Has anyone worked with Erica Tours? Do all travel agents ask for deposits on a US bank? I have never worked with a travel agent before, but since reading here that it is better to work with one in Argentina...I took your advice. This is my first time in Argentina and I don't want to get there, all alone and realize that I just got ripped off

I don't think Erica Tours has been recommended here.

Avrooster:
Is there a way to know if a travel agent is legit?
I only have 4 weeks before my trip, I need to decide now.

gracias
Viviana

Well, I do NOT know exactly how you can be sure a travel agent is legit, but I would contact the travel agents repeatedly recommended in this and other travel forums, such as: Cintia Stella at WOW!Argentina, milla ([email protected]), Mayra Brill, or my travel agent. Just a hunch, but "milla" sounds very good.

Vivina, I don`t know Erica`s Tours, but has she been recommend you for anyone?.
If you doesn't sure I can give you the info of my travel agent in Buenos Aires.
Certainly, if you want to travel to argentina, you have to take care...
Best regards,

Hello vivina74:

We used Argentina Escapes and were cared for by Mercedes.

As you, I was seriously concerned about prepayments so I checked out their credit and found them to be good.

I then checked with some local friends in Bs. As. and again, they were found to be reliable and well respected.

I pre paid for all of our 9 week trip, other than air to and from south America. This involved air within south America, tours, hotels with some special meals, cruise line, bus and day trips.

I paid in American dollars to an American bank account but first I called that bank and they verified that the account was in the name of the agency I was dealing with.

My wife and I had a great trip so I would not hesitate to recommend that firm. I got better service from Argentina Escapes than many agencies in Canada. I also got better prices from them than I would have gotten on my own.

My Argentina Escapes costs did not include a 4 week apartment rental in Bs. As. but Argentina Escapes put me in contact with that rental firm. No problems there either with the rental or with the cash deposit which was refunded, no hastles.

Our trip was from Punta Arenas in southern Chile up to Santiago, then to Mendoza and San Juan ending in Buenos Aires.

I arranged our air from western Canada to Santiago to Punta Arenas and Buenos Aires return on my own from Canada.

I hope this is of help to you.

Good luck.

Woodie

Woodie:

I've been in contact with Argentina Escapes too, but Erica tour gave me a better deal, for more or less the same itinerary. I would rather be safe. So I am leaning towards Argentina Escapes.
thank you
Viviana

hello vivina74:

Glad you are going with Mercedes at Argentina Escapes.

I am alwyas a bit hesitant about "good deals". My philosophy is nothing for nothing and if I get good treatment, that is the best deal. Of course I do not like to overpay either.

Have a great time.

Woodie