Please check Buenos Aires itinerary
 

Dear Fodorites,

My husband and I have found ourselves with some time to get away this November and have chosen Buenos Aires as the destination (first time to South America – have previously traveled to Europe, Asia, and Australia).

I’m 45, he’s 58, and we’re both in great shape. We love to walk the big cities and soak up the atmosphere. He loves history, I love shopping, we both love food and culture.

I would really appreciate a quick look-over by your expert eyes.

Day 0 > Arrive late at night into BA
Days 1–6 > Spend in BA
Days 7–8 > Colonia
Days 9–10>Montevideo
Day 11 > Fly out from Montevideo in the early hours of the day to return home

I had been debating on what trips to go on from BA. Perusing the threads made me aware of Colonia which Fodorites seem to love, and from there I thought, “well, why not see one more world capital” and incorporated Montevideo into the trip.

Other trips I considered were Iguazu Falls, but the distance is great and it wouldn’t be complete without crossing over into Brazil, which means getting a Brazilian visa.

Several posters talk about Patagonia, but it seems I would need more time for a trip like that.

Going into Uruguay seems pretty hassle-free…am I right? Also, flying out of Uruguay to return home after seeing Buenos Aires saves time in the otherwise back and forth commute between the two countries. I notice though, not too many Fodorites seem to visit Montevideo. Some posters have discussed Punta del Diablo, and I am a little curious about that.

Please do let me know if you have any suggestions for this itinerary.

Thank you!

I would certainly opt for our Iguazú Falls instead of Montevideo, but there would be an extra cost, as you already know. Visiting the Brazilian side is not absolutely necessary.

I would also choose our NW or our South (mainly El Calafate) over Montevideo. I believe there are pretty good reasons why "not too many Fodorites seem to visit Montevideo".

You need to know about the "blue" rate of exchange, before coming here, because it can save you +40% on anything which can be paid with a CC, including your hotel stay. Not quite sure if you could also save on your local flights. I can find out, if you wish.

Several threads on this forum on the subject of the "blue" rate of exchange, most by yours truly.

Have a great time in my country with your DH Starrburst07 and feel free to e-mail me to albertovgalloATyahoo.com if so inclined.

Just read you don't like hot and humid weather, which means that I feel El Calafate is the side trip for you.

What to do out there:

http://www.hieloyaventura.com/2010/eng_index.html

I tend to agree with Avrooster and would suggest that you consider Iguazu which is well worth the time and effort even if you don't visit the Brazilian side. We managed to cross the border without showing passports as did many others. Illegal of course but that seemed to be the norm when we visited in 2008.

We really liked Colonia and stayed for about 4 days but it could easily be done in a long day trip from BA but is worth an overnight stay. Montevideo is ok but I don't think it is worth it in the time you have available.

More info and photos from our visit to these places a few years ago are on our blog @ http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/1/tpod.html entries 82 onwards.

Avrooster, your feedback is really helpful. Since both you and Crellston are recommending Iguazu Falls, I think we're going to go ahead and do it. I'll look into El Calafate as a side trip. Thank you also for warning me about the "blue" rate. I'll have to read your threads to learn more about it. I may contact you at that address!

Crellston, you've got a great blog there. How lucky to be able to see so much of the world. I see you did Australia too - my fave!

Iguazú Falls is hot and humid, but one of the wonders of the world.

With 11 days, you could also include El Calafate.

Both destinations don't require much more than two full day each, max three.

Adequate use of the "blue" exchange rate is the key to an affordable holiday in Argentina.

This link:

http://www.ambito.com/economia/mercados/monedas/dolar/

in which the "blue" rate is called "informal" and the official rate is called "oficial" tells you most of what you need to know.

If you pay with your CC, you are selling dollars at the "oficial" price.

If you bring cash dollars and sell them at the "informal" rate, you'd save, AT THIS TIME, over 40% on anything which can be paid with a CC, including your hotel stay AND your LOCAL flights.

I wasn't sure about how it worked for local flights, but I just checked.

Have a great time in my country, at +40% off! LOL!!!

Glad you enjoyed our blog starrbust. Off to Oz again next yearto visit our son.

Good for you crellston, we plan on returning there at some point too.

Avrooster - I'm doing my research on the blue rate now…I'm wondering how I will pay for local airline travel in cash. I was hoping to make those reservations before I left the US!

Well, you'll have to choose between buying before you leave the US (which means no +40% discount) and buying those tickets when you are here, in cash pesos (+40% discount).

Of course, that implies you'll have to go to a travel agent as soon as you land here and take whatever is available. So, you'll have to be VERY flexible with your travel plans.

I BELIEVE that would NOT be an awful problem in November, but you may prefer the certainty of having the tickets for your local flights booked before landing here.

Have a great time in my country with your DH, starrburst07.

"Other trips I considered were Iguazu Falls, but the distance is great and it wouldn’t be complete without crossing over into Brazil, which means getting a Brazilian visa."

Not at all. Fly to Puerto Iguazú (IGR) and just stay on the Argentine side. There is plenty to see & do. This place is absolutely spectacular - don't miss a chance to see it.

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie