Hola a todos.

The stars may be aligning for something I've wanted to do since I was a kid: spend some time in Argentina.

What would you (who have travelled or who live there) do with a month in and about Argentina?

Background: We're about 70. I'm in good health and good mobility, but I'm probably coming with my spouse, who has mobility problems and also appears to get altitude sickness in Mexico City. (alt:2.250 meters). I speak Spanish more or less well; she understands it but doesn't speak very well beyond the basics.

I think we could go to Salta, Mendoza, etc.as they appear to be lower Mexico City.

A couple of other questions: best time to see Right Whales; best time to go to Puerto Madryn to see penguins and elephant seals?

Once I get an idea of what to do, I'll be back to get more info. I've been following your comments on Argentina and so have lots of good info already.

Muchas gracias.

First the whales. They are around Peninsula Valdez from May to December but apparently Sept and Oct are the best months we went in October and saw loads of them, on boat trips from the peninsula, from the beaches and even from the pier in the centre of town. I have never seen so many and don't suppose I ever will again!

I have always wanted to go right down into the far south of Patagonia but have year to make it that far.

Salta and the north west would be high on my list. If you are happy renting a car and driving yourself then that is probably the best way to see it but there are plenty of tours available. There are two loops from Salta. North to Purmamarca, Tilcara, Humhuaca and maybe even the salineras grande. Or south to Cachi and Cafayate ( wine country). Stunning scenery all around, great food, great wine.

Some photos from our time there in 2008 http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/1/tpod.html. Argentina starts at entry #80 we enjoyed it so much we were back in 2013 and a short visit this year.

Buenos Aires deserves a chunk of your time but depends on how much you like cities. We enjoyed a side trip to Colonia deal Sacremento.

Finally, don't miss Iguazu, truly one of the wonders of the world.

Thanks Crellston. I've bookmarked your blog and sent it to my spouse. I would go to Salta for sure. I will drive for sure--thanks for the info on Route 40, except that probably will fly to the Valdez Peninsula from BA.

I'll browse through it some more, and will also review the entries on Peru, as it's one of my favorite places.

Hello, dwdvagamundo;

Mendoza, Salta , Iguazu, in that order, using the direct flights. Take at least a week for Salta because if you take less you will regret.
Take sme days for the loop around calchaquies valleys and some time for Jujuy province too.
You have plenty to do in the whole area.
Warm regards,
Angie

I skipped the Salta-Mendoza area, and went to Patagonia instead. Highly, highly recommend the Iguazu falls and Patagonia. I spent two weeks in south America, criss-crossing the Andes, and felt that the scenery easily out shone the cities.

For my Fodors TR go here:

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...-patagonia.cfm

Or, for the text with photos, start here:

https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...y-spectacular/

Thanks Angie and Thursday.

I 2nd what crellston has posted. Loved both the NW, South and the lake country. Bariloche didn't do it for me, but really enjoyed San Andes de los Martin. Also loved El Calafate and Perito Moreno glacier. If you are into hiking also check out el Chalten which we regretably missed. If you like big cities, there is much to do in BA and you could easily spend at least a week there. And Iguazu Falls is spectacular.
We have never gone to Mendoza only because there is so much else to see that is different form other areas. Mendoza seemed to us to be just another wine country not unlike all the others we have visited around the world.

We have two TRs on or trips to ARG. Have a great trip!
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...of-arg-pt1.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...-chile-arg.cfm

I apologize for the correction, but, so the OP can find it, it is San Martín de los Andes.

Have a great time in my country.

Thanks yes and AV.

If I come alone, I'll be able to go to higher altitude.

My spouse bought a Lonely Plant on Argentina yesterday (a good sign, I think)--I've already got a Fodor's South America-- and I'll review this and what's in the books and get back with you.

Thanks for the correction, AV. As I was typing I was thinking I had the name wrong, but was too lazy to google it o find out. Glad you corrected it.

I totally agree with Yestravel's opinions re San Martin de Los Andes V Bariloche. Loved San Martin and could easily live there (worth going just for the BBQ lamb and chocolate!), but Bariloche I just didn't take to. I did however enjoy the drive between the two through the seven lakes area. From San Martin it is a quick hop across the border to Pucon and the Chilean lake district which could make a nice diversion.

Interesting. I preferred Bariloche, I thought the views from the surrounding hills were much better, and I preferred having the town built along the lake shore instead of up the valley.

Did you hear the 7 Lakes drive was finally finished? We actually enjoyed the return drive to Bariloche on the other road, not the 7 Lakes Drive which we took up. We joked that we'd be dead and buried before they finished it.

I like that Bariloche was built along the lake and it did have some nice views in the hillside. But I thought Bariloche sterile & hated the architecture. I thought SMdLA was more charming and had more "personality" than Bariloche. We had a car and did some nice hikes in the countryside around San MdLA. Visit them both and decide for youself.

We enjoyed the Chilean lake District too.

To be fair to Bariloche we did arrive at the argentine equivalent of spring break. The only accomodation we could find was in, what I am convinced was a care home. Perhaps my opinion was somewhat biased because of this!

I didn't know that the Seven Lakes drive was finished. That wil make the trip a lot easier. I can still recall driving along the dirt roads in the snow and ice dodging the road workers wondering if we would actually reach the end. Great fun though!

Well, to be fair, we stayed at a wonderful place a few miles outside of the "downtown." We loved where we stayed, fabulous owners, nice view of the lake and completely charming and lovely -- probably the only thing we loved about Bariloche.

There is no real elevation to be concerned with in Patagonia.

Here is a link to our blog with photos:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/odie1/1/tpod.html

or to the Fodors Trip Report

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...reath-away.cfm

We loved Southern Patagonia so much we are planning a return trip this December. Just trying to decide if we should add San Martin de los Andes or Iguazu!

If you haven't visited Iguazu that is a no-brainer. Iguazu every time.

Have to agree -- if you like waterfalls, IF will thrill you. After I visited, other falls fall short.

Back again everyone, having read much of the travel guide and also a number of general posts about Argentina on this forum..

The two places outside BA and Valdes Peninsula that I am most drawn to are (1) the region between the rivers Parana and Uruguay (with Iguazu and some of the Missions as well as national parks) and (2) Cordoba north to Salta.

How much time would I need to get a good look at the region between the rivers and see something but not everything between Cordoba and Salta.

Also, I'm thinking strongly of renting a car in BA and dropping it at the airport, or else two rentals--one for the northeast and one for the northwest. Any downside about renting a car and driving ourselves around? We'd fly to Puerto Madryn and back.

My spouse is not a big fan of outdoor adventure--her idea of a perfect afternoon outdoors is strolling along the Seine. I think she'd like Cordoba and perhaps some of the smaller cities along the Parana and in the northwest, and would like seeing the whales, etc. While I am not a trekker or a mountain climber, I do like to hike, watch birds and animals.


Gracias por su ayuda.

I would definitely recommend renting a car in Salta and driving a circuit of the NW but would fly there and then take the direct flight to Iguazu and then to BA or vice versa.

The downsides of renting one in BA for your whole trip ( which I assume is what you mean?) are the sheer distances involved. We did salta to Iguazu and Iguazu to BA by bus and both journeys took around 20 hours solid driving and it wasn't the most exciting scenery along the way but as much of it was overnight it didn't matter much. This time, we will have friends with us for that part of the journey and so agreed that flying was a better option.

Can't help with Córdoba as I haven't been but did consider it for our forthcoming trip but discounted it as we won't have enough time. I do recall however looking at doing it all by bus and maybe renting a car from Córdoba and returning there after seeing a few of the parks. It did sound like a nice city.