Argentina itinerary help wanted
 

My husband and I will be traveling to Argentina first week of September. We have about 14 days total. We plan to spend about 3 nights in BA and 2 nights in Iguazu Falls. Can't decide between Salta area, Bariloche and Peninsula Valdes for the rest of the trip. I think we will be able to see 2 of the those 3 places.

Any ideas? All and any help appreciated.

Thanks!

I would strongly recommend a trip to the Salta region as a priority. We rented a car and spent a week or so driving a circuit of the region. Alternatively, you could engage the services of a guide such as Angie Valdez (aka Flintstones) who comes highly recommended and often posts on this forum. Either way the scenery is just amazing and there are some great places to stay along the way. 5-7 days would be just about right for this area and would give you time to add in another location.

Of the places you mentioned my choice would be Peninsular Valdez would be my choice - seeing the whales up close was unforgettable. Take day trip around the peninsular to see the penguins and seal which includes a boat trip out in the bay. A sunset drive out to the beach just outside of Puerto Madryn and you can see the whales just yards off the beach. Lunchtime the whales seemed to make a regular appearance literally yards from the pier in the town. A couple of days should be enough time.

I have to say I was less impressed with Bariloche but to be fair I probably did not give it enough of a chance.

One place you should consider and one that I really regret not visiting, is El Calafate and the glaciers - maybe next time!

Here is a link to our blog for some more detail. Argentina stars at #69

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...5860/tpod.html

Well, I think Bariloche is nice, beautiful but much more like many sceneries you have already seen. It is our little Switzerland. But the colours of the mountains have impressed Crellston a lot. That is why the NW has shocked possitivelly. I am currently promoting the NW area of Argentina as one of those places you can feel as "your place in the world", by the way, Crellston would not mind to take this area as his home!
I suggest to start visiting the Calchaquies Valleys
Salta - Cachi
Cachi - Cafayate
Cafayate visiting wineries and the goat cheese factory and Amaicha ( Pachamama Museum)
Cafayatate - Salta
Salta - Salinas Grandes - Purmamarca
Purmamarca - Tilcara - Humahuaca - Salta
and One day in SALTA...
I think this is a perfect itinerary for a week and you see almost everything in the NW- At least the best...
If you would like to see some pics you can have a look to
http://cometosalta.spaces.live.com/
No photo shop... no tricks but eventhough the pictures do not make justice of the places :(
Flintstones...

I also recommend the northwest, and that seems a good time of year for that region. We spent a week there in Nov. 2007, including some time in Salta itself. We rented a car and drove ourselves. I especially recommend the Calchaquies Valleys and Cafayate, Purmamarca, the salt flats and Tilcara. We drove up past Susques to more salt flats--most people stop at the Salinas Grandes. It was amazing--the color of the sky, the vastness, the peacefulness. There were lots of vicunas and llamas. The road down to Purmamarca is beathtaking.

We didn't love the town of Cachi, but liked the drive there. People who stayed overnight seem to like the town more than we did. We returned to Salta that evening to avoid the rough part of Rte. 40 going south. I also probably thought the trip to San Antonio de los Cobres which sort of follows the train route, was the least interesting (can't remember the name of the valley) and can be skipped.

I echo the votes for NW. We spent 9 days there in November and thought it was beautiful. We drove ourselves and loved every day of it.

U might also think of spending more time in BA -- it's a huge city with much to see and do.

Yes, the NW, is ebcoming the favorite in Argentina...
You can get a car and drive yourself.
YOu can take a regular tour starting early and coming back to Salta in most of the tours.
Or you can have a tailor-made tour qith a guide/driver who will also provide information. That is up to you.
BUT do not miss the NW!!!!
Flintstones

Thank you all for your very useful responses. We are so excited about this trip!

Lovely-planet Make sure you post a trip report upon your return so we can find out how you got on!!!

I have been to Salta and Bariloche. I would echo the advice to spend a week at least in the NW. Bariloche is so gorgeous, of course, but I think that the NW is a bit more unusual and offers so many different experiences -- nature, culture, food, wine. Be prepared to be have long drives, but they are so fascinating.

Hello,
September is the perfect month for travelling in Argentina - spring and right before most of the tourists arrive. I would say you ought to go for Salta and Bariloche... Salta is a colonial town where you'll really get an idea of authentic Argentine culture and Bariloche is all about the outdoors - lakes, hiking, mountains, so visiting those 2 would give you an interesting contrast! 3 nights in BA is a good stay, head for Recoleta, Palermo and San Telmo - thats where the best sights, restaurants, squares, parks and accommodation is.

Have a good trip!

bsasexpert; Salta is perfect all year round!!!! we never run out of empanadas and wine. SO it is perfect...
But for me September is for me specially beauuuuuuuuuutiful because of the lapachos blooming in the pink flowers, and the deep blue sky!!! I love it.
Anytime people come it is delightful. Even in summertime. I LOVE SALTA.
Angie