Any Argentina experts here???

[Cherinha]

Been busy doing half a million things lately and now back!!!

I'm interested in traveling to Argentina, (since it is "supposed" to be pretty safe and beautiful and is close to Brasil where I am living now) for about 2 months or so.  Pablo...I know you've gone a couple of times and loved it!!!!  (Would absolutely LOVE to travel to Colombia someday...but hear the it is more expensive and safety is not as good as Argentina right now. I'm sure you Cali-experts could enlighten me on this one please... nicely. Thanks)

I would like to know where would be the best all round places to go and rent an apartment for 2 months or so, and see the area.  It needs to be safe for the children... have great sites, and I wouldn't mind a good place to meet some locals!!!  I was told the bus system is good and cheap to most areas... with caution from those with experience from this board.... anyone know about the travel to Argentina... or just take the plane??

[pablo]

... in response to Any Argentina experts here???, posted by Cherinha on Aug 22, 2003


Certainly no expert, Cherinha, with only one three week trip so far. I immensely enjoyed Argentina and plan to return.  I agree with Buellar (hi man!) that Iguazu Falls is definitely worth seeing even though I did not visit there.  I have seen many photos and everyone that has been, say it is breathtaking.  Take the boat ride up near the falls if you do go.

It really depends what you want to see.  Big city gal, then go to Buenos Aires.  Country gal, Mendoza and the hills surrounding Cordoba are great.  I liked Mendoza city better than inside Cordoba city limits.  Don't miss the wonderful wine they have in Mendoza, noted for their malbec (red).

Pantagonia would be wonderful this time of year. The Falls and Pantagonia are on my wish list next visit.  People that have been to both countries beaches say Brazil has nicer ones.  You might even check out the Florinapolis area on your way down.  Buellar loves it there!  It's funny how the grass is always greener kinda thing.  

Last I checked the search function is not working so you won't be able to bring up any archives at least not until it's fixed.  I will email you my trip report for you to mull over and some web sites that I discovered while doing some research.  Lonely Planet and Virtual Tourist (.com) are great resources also!  Enjoy your trip! Couldn't wait for me, huh? ;-)

Catch ya in Outlook!

Tchau,

Pablo

[Bueller]

... in response to Any Argentina experts here???, posted by Cherinha on Aug 22, 2003

If you're in SP, taking a bus to BsAs would be a looong trip, but you could break it up by stopping to see Foz do Iguaçu for a few days before taking the eighteen-hour trip down to BsAs. If you go with an Argentine bus line, you'll have a super cushy motorcoach, at least-- they have some of the nicest in the world. Catarinense runs SP to Curitiba and on to Foz de Iguazu, and they have really nice coaches as well.
 I loved Córdoba and surroundings; Pablo thought Mendoza was better; Corv loved BsAs enough to make a second trip, but thought Mar del Plata sucked buttermilk. He found another city he really liked (it's in the archives). Argentines seem to agree that Bariloche is awesome, and I've heard debates over whether Patagonia is prettier than the Canadian Rockies. Though Pablo didn't like the city of Córdoba as much, don't forget that there is the surrounding area, including the Sierra de Córdoba, which is a favorite vacation getaway for Argentines.
 If you're going for two months, you should have time to see all of the above; in fact, you could spend some time in each place, decide which you like best, then go back and spend more time there. In BsAs, the Garden House is a great backpacker's hangout. Corv and I both stayed there and liked it. I could recommend some places in Córdoba, too.