Buenos Aires

[Mountie]

I would like to see luxurylink offer more properties in Buenos Aires and other areas in Argentina. Buenos Aires is so much like several European cities, but without have to pay the high prices. Whether you are spending dollars [US or Canadian] or Euros, you will be able to enjoy first class hotel and gourmet restaurants for half the cost of back home.

[[email protected]]

I second. Buenos Aires is so far my favorite city on earth. Amazing people, food, energy, and value. Everyone should take a trip!

[shark485]

I agree. Buenos Aires is a nice alternative for US travelers looking for a European Experience without exchanging to euros. Also, in nearby Patagonia, you can see Penguins in the wild!!

[hunter1]

Can I fourth this destination? Just returned from our second trip in as many years. Prices are creeping up, particularly in BA, but the city--indeed, the country--continues to amaze--as much for its civility as its dollar-freindly prices. One suggestion for the dollar-savvy lover of Argentina, leave BA and head to Salta in the north. Comparisons to the American West are inevitable--deserts, mountains, gorges, ravines--but there are surprises, such as vineyards, daireys that produce famous (in Argentina) cheese, and some outstanding handicrafts. All at prices far below BA. Though car rental prices are through the roof.

[claassenam]

Has anyone been to Argentina/Buenos Aires in August? I know it's winter, but is it a worthwhile to go (and not for skiing)? Curious as this could be added to my list of August possibilities....

[omarto007]

buenos aires is a good place the whole year. so, you will have no problems in august. the winter is very soft there, and all the regular places are open as in summer.

i could say it is even a more charming place. just remeber to carry with you a good umbrella and warm clothes (but not too warm)

dont forget the usual places like: plaza de mayo, palermo, recoleta, la boca, cafe tortoni, tango ballrooms in san telmo, etc.





have a nice trip

[claassenam]

Hi omart,
Thanks for the advice. Argentina is looking like a good possibility for me for a trip in August, especially given the great value. I started a thread a few days ago in the "worldwide" section asking for more information, recommendations on where to stay and where to go in Argentina in general (not just Buenos Aires) - can you help?
Thanks!

[marolyn]

Just discovered that next spring holds a trip to Argentina. I'm interested in learning as much as possible as we plan the trip. The International Women's Forum will meet in Buenos Aires and give me an excuse to enjoy a new part of the world. Please share any more information you might have, and I'll share new discoveries as we plan the trip. Cheers...Marolyn

[hunter1]

Hi, Marolyn.You are in for a travel treat.Few places live up to their hype. BA does. Choose your hotel carefully, because that will determine your vantage point, the beginnings of your walking--this is a pedestrian-welcome city--and bias your sense of what the city is like.I suggest you choose Recoletta, which is both comopolitan and welcoming.If you can afford them, either the Four Seasons or Parc Hyatt are fine (in that order, personally, because the service at the FS is superior to the PH, althoiugh the rooms are a tad better at the latter.) Other choices in the area are the Sofitel and Caesar Parc. Be comfortable with the flat-rate cab ride to your hotel, about $20. Any good guide book will provide you with the sort of storied list of where to go, eat, and so on. On sale only in BA is a TimeOut guide to BA (in english) that is terriffic, by turn caustic, hip, amusing and always informative.BA is still somewhat dollar-friendly, but prices are rising. So, if you have the time, get out of the city-- to Salta, or Barriloche, or Mendoza. These are three very different destinations, all reachable only by air (expensive for visitors, who are charged more than loocals for air tix) but will provide a radically different feeling about the complexity that is Argentina. Some trips to take from BA if you can't get away for the longer visits to other parts suggested above, might include a day trip to an estancia (a ranch) in the pampas. A bit touristy (how can it not be via a tour?) but oddly authentic at the same time. The NY Times archive for their travel section lists some that are featured on various hotel tours, and you can also buy a one-night (or longer) package. But unless you're a real horsewoman, a day-trip should be enough. Another interesting (and oddly economical) mini-tour is to to the Four Seasons in Carmelo, Uruguay. You take a high-speed ferry (be certain it is the high-speed one) and the hotel van picks you up. FS Carmelo is beautifully located in a eucalyptus forest (as I recall) and offers a spa, excellent food, and a relaxing ambiance.The local forest Swimming is in a very nice pool;the "beach" on the Rio Plate is not attractive.There's a 2-day package available on the Four Seasons web site that may interest you. Also, the less expensive room are just as good as the river view ones. If you lioke nature--they have nature walks, bird-spotting tours--you'll enjoy. It is curiously hip and quiet. You don't have to stay at the FS in BA to take advantage, but it is easier to ensure everything is as you arranged it if you are a guest at FSBA. (I come from the the "trust no one" school of travel.

I used to work for news magazines and saw a lot of the world. Argentina is special, and I envy you going there for the first tiome. It will seem european, rather than Latin. And it is.

If I can help in any further way, please do let me know. You can reach me at: [email protected]

[Bencolito]

Note that for anyone on a tight budget, there are comfortable long-distance buses which will take you to any destination in Argentina. They typically run overnight and are much cheaper than flights.