Side Trip from EZE -- Iguazu or Mendoza
Posted on Jan 08, 2009 under xn--zqqs84h3is.com | editI was curious to people's thoughts on one or the other -- in terms of getting there, what to do (we are wine buffs which is definitely more suited towards Mendoza, but the falls are a great attraction as well), etc.
Any thoughts, comments are appreciated.
Greg
TA and other recommendations aside, I will point out (once again) that while you may be able to get better deals buying airfares that are only for residents of Argentina, please be aware that you are rolling the dice. While its true that enforcement of resident only fares is random (and seems to mostly lax), if you get unlucky at one of your check-in points you may experience some level of inconvenience. Im sorry if this is raining on someone parade, but its always good to know all the facts before making a decision on what to plan & purchase.
I have been to the Iguazu falls and saw them from both the Argentine and Brazilian side.
To be honest I had never heard about them until my Argentine wife suggested we go and was not prepared for the truly magnificient sight that beheld me, I was amazed and gobsmacked at how beautiful and majestic they were and could not believe that they were so unknown to us here in Europe as they are definately ten times better than the better known Niagra.
You can also take a raft trip on the river below the falls which is very exciting and good for taking pictures and the walkways out to some of the falls are super as well but not for the fainthearted!! The jungle trip in the surrounding countryside is very good to see the wildlife,monkeys,birds, etc.
Also a side trip to the Itaipu dam is also very interesting. ^
Since you're already going to be in Buenos Aires, then long before then introduce yourself to Flytertalker Guaucho100K and his wine shop. I'm sure that will take care of your wine fix.
(granted, not a fair comparison, since I've not been to Mend., but I just can't imagine how it could "top" Iguazu...YMMV...)
I've been to both. I would say that 2 days for Mendoza is really not enoughtime. Also touring a winery as opossed to walking around one of the marvels of nature can not be compared. Wine you can taste in Bs As as previously mentioned.
Iquazu can not be purchased. Don't forget to check out both views.
Have a great time (you will) Bs As is truly one THE wonderful cities.
Also, when buying domestic tickets in Argentina on LAN or Aerolineas Argentinas, buy through the argentininan site (.ar). This has been discussed in the South American ff programs forum, but the .ar site has lower fares than the site for foreigners. Supposedly, the fares are only for Argentina residents, but airline employees never seem to check or care, especially now that with web check-in.
On LAN, I believe it was 610 pesos round trip but they displayed the price with dollar signs while at the bottom saying "valores in pesos argentinos"?
If that's the case, it's a big difference, although Aerolineas seems to have more frequent flights during the day so the 1-day trip is viable but with LAN, you would likely have to stay over.
So is Iguazu worth $500-600 for flights and lodging? Considering my week apartment rental in BA is under $250?
http://scotthalver.com/ARyUYFotos/ARyUYFotos.html
On LAN, I believe it was 610 pesos round trip but they displayed the price with dollar signs while at the bottom saying "valores in pesos argentinos"?
If that's the case, it's a big difference, although Aerolineas seems to have more frequent flights during the day so the 1-day trip is viable but with LAN, you would likely have to stay over.
So is Iguazu worth $500-600 for flights and lodging? Considering my week apartment rental in BA is under $250?
I have not been to Mendoza either, but Iguazu Falls is one of the most magnificent wonders of the world. I would encourage anyone in the area not to miss them.
You can get flights for around $200, however, as I understand it, the ticket must be purchased from within Argentina. There is a travel agent recommended by Gaucho100K (and me) in the Cow Do thread in the Community Forum. He will be happy to make any arrangements for airfare (I paid $199 (U.S.) a few weeks ago).
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=543343&page=12&pp=15&highlight=Cow (post 174)
TA and other recommendations aside, I will point out (once again) that while you may be able to get better deals buying airfares that are only for residents of Argentina, please be aware that you are rolling the dice. While its true that enforcement of resident only fares is random (and seems to mostly lax), if you get unlucky at one of your check-in points you may experience some level of inconvenience. Im sorry if this is raining on someone parade, but its always good to know all the facts before making a decision on what to plan & purchase.
Perhaps this is not the place for such a discussion, but I have purchased two such tickets from Argentine travel agents - one of whom you recommended, as you know. Neither has mentioned that the fares are for residents of Argentina. This would suggest that the "enforcement" is indeed lax. I didn't realize the fares were for Argentine residents only, I just thought they had to be purchased in Argentina, even though you mention that you have pointed this out previously (and I uaually hang on your every word ;) ).
Since you're already going to be in Buenos Aires, then long before then introduce yourself to Flytertalker Guaucho100K and his wine shop. I'm sure that will take care of your wine fix.
(granted, not a fair comparison, since I've not been to Mend., but I just can't imagine how it could "top" Iguazu...YMMV...)
Neither of us have ever been to South America before... Iguazu's interest is the natural beauty while Mendoza is the wine. I've read a little bit about Salta but not very much.
Greg
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