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[crissmancd]

I just stumbled upon this site and have been enjoying the forums. I am planning on going to Argentina for 3 weeks in April. Do you think that's enough time to visit Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Bariloche and El Calafate? Would you advise booking flights beforehand or go to a travel agent while I'm there? I'm also considering taking a bus for one of these legs. Thanks for your advise!

[kathryn77]

I'm unsure off the top of my head where El Calafate is, but the other 3 are definitely do-able in 3 weeks. I bussed all around and picked tickets up as I went. Try to stop in Mendoza too, it's beautiful! And also, if you can see the Brazilian side of the falls too, it's worth it - you can get there by local bus from the Argentinian side in half an hour or so for $1

[laorfamily]

Absolutely doable. El Calafate is in Southern Argentina I believe but well worth the trip.

[mmbcross]

Yes, you should be able to make all these places in three weeks.

Buy your domestic tickets as you go. I suggest you fly to Iguassu as it's over 24 hours by bus, and there is little else to see in this area. Do a one, or better still, a two-day visit so you can do the Brazilian side as Kathryn suggests.

Argentina is awfully big. The bus from BA to Bariloche is also 24 hours, so you will probably end up flying to Bariloche and El Calafate. In my experience, fares tend to be cheaper when purchased in local currency (or credit card) within the country, but that could change.

I do suggest a visit to Mendoza. We did it on an overnight bus, supremely comfortable, spent two days and loved it. You might look into a bus service from Mendoza to Bariloche. It takes about 17 hours, but the buses are really comfortable, and its a pretty spectacular trip along the foothills of the Andes.

Do try to spend at least one night in an estancia on the Pampas. We stayed at one near San Antonio de Areco, and lovely little cowboy town just a few hours out of BA.

[crissmancd]

Thanks for all the recommendations. Sounds like I should check out Mendoza as well. Here's a follow-up question: I'd like to be able to take my time on the trip. If I decide to skip one of these places (save it for a 2nd trip), what would you suggest? Would the falls be that spectacular after summer? Thanks again.

[mmbcross]

I think crissmancd meant water levels at Iguassu rather than climate. The best time to see the falls at full strength is during the rainy season that is from November to February. Water levels will be at their lowest in August, September and October. At times it just becomes a piddle in October if the weather has been particularly dry.