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Just decided to take a 3+ week vacation to Argentina and Chile in January. Thinking we'll fly in/out of Buenos Aires, spending 2+ weeks in Argentina, with about a 1 week side trip to Chile (Santiago+). Have heard a lot about Patagonia, and would like to include that if it works. Usually like to "self guide" rather than go on a tour (not afraid to rent a car and drive at our pace). Don't speak Spanish, but not afraid to struggle. Open to any suggestions or ideas.
Thanks!
get yourself into tripadvsior.com for local advice each destination
there are some really helpful experts there
take a look at luxurylink.com community forum--we have several members who have spent time in Patagonia and Chile particularly. not that you want to buy any of their hotel packages but you can find out about a specific town/area in their destination "guides"
I;'d also poke around for current issues of Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel
We only did a few days in BsAs, staying in apt in Recoleta w/side trip to Colonia (bust) and woudl gladly go back to eat more of their fabulous beef and dare I say, I love Malbec wines!! We found the Evita Peron Museum very fascinating--Boss, as well--he's very political!
Check in w/your local wine reps and see who can refer you to special tastings, etc (if you like winery stops) for both countries
Hope that helps a little.
PS--don't forget, $140 tax for each country via air but good for life of passport or 1yrs max
found this in the LL Community posts:
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Huacalera (Route 9, Huacalera; 54-388-155813417; www.hotelhuacalera.com). This spacious colonial-style ranch in the heart of the Quebrada de Humahuaca has folkloric-chic rooms, a pool and spa. Doubles from 397 Argentine pesos, or $103 at 3.86 pesos to the dollar, including buffet breakfast.
Casa Colorada (Route 9, Tilcara; 54-11-43247604; www.casacolorada.com.ar). A secluded high-altitude retreat surrounded by mountain peaks, sandstone quarries and a reserve of giant cactuses. Guests can book horseback rides and treks. Doubles from 866 Argentine pesos, including breakfast and dinner.
Marques de Tojo (4 Santa Rosa, Purmamarca; 54-388-4116001; www.marquesdetojo.com.ar). Just steps from Purmamarca’s central plaza, this new boutique property has 10 rooms decorated with Spanish-colonial furniture.
Don't quite know why anyone would want to fly out of Buenos Aires, because that is one neat place, and so exciting and hard to beat. Everything is right there. And, that's the only place I've been in regards to your other two places, (Chile and Patagonia). We stayed at the Wilton Hotel. (Buenos Aires Wilton Hotel (Buenos Aires, Argentina) | Expedia). We walked all over Buenos Aires, lots of nearby shops and cafe's. I can't express how great the food there is. They've got the best EMPANADAS in the world I think. Pastry shops all over the place, pizza joints, steak joints, wine joints. I know air fare is quite pricey within Argentina, and we had no deals with their airlines when I checked. It was like 400 bucks each way per person from Buenos Aires to Mendoza when I checked. No interline agreements with our airlines and theirs either. Chile turned me off with their 100 dollar enterance fee plus departure fee. Sort of like going to Beijing. And fares from Santiago to B.A. was ridiculous within those local airlines with no interline agreements. Maybe all that is different now, but not when I went around 7 years ago or so.
we have pretty good reciprocity for all of SA except Brasil--funny--the biggest chunk!! no clue about getting seats tho.
Palms--that hotel has great rates avail for next month. doubt one could get much better rate for good location. taxis were so cheap but we also beat feet everywhere. loved San Telmo and the tango action on the streets.
We used TAM to fly to B.A. from Sao Paulo Brazil. It was initially quite cheap, like 35 bucks each way, but tack on the crazy taxes, and it pushed it more like 75 bucks. (Taxes cost more than the ticket via nonrev agreement.) And flying back the same way, we stopped in Sao Paulo for a couple of nights.
Long distance bus travel is inexpensive and of exceptional quality between BA, Mendoza and Santiago. Cama (business class) and Cama Deluxe travel Santiago - Mendoza - BA last year was a great experience