alan64

We've got 14 days to spend on our first (but hopefully not our last) trip to Argentina. We're going into & out of Buenos Aires, and we're looking forward to spending some time in BA and doing day trips.

We also want to see one other region, and Salta sounds like a good option. However, it's been suggested that Iguazu Falls is a do-not-miss destination. Although time-wise we probably could squeeze in BA, Iguazu and Salta, financially I'm not so sure. Two internal round-trips would take up a good chunk of our budget.

We're therefore trying to decide which would be better. We enjoy seeing nature and hiking. Even more, we love experiencing local culture, including cafes and restaurants, local shops, small villages, etc. We always feel that we'd rather see fewer places well rather then a lot of places very briefly.

Were we right the first time with our plan to skip the Falls, or is BA and Iguazu Falls a better itinerary for a first trip to Argentina (and save Salta region for another time)? One friend felt that it's easy to keep busy spending two weeks just in BA alone!

alan64

I forgot to mention that we'll be there in early April of next year, if that makes any difference.

flintstones

Hello, Alan64... Well any time of the year SAlta and the NW of Argentina is a great destination... specially because you have a variety you will not have in other areas of Argentina, you have lot of things to see; culture, indian ruins, small villages, amazing sceneries, unique wines, and colourful mountains, nature...Anyway, you have now two excuses to come back to Argentina; to see the missing area and to re-view the one you will see... Oh, the food is also great!
flintstones

yestravel

We were in Argentina a couple years ago and faced the same decision you are making. We decided to spend a lot of time in BA, see the Falls and spend time at an estancia. I have not been to Salta yet, so I can not compare that area to the Falls. We thought Iguazu Falls were absolutely fabulous...never seen Falls as spectacular. We really enjoyed our 2 day stay there and you get plenty of nature as it is a beautful area. You can do a variety of hikes. We were dispapointed with one of the private tours we took to see animals--we saw none, but the area was nice just the same. We stayed at the Sheraton so I must say that we didn't really experience the culture of the area. U can go into the town, but we never did that. We spent over a week in BA and could have stayed longer. There is much to do in BA. Another fun side trip is to go to an Estancia for either a day trip or overnight. We are planning a return to Argentina and will visit Salta this trip. I know there is a lot to see there.

waggis

yestravel - could it be that it's just getting harder and harder to view animals in the wild with so many tourists going there? Maybe the area they took you to used to be quite isolated and is now overrun with visitors?

We'll be there in November. What other tours did you take and liked?

yestravel

U could be right, waggis. Once we were there for an hour or so and saw maybe 1 bird, the guide said, sometimes he comes and doesnt see a thing and other times there are lots to view. We were the only tourists in the area, but obviously it is an area that they take folks to.

In the park we did not take any tours. We did all the walks and took the boat ride that goes under the Falls...good fun! We also did a float back from Devil's Throat which was quite nice.

We stayed on the Argentina side. Had thought about going over to the Brazilian side, but never really had the time.

We were there in December and it was VERY hot, so we went out as soon as the Park opened, I believe around 8 am.

waggis

Thanks for the tip of the float back from Devil's Throat, yestravel. We'll probably have similar temps in November as you did, although I was hoping it would be a bit cooler....

I remember a whale watch excursion with zero results until the very end. It can be very disappointing. Same holds true for travel to the mountains: weather conditions make or break your trip, unfortunately, but c'est la vie.

flintstones

Waggis, yestravel: It is true weather can sometimes spoilt a trip or a tour,
but that is not the case in the NW of Argentina as it only rains in our summer and fotunatelly for a short time. The attractions of the NW are alwaya available.
IS there anybody else to take Salta`s side??? Skatedancer!!!! Come on...
Please see some more reviews before deciding...
Warm regards.
Flintstones...

waggis

flintstones - I would love to visit the NW and Salta, but one can only do and absorb so much....It will have to wait for next time and I fervently hope there will be a next time ;-)
Perdóname!

flintstones

Never mind... Next time...
Have a great time in Argentina.
Flintstones

yestravel

I plan on visiting Salta in 2008--not sure when yet, but definitely want to see it

flintstones

I am sure you will love the NW! Salta and the NW have great sceneries, food...wine... weather!
Enjoy it.
Warm regards.
Flintstones