Argentina

[Spudulika]

As a mad idea my boss lady has decided we're going to Argentina for New Years (she has a business trip there and is decided to drag the family along) - I"m actually stoked to go as a colleague is from there and we're going to visit his family, however what are must-do's/see's? We're 5 days in the capital, 3 days in Cordoba and have 4 free days.

[Closed Account 2]

what do you want to see ? cities ? culture ? beaches ?

[Spudulika]

To be honest cities and culture, had beaches all summer and am sick of it. Also to check out some lcal traditional music, some sports (the boss likes rugby but I think it's out of season there).

[Closed Account 2]

Do you like senic stuff (mountains, deserts etc) or prefer to stick to cities?

You might get to watch the Argentine League out there, the last set of matches of the Apertura is on the weekend of the 11th Dec 2010, then the Clausura will usually start on the last week of January - I'm guessing both these dates will be outside the time you're there, but they might have localised friendlies.

You might want to start looking at internal flights now as you could get them cheap and it will save 24-36hr buses. I would really recommend Iguazu Falls near the Brazilian and Paraguayan borders, it can easily be done in 2 full days if you fly.

[Spudulika]

I think we'll miss the football then, which is a shame as I'd wanted to take in some action. Though I'm going to ask a player I worked with to let me know (he's Argentine) about friendlies etc.

I'd like to see the Pampas, boring as that sounds, and to see where some of the Westmeath settlers went. Also to hae a look at sopme historical cityscapes!

But I'd like to know if there are cruises on the River Plate?

And if you go to Argentina, what's the must see/do?

[Closed Account 2]

There are cruises on the river, but also you can sail to Colonia (in Uruguay) in about 90 mins or Montevideo in about 3 hrs... so you can do both in day trips. El Calafate glacier is pretty special and Tierra Del Fuego, but both are a pain in the arse to get to... Salta up in the north west is good too.

[Spudulika]

Tierra del Fuego is too far for this trip, though Salta (I checked schedules) we could do. I'd love to go to Montevideo, it'd be nice to see a city that I've long wanted to visit - I hadn't known about the ferries. Right now we're looking at hotels as we're going to have 10 days altogether and are trying to figure a travel plan out. While herself is working I'm planning on heading off for a few days with our little guy.

[Closed Account 2]

Here is the ferry company website:

http://www.buquebus.com/BQBWeb/servlet/com.buquebus.web.compra.daytour.ListadoDayTour?par Base=ARG

They do day trips including lunch, the $ on the prices means Argentine Peso not US dollar, but you will get it cheaper by just turning up and buying the return ticket without the lunch and tour etc.

[Spudulika]

cfdh Thank you very much! Right now we're planning the trip - it's going to be over New Years (I think) as it's a Russian public holiday and her company expect her to use her free days to work too, but I don't mind as I'll be happily taking my well deserved annual leave, so while she works myself and the wee man will be visiting as much as possible. I just checked Uruguay, as in the visitors site, and thought of an overnight in Montevideo, is it worth is or would a day and night be better spent in Argentina, and right now we're looking at 15 days from landing to departure.

[Closed Account 2]

You could do an overnight there, there is probably enough to warrant it. You have the old town and la rambla by the marina. Also on the second day you could get the bus to Punta Del Este (nice beaches) which is one hour, or you could get one to Colonia (three hours) but then from Colonia the boat back to BA is a lot quicker around 45m to 1hr.

Does your wife have a Russian passport ? If she does then then you will need to arrange visas for other countries (Uruguay, Brazil etc) if she goes to those, I don't think it's particularly hard to get these visas but it could take an extra day of waiting around.

If you have 2 weeks there I would say as soon as you arrive in BA go somewhere else in Argentina (like Iguazu Falls) for 2-3 days, then spend a week in BA (inc Montevideo) and then another 2-3 days in somewhere else (maybe Salta if you like Desert / Mountains, Bariloche if you like Snow/Lakes/Mountains, Cordoba if you like cultural stuff - but for that you could stay in BA, Perito Moreno if you like Glaciers and Lakes) I would be tempted to do Iguazu -> BA / Montevideo -> Perito Moreno myself, it could just about be done in the timeframe. Might want to look at booking internal flights now as they could get expensive / booked up soon.

It's a great country and I'm sure you'll enjoy it which ever places you visit - I was last there in June/July which was a bit chilly but in Dec/Jan it will be hot.

[shedite]

Yeah if you only have a few weeks you probably don't want to venture too far on busses, but if you were going to, I'd recommend Mendoza over Cordoba or Salta. Mendoza is the wine making region and has some savage wineries tours available. Also, Rosario is a more accessible pretty city if you don't want to venture too far (think it's bout 3/4 hour bus from BA).

I'd definately give BA a week tho, loads to do that. The food alone is enough to keep me happy. Make sure you visit Desnivel and LaCabrera restaurants. My favorite in the world.