Buenos Aires????????????

Question

Hola a todos!!! When i go to Buenos Aires in march i will have 4-5 days free. Does anyone know where some good destinations are for me to visit for those days. I was thinking of travelling up to mendoza and driving or taking a bus up the andes through that tunnel that comes out into chile and down to santiago, but, i think 4-5 days wont be long enough. I also want to go to iguazo falls. I think this is a day tour???? I am in BA for 3 weeks. 2 weeks at a spanish school and the rest free!!!!!

• My good friend from Argentina came, it's guillermo:) - Heidita Nov 11, 2009

Answer 1

I have been on the bus across the Andes to Santiago. It is a fantastic journey. In Buenos Aires, one place that you must visit is Recoleta Cemetery. It is like a small town of hundreds of ornate graves and tombs. The zoo is also worth a visit to see the thousands of wild cats. You also have to eat in a restaurant called "el Palacio de las Papas" in Lavalle. They have the most amazing "French Fries".

• Try Googling "El Palacio de las Papas" - 00515f39 Nov 11, 2009
• I concur with the Cemetary idea. It is really really neat and not morbid at all I promise. - Lasairfiona Nov 11, 2009

Answer 2

You might want to walk through La Boca. That is where Tango originated from. All of the houses are painted in pastel colors. It is quite an experience. For a reasonably priced meal that tastes absolutely fantastic, there is a tenedor libre (all you can eat restaurant) called Maizalles. While you are in Argentina be sure to try dulce de leche granizada ice cream at one of the many ice cream shops that you will find. Let's not forget the chocolate covered, dulce de leche filled churros... just thinking about them makes my mouth water.

A trip down to Mar del Plata, or La Plata might be quite enjoyable, and they are much closer than Mendoza and Iguazu.

You can't go to Buenos Aires without seeing the Obelisco (think Washington Monument), or La Casa Rosada (Presidents Mansion).

If you like theater (opera, classical music), try the Teatro Colón.

Also, you should visit Bosques de Palermo if you have a chance.

I am totally jealous of you being able to go and visit that beautiful city.

Answer 3

Hola

I spent 2 weeks in Argentina back in 2006. During that time I stayed in BA for about a week.

I also flew out to both the places you are mentioning - Mendoza & Iguazu Falls. I think you need at least a couple of days in both places.

The falls are huge and one day is a bit short if you want to see them from both the brazilian and argentinian side. They are two very different views. One is more panoramic while the other is more up close and personal.

I recommend two days at the falls (the flight up there is about 1 1/2 hours, by bus it will take about 18 hours from BA - I think?).

In general I would say it is better to slow down og get the real grip of things than hurry to try to see everything in one short trip - but that`s just my opinion.

Anyway I wish you a nice trip - Argentina is fantastic. Don`t forget to sip some of that lovely red wine of Mendoza and go see a Tango show!

• Thankyou for that input. - mike123587 Nov 11, 2009
• I absolutly agree with your opinion. I AM from Argentina, If I were a turist, I'd go sightsee Buenos Aires... she's definitly "the Queen of the River Plate"... you won't regret. Good luck! - Benz Jan 22, 2010

Answer 4

You are so lucky to go to Buenos Aires. How about a day trip to Montevideo, Uruguay. There is a fast ferry service and the leather goods used to be cheaper there than BA.

I posted this link recently of a Mosque in Palermo. This mosque has to be one of the "Wonders of the World".

Mosque in Palermo

Answer 5

I have never been there, but would be interested in hearing about your time there.

• I will let you know how i go and my experiences!!! - mike123587 Nov 11, 2009

Answer 6

If you do go across the Andes, it is well worth reading the book about the rugby team that crashed in a plane in the Andes and they had to eat each other to survive. Whether by bus or plane, it makes you think as you are on your journey. You can buy it on Amazon very cheaply.

Link to Amazon

• I don't thinlk the link works. The book is called "Alive - the story of the Andes Survivors" - 00515f39 Nov 11, 2009

Answer 7

Mike, I corrected the title for you, may be I can get a friend over here to comment

By the way, don't forget to post your experiences on this site!!

• Dont worry, you will be the first to know!!! - mike123587 Nov 11, 2009

Answer 8

I see very good suggestions. I think a tour to Los Andes or Mendoza will take most of your free time if you want to do it right. Cataratas is more of a shorter tour but you should spend a couple of days. I would suggest that you should take a tour to the "Delta del Paraná". It's a really nice place to go. It will take less than a day to complete it. Yo can google it an you will find a lot of information.

• Is that Tigre? - 00515f39 Nov 11, 2009

Answer 9

I agree with the Cemetery but disagree with the zoo. There are must more impressive zoos in other countries. Sure it is a zoo but it isn't very big or impressive. It is a couple hours leisurely walk if it is nice outside and you don't want to do anything too strenuous.

I suggest a Tango show, they are EVERYWHERE, but watch out for the people who charge for pictures. Also, the people in the stores restaurants, etc are PUSHY. Watch out; you will be walking by a restaurant and they will have brought you your drinks before you have even decided that you want to eat there.

The architecture of the city is amazing. I highly recommend hiring a guide or getting on a bus tour of the city so you can hear all about the history as well as get a good look at the many amazing buildings. The architecture is almost exclusively european but because so many european countries have been in BA, the architecture is all mixed up giving you a smorgasbord of pretty buildings. Seriously, one of their main governmental buildings, the Presidential Palace, is "pink" (also known as terra cotta). It is in the Plaza de Mayo.

One last thing - there are leather shops EVERYWHERE in BA. Bring some extra money, in cash, and pick some up. The leather is amazing and really, really cheap. I also got some amazing cashmere scarfs on the super cheap.

Answer 10

Many excellent suggestions here - I missed the ferry trip to Montevideo when I was there and I really regret it!

But hey - it just means I have to go back, right?

While you`re in La Boca (which is quite touristy I would say) why not attend a soccer match at La Bombonera stadium (also known as "the chocolate box") - the atmosphere is brilliant!

• I was disappointed at how small the stadium was. I thought that it was much larger than it turned out to be. - Nathaniel Nov 11, 2009
• Hmm, have you been to Nou Camp, Barcelona? Might be more your size! 90 000... - Thomas-de-No Nov 11, 2009
• I have never been to Spain, though I hope to be able to go some day. - Nathaniel Nov 16, 2009

Answer 11

I have been to Iguazu and the falls are very beautiful. It is worth the trip, but as the other writer noted you need to spend two days there. I am going to Buenos Aires in December to visit my son who lives there. During that visit we are going to Bariloche, which is in the mountains. I am looking forward to going there. For the younger crowd, my son works in a restaurant called the California Burrito Company. One of the restaurants is located in Palermo.

Answer 12

Thanks guys!! I have heaps to choose from now!! I still have plenty of time though! I am going in march, so when I get back I will let you know how I went!!!! And hopefully my spanish will be heaps better!!!!