the Jesuit ruins both in Paraguay and San Ignacio in Misiones might be highlights
while in Iguazu. Or just stay watching the falls from the Sheraton terrace with a good Malbec on you glass !!

Both Salta and some areas of Mendoza may be very unique, but depends on how
much adventure you want, the Yungas over the Rio Bermejo are very unique , but you need a exlorer spirit to visit them and the weather is very hot + mosquitoes, bugs etc,!!
To take the most of Argentinian provinces , travellers need to rent a car and make many Kms.to cover desired itinerarys, as it is a huge country and best spots ar many miles one from another.

Try this links for info. and suggested attractions:

www.welcomeargentina.com
www.interpatagonia.com

Try as Travel Agent Travelsur ( Roberto), its in the www. I don´t know him personally , only read answered threads on his forum and provides very helpfull info.

Barbacharters

thank you for your replies: 1)drdawggy,my wife agrees with you! but, what do we eliminate? all places seem to be very scenic (which we enjoy). we enjoy day-walks and mild outdoor experiences. does calafate get axed? 2)avrooster, we'll be home for x-mas. 3)santiagov,i was unaware of tigre and colonia. i will research. thank you all. i would appreciate up-dated suggestions if you have any.

I also agree with the Doc, that it could be too many places in 20 nights.

I have not been to Calafate, so I cannot give a really informed opinion, but if I were you, I would tend to ax Punta del Este, which is a beautiful beach place and not much else, or Calafate.

Which place to ax could also depend on the "logistics of flights in Argentina", as the Doc told you and I also said something along those lines.

One more thing: if you dislike warm weather, as I do, Iguazú could be the candidate for the guillotine. It is a great place to go in our winter (June, July & August).

thank again,avrooster. must see iguazu even if hot and humid. 2nights there will only be 1 full day (+ 1/2 day). wonder if we should do 3 nights? we can actually extend our return to give us more days in argentina. also, we want to finish at a beach to relax for a couple of days. suggestions continually welcome.......