Considering a trip to South America, Argentina
 

Hello All, as above I'm thinking of going for my first time there , for about 3 weeks in December and January, would that be too much time and would it perhaps be better to go for a 10 day holiday then or over Easter: we would land in BA, and spend a little time there, maybe take in Salta and Iguaza too, and of course the 3-day boat/ ship ride through Bariloche and the Andes Mountains.
I love tapas and regularly go to Spain, but is the food really steak, steak and more steak. I don't fancy that.
I would really apprciate some advice on all points/ comments
Thanks

Firstly no, three weeks is not too long for Argentina. It is a huge country and 3 weeks is barely enough you scratch the surface!

The northwest region around Salta and Jujuy has some incredible scenery and lends itself to a self drive road trip. There are two "circuits" to the moth and south of Salta each need 3-5 day. You could combine in a "figure of 8" in 7-10 days.

Iguana needs 3 nights to see both the Argentine and Brazilian falls (recommended ) & you can fly there from Salta or BA. It is and amazing experience and should not be missed!

One issue to consider is that Dec/Jan is high summer and the region is prone to storms at that time which can result in floods and road issues. Austral winter or Autumn might be better weatherise.

The summer is a great time for the south of country, Patagonia (and indeed Chilean Patagonia). If considering the Cruce Andino boat ride it may make sense to combine Chile and Argentine Patagonia. Not a fan of Bariloche itself as it is way to touristy these days but the scenery is amazing outside of the city . San Martin de los Andes is very pretty an the Seven Lakes Drive will take you to Bariloche.

Steak is a big part of the Argentine food scene but by no means is it the only feature. There are a lot of Italian influences, the wines a re excellent and the humble empanada has been elevated to an art form. Fish and seafood is also pretty good.

We lived in Spain for a while and like you, love the tapas scene but I don't recall seeing much of that in Argentina . One thing to be aware of , that some people don't take to, is that eating dinner doesn't really start happening until 10pm. Go into the average restaurant at 8 pm and you will probably be the only diners.

Thanks Catch23,
Very informative - yeah, it suddenly hit me when I was lying in bed that the weather may be too warm,, we were in Durban South Africa in December-ish some years and it was unbearable, I would have 3 cold baths a night and it still didn't help (I am originally from Zimbabwe which has lovely weather as it is 5000 feet above sea level). The problem, however, is Xmas and New Year is the time when one can take a long holiday.
By the way, we don't intend to have a car as I have stopped driving and, as we live in London where one can walk a lot and has excellent public transport and have let my drivers licence expire.
re Iguana, we have been to the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River many times but I still may like to see it.
The problem is that Patagonia is not where we want to go - is it not perhaps a bit too far south

You are welcome Patricia - Small world, I am in London too. Which, to be fair, has probably been as hot as many places in Africa and South America this last few weeks!

To make the most of Salta, you really need to self drive as the tours are not great. Next best alternative is a private guide/ driver but they are not cheap. I know a day in Salta that is very good should you decide to go and need a name. Let me know and I will send you a personal message.

Patagonia encompasses a huge area and it is a way south but if you are considering Bariloche which is in Northern Patagonia it is not too much further to El Calafate and the Los Glaciers NP.

We were going to head to Argentina at the end of the year but decided on Central America instead. Also considered a return to South Africa which we love, but flights were v expensive.

Thanks Catch23,
re Salta, I would appreciate you letting me have a name so I look forward to your private message. Yes it has been hot in London!
I'm interested in where you are going in Central America - because I've been to Mexico on 3 different occasions, the first to Puerto Escondida, Oaxaca, Puebla,Mexico City, then to the Queretaro area, and the third time to East side Cancun - we love Mexico, should one think of going there a 4th time instead of South America?!

Not Cancun, Yucatan

You are welcome Patricia. I will send yo the contact in a private message now.

We are off to Guatemala, splitting our time between the Mayan ruins in the jungle @ Tikal , Antigua and Lake Atitlan. Our first time in Central America and are looking forward to it immensely.

We love Mexico too and have been there a couple of times around the same time as you are considering. It would certainly be high on my list for a Dec/Jan trip and less weather concerns than anywhere near the Andes! I would have suggested Peru as a first visit to South America but agin, the weather? Wasn't quite so keen on the Yucatan as I thought I may be, probably because we prefer mountain scenery to the coast. Favourite parts were to the north of CDMX - Morelia/Patzcuaro were magical over the xmas period, Guanajuato was a fun place too. Oaxaca we loved too and San Cristobal de las Casas may be worth a look though it's a bit of an outlier.

Catch22:
If you have access to Netflix, you might enjoy watching the Guatemala episode of SOMEBODY FEED PHIL:

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/so...d_phil/s08/e08

Buen viaje!!

Thank you for the tip eks. Just watched it and it has made me want to go even more. The food looks incredible - have been making notes of all the restaurants he visited.
I looked up Phil and found he was the creator of one of my al time fav US sitcoms, - Every Body Loves Raymond!

I pretty much agree with catch23. Salta may be quite interesting to you. Somewhat reminiscent of the American Southwest. We hired a car and river for our Salta journey.
Have a travel agent who is wonderful in Buenos Aires who has made the arrangement for all trips in the area. I too think combining a trip to Patagonia if you are taking the boat/bus crossing of the Andes makes sense for the time of your trip. Patagonia is wild and beautiful although Torres del Paine can be pricey and it does take an effort to get there. Best for active people who like to hike.

Thanks catch23, lots to think about

Tell me more about 3-day boat/ ship ride through Bariloche and the Andes Mountains, where can I find more information about it?

https://www.cruceandino.com/cruce/EN...s-cruce-andino

Travel agent and guide for salta area
 

We are planning a 15-16 day trip to Argentina fleshing mid February for my husband and I . Mjs and catch23 could you send me the name of travel agent and also the guide in Salta area?
thanks

Feb is the height of summer and very wet NW Argentina. Floods and road closures can be a big problem. I would consider this before locking in any plans. That said, I have just sent you a message with the contact details for the guide in the area. She would be able to provide further info on visiting at that time of year as she lives in Salta.

Guide
 

Thanks. She had responded that as long as guide was familiar with roads snd didn’t go to certain areas with road erosion it would be fine.
Thank you snd mjs for your prompt replies!

You are welocme jft.

Just a further thought but when planning where to go in Argentina, bear in mind that there are now direct flights to Iguazu from Salta. The falls are spectacular but realistically need 2, probably 3 nights there (depending upon flight times) to see both the Argentine and Brazilian falls

In planning process
 

I booked my flights and have connected with both contacts thanks to both of your help with an itinerary in the works. The northwest route will avoid non paved roads so will be limited by the time of year but still beautiful. I’m very excited!

Enjoy your time there. One of my favourite places in South America.

North of Argentina