Sox

Thankyou for all the postings and suggestions re Argentina. The information was invaluable, especially from AVROOSTER and SCARLET. I would like to share some of our experiences and suggestions. This was our second trip to Argentina. The first included Chile. This time we limited it to Buenos Aires, Bariloche and IGUAZU Falls. My husband and I are 70 years.
1. Our internal flights were on LAN-
clean, on time and comfortable. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
2. In BA, we stayed at the AMERIAN,clean, comfortable,free internet, ten minute walk to Puerto Madero
--across the River and two minute walk to Galerias Pacifico. Highly recommend--don't know price as it was part of package that was not broken down.
3. Both Palarmo Soho and Recoleto are a must both for shopping and restaurants and simply walking around.
4. We took a local train from Retiro Station to Tigre and then took a taxi boat through the canals and channels ala the Bajou country in New Orleans. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.The train was fast,airconditioned, clean and about $.10 US. Makes us look like third world. There is also a lovely market, both food and crafts, in Tigre. Tigre is at the end of the line and you hear very little English. Coming back we took the coastal train which was also good, but slightly more expensive than the local train and much slower and you need to transfer--no problem.
5. Shopping: since this was our second trip, we did not shop on Florida Calle nor go to any of the tourist places. Eating along Puerto Madero was OK, but go on this site and ask for suggestions away from Puerto Merino. I did buy a purse on Murillo Calle between 500 and 600. The prices were less than on Florida Calle or in Recoleto, BUT the quality was a little less and the styles were not as fasionable. Shopping malls are like US so why bother?
6. Taxis are cheap as long as you are in the same district, but are higher out of district, but still inexpensive. Most drivers do not speak English. In that case, point on a map where you want to go and ask how much it will cost.
7. Walking: sidewalks are broken and littered with dog poop. Be aware!!
IGUAZU Falls
We stayed at the Sherton for two nights. You do not need any tours as the trails outside the hotel take it all in. The boat ride through and under the Falls is great for kids, but for us old people it can be rather dangerous, especially if you have back issues The walk from the "dock" area on the return consists of broken concrete and uneven steps. The boat is a speed boat that goes full throttle. Your choice. We did not cross over to Brazil as we did not want to pay $100US @person for a visa. If you opt not to get a visa, you might be caught and taken away and never seen again. The food at the hotel was good and buffet style. Nothing really special. The Falls are worth the trip, but water is water.

Bariloche: LOVED IT.
Stayed at Design Suite--high on a hill and about a 10 minute bus ride to the center. Highly Recommend it.
Would not advise to stay in the center of town which is convenient but little else. Actually, Bariloche is over built so it is best to stay as far away as possible. Great bus service.

Food is great, especially ice-cream and chocolate and cheap. We ate at several outstanding restaurants, but I don't remember names nor do I have cards for them. Post requests for best restaurant and I am sure you will get several. We ate mostly fish and it was all outstanding.
Took a catamarine to Victoria Island. It is a beatuiful trip with the Andes all around. The Island has easy walking trails.
The boat leaves from the dock across from Leo Lea hotel. It is accessible by public bus.
That's it--I am tired.
Enjoy and be sure to post questions on this site. People are extremely helpful.
Sox

avrooster

Thank you for sharing, Sox & hubby!

I'm glad you had a great time in our country!

When should we expect you back?

kodi

Sox, thanks for posting.
We will be there in April and your input is appreciated.
We can't wait!!

jcasale

Thanks for posting, Sox. Glad to hear you liked the Amerian. We will be staying there in about a month. We are also staying at the Sheraton in Iguazu. No Bariloche, though. Too little time to do it all . Maybe next time!

flintstones

Sox, thanks for yout report. Next time remember to include the NW it will not be like nothing you have already seen. That is a promise.
Flintstones

Sox

We are planning to go to Salta on our next trip. So much to see, to do and so little time.
Sox

Sox

Jcasale: The Sheraton is excellent especially if you want to concentrate on seeing the Falls. We did not go into town at all. If you are taking the boat tour to and through the Falls, be warned: it might not be for you if you have back or neck issues. Also the trails from the Sheraton lead to various viewpoints of the Falls. Even though we took the standard tour(train,boat truck through the jungle), I would not recommend it. It was not worth the price, especially when there is much you can do from the Sheraton--free. Also, there is a lovely shaded jungle trail outside the Sheraton grounds,maybe a 5-10 walk from the hotel to the trail head. As you leave the hotel grounds, take a right onto the road and walk right on the road to the clearly marked trail head. Check with the hotel people. Be sure to take water.
Sox