Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[wildbill12]

My fiancee and I are thinking about going to Argentina for our honeymoon in mid-July.

Unfortunately we can only get 10 days (2 of which will be used for travel to and from, so really 8 days). What would you experts recommend as an itinerary for this short of a trip?

Should we just spend the whole time in Buenos Aires and the nearby area (Tigre, Colonia, Montevideo day trips?)? Or is there enough time to go see Iguazu Falls and see some wine country in Mendoza?

We have a somewhat limited budget, so we're pretty much limited to bus travel unless someone can point me to cheap flights within Argentina.

Thanks!

[mmbcross]

We did a 10-day itinerary a few years ago. See my blog at:
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/mmbcr..._2005/tpod.html

July will be winter in Argentina, so be sure to check the weather at weather.com to see if it will be to your liking. If you are into skiing, a short trip to Bariloche would be great.

Iguassu is pretty much the same all year. Mendoza could be quite chilly. Uruguay makes a great day trip by fast ferry.

Hope this helps

[semi-backpacker]

Do not just stay in Buenos Aires! When I went to Argentina, Buenos Aires was my least favorite part of the trip. I would definitely recommend taking the ferry into Colonia, Uruguay for a day trip. It's a colonial town, very pretty and quaint. It's a nice 3-hr ferry ride from Buenos Aires. I would also recommend, if possible, taking a quick flight to south Argentina. I went in the winter and there are some really cheap deals. Go to Calafate and visit the Perito Moreno Glacier. You will not regret it. For more info, visit my blogs on Argentina. Good luck!

[semi-backpacker]

The Iguazu falls was the one part of my itinerary I didn't end up having time for and I was really bummed. I definitely want to see them some day.

[mmbcross]

I agree with everyone. Iguassu Falls is a must!

[semi-backpacker]

I've heard both sides are beautiful (Argentina and Brazil)...so I would also suggest crossing over into the other country, since you'll be so close!

[wildbill12]

Thanks to everyone for your help!

We've booked the flight to Buenos Aires

We're going to spend most of the time in Buenos Aires since it seems like there is no shortage of things to do but we're going to try and make it to Iguazu since we've heard so many wonderful things about it (hopefully there will be some money leftover after the wedding to pay for it).

Would flights to Iguazu that are included along with a package from a travel agent be cheaper than just booking through LAN or Aerolinas? Or are we better off to just book everything on our own?

[semi-backpacker]

Personally, I like to book everything on my own...here's the site:

http://www.aerolineas.com.ar/home.asp

I also use Tripadvisor to check out reviews for good hotels/attractions in the area:

http://www.tripadvisor.com


Good luck!

[mmbcross]

This is a good site as well, but it often pays to purchase domestic airfares locally.

[mmbcross]

Oops...forgot the link
http://www.despegar.com.ar/homes/viajes.html

[wildbill12]

Thanks for the help! It looks like it'll probably be cheapest to book it ourselves from Aerolineas and just stay at a cheaper but well-reviewed hotel.

The link you gave me did have amazing prices, but it also says the prices aren't valid for foreigners.....much like the Aeorlineas site where the Argentine price is like half of the American price. I'm guessing they actually do check to see that you're a resident since the prices are that much cheaper for locals.

[mmbcross]

I'm guessing they actually do check to see that you're a resident since the prices are that much cheaper for locals.

I'm not sure this is the case. Just last week I flew on a locally purchased inexpensive LAN domestic ticket in Peru, and though I was asked for ID a check-in (my passport), at no time was it ever mentioned that the fare did not apply for me. It may be different in Argentina.

[wildbill12]

I'm guessing they actually do check to see that you're a resident since the prices are that much cheaper for locals.

I'm not sure this is the case. Just last week I flew on a locally purchased inexpensive LAN domestic ticket in Peru, and though I was asked for ID a check-in (my passport), at no time was it ever mentioned that the fare did not apply for me. It may be different in Argentina.

I think it is different for Argentina. The LAN website itself states specifically that you must be a resident to get these prices and then says something about article 4 of the resolution 35 in 2002 from the Secretary of Transportation. My guess is this means the Argentine government is partially subsidizing flights for residents in order to keep prices so low.

If someone has recent experience to the contrary then please let me know!

I think we're going to try and do Iguazu regardless, the lowest fares I've found are $274 each, which isn't horrible.