badluck
New member
Spent three weeks in Argentina in November, dividing our time among Buenos Aires, Peninsula Valdes, Iguazu, and Mendoza, and concluding with four more days in Buenos Aires. Our overall itinerary worked out splendidly, allowing us to visit all the sights we had planned, skipping the south to focus on mountains and glaciers, which we have in our own backyard. We had a fantastic time, witnessing breathtaking sites, savoring delicious food, and perhaps indulging a bit too much in excellent wine.
Here's a rundown of our journey:
Here's a rundown of our journey:
- Started with a wonderful small-group tour of Buenos Aires, visiting major museums with somewhat limited but interesting collections. Our most memorable experiences in BA were centered around the incredible food and captivating tango shows at Tango Porteno and Catulo Tango. Dining at outstanding restaurants like Chila and Aramburu provided Michelin-star quality meals at a fraction of the cost compared to similar experiences in the US or Europe.
- Peninsula Valdes was an expensive but unforgettable experience, especially at La Ernestina, a private ranch where we encountered sea lions and penguins. Our whale watching trips with Bottazzi were unparalleled, allowing us to get remarkably close to large whales.
- Iguazu Falls left us in awe, truly a wonder of the world. The jet boat ride under the falls is a must.
- In Mendoza, wine touring with Trout and Wine offered two excellent all-day wine tours, each winery offering a unique experience. We enjoyed superb meals at Azafran and tried some good craft beers at Chachingo. However, beyond the wine tours and access to the Andes, Mendoza City itself didn't offer much.
- Back to Buenos Aires, we had an enjoyable day with Delta Unplugged in Tigre, visited a gaucho ranch, and had a good time, though we expected a bit more of a horsemanship exhibition.
- We used Aerolineas Argentina for internal flights. The airline was fine for transportation, but the food and drink were the worst we've encountered on an airline.
- Taxis were our primary mode of transportation, and they were affordable and convenient. Only encountered one issue among numerous rides.
- Sidewalks in all cities and towns were in poor condition, even in upscale neighborhoods in Buenos Aires.
- We opted for a Movistar SIM card, but it was a disaster. Consider arrangements with your local provider or Movistar's competitor, Claro.
- Airbnb stays were less than ideal, with various issues in virtually all locations.
- Money matters were a hassle, with high fees at ATMs and discounts for US cash in some places. Credit cards were widely accepted but often required providing passport details.
- Economic difficulties were evident in the slow maintenance of public monuments and parks, impacting views and experiences.
- Felt safe throughout the trip, but standard traveler precautions were necessary.
