We are so sorry to hear about the circumstances that lead the farmer's to protest. It's difficult for them and the country. We're planning to leave on Tuesday for a two week trip to Buenos Aires and the Norhtwest and I would really appreciate hearing from those of you living there as to what we can expect due to the protest. Thanks you very much.

In principle, I would say that, unless you are planning to travel long distances by bus, your trip should not be significantly affected by this problem, which, anyway, could end anytime.

About the NW, we'll see what Angie, a top independent Salta guide who posts here as "Flintstones", has to say on the subject

So far, in Recoleta, for the past 2 nights, from about 8pm until around 10pm, everyone stands on their balcony, street, in the windows or on the sidewalks and bangs on pots and pans.
There are organised marchers but we don't see them in the neighborhood ( Recoleta) and all cars going down the streets will honk in solidarity with the marchers.
Traffic is not interrupted and everyone is in a cheerful/sympathetic mood. I have walked on the street both nights with the dog, he might not like all the noise that much but I do not feel unsafe.
Business is going on just as usual.
You will surely fall in love with Buenos Aires..the weather has been great, with rain only in the night (very considerate) and the summer heat seems to be over.
Don't worry..

In the Salta and the NW the protest are not so sharp as in the heart of the country(Còrdoba and further south) In Salta the particular cars and the buses can pass the blocks with no problems. So, do not worry so much about the blocks.
Flintstones

As far as I know they are protesting because the export tax, the EXPORT TAX,( this a tax called retenciones that goes on top of all the other taxes) has been raised by the Federal Government to 44 % I believe but I am not sure of the exact percentage, if you think that this is a POPULIST government and that there are POLULIST candidates all over the world that are being welcomed by the PEOPLE, ....I wish to die of agony .....
So this particular Populist government even pays salaries to the piqueteros s, for ....not working...ins't this amazing?

The problem is more complicated than this and I feel I will not make any other comment.
In Salta and the NW, the protest is not so sharp in the tourist area.
I hope you do not travel by bus from BA...
Flintstones

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your responses. I'll be keeping an eye on the situation.

Does anyone have more info on this situation . This is the first I've heard ; it doesn't seem to be getting much coverage up here in Canada yet.
Thanks and hope all of u down there r OK

cheers
AndrewDavid

Read the Buenos Aires Herald online




http://www.buenosairesherald.com/

thanks for that tip Scarlett , the BBC also has 4 articles from this week about the strike

www.bbc.co.uk

its a very complex issue
cheers
AndrewDavid

Are any of the food shortages mentioned noticable in B.A.? What about in the countryside?