Elizabeth_S

Originally we were going to spend 3 weeks after BsAs traveling to Bariloche, Mendoza and Salta. But then we got a good deal on an Antarctic cruise which means we now have 14 nights starting from Ushuaia (mid March). Our main concern is that 2 weeks isn't enough time to properly do our original plan. Is that correct?

We could stay in the South for most of the time - visit El Calafate, maybe some of the paleontology sites in Patagonia, finish in Bariloche? Any part of that possible/practical to do with a rental car?

We've been to Southern Chile as part of a previous trip (Punta Arenas/Puerto Montt). I know it's very hard to compare but given we have seen glaciers as part of our prior cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas and we will have just had 10 days in Antarctica I hesitate a bit to make El Calafate the next destination. OTOH, we are there and will return to Argentina I am sure, so we could visit the other destinations then.

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated. TIA

owlwoman

I'm a little confused about how many days you have, 14 or 7? Anyway, I would fly up to the North and see the Salta area, if it's only 7 days, just one area, if it's 14, then you could easily do El Calafate - Bariloche - Mendoza - Salta.

After the Antartic cruise you may be glaciered out, so if you were to skip anything, I think El Calafate would be it.

MarnieWDC

Read carefully those recent posts on Bariloche on this Forum and on the TA Bariloche forum.

Elizabeth_S

owlwoman - we have 14 days between leaving Ushuaia and arriving in Iguazu (I should have mentioned that leg which is fixed).

Marnie - ash issues I assume? Hope we can organize a BsAs GTG in February.

qwovadis

weather2travel.com for a heads up on Climate in March
not usually prime cruise weather can get very rough
and very cold think carefully particularly if seasikness
prone have done traveldynamicsinternationaal.com there
roughest I have ever done transdermscop.com was a must.
argentinaforless.com distances are vast Salta Iguazu
BsAs my top 3... Good luck!

qwovadis

www.despegar.com flying best for me Deluxe Cama Bus
for budget if time.CarRentals.com expensive not
practical for me there mark you for theft shakedowns.

yestravel

I do not agree that rental cars " mark you for theft shakedowns." We have rented cars several times in ARG and have never had any trouble anywhere.

MarnieWDC

Elizabeth: I too hope we get together in BsAs.

Qwovadis: We, like Yestravel, have rented cars in several areas of Argentina with NO PROBLEMS...albeit never in Buenos Aires. And we plan to do so again this year in Uruguay.

Elizabeth_S

Marnie - we had lunch with Kodi and irecommend yesterday and they passed on all sorts of good BsAs advice. We arrive February 4th - will start a separate GTG link before then or you can email me at

eseibertc AT yahoo DOT ca

MarnieWDC

That sounds good.

~M

kodi

IMHO, I agree with your statement that 14 days is not enough time to do your original plan. I would perhaps do a week in Bariloche area and a week in Salta area. I think that would give you a good feel for each area.

MarnieWDC

But Kodi - we followed your good advice for our visit to Bariloche (2011) and your suggestions were spot on. There is now, however, a continuing problem with ash from the eruption of the volcano in Chile (in June)...and Bariloche needs to be approached with circumspection.

Best,
~Marnie

yestravel

I got curious about the ash situation in ARG Lake district. I googled and here's one article
http://www.buenosairesherald.com/art...outh-cancelled. Can't believe how long they have been affected by the ash -- really a shame for their tourist economy.