Buenos Aires, Argentina ~ tips on vacationing there

[Elated]

Going in January.
Anyone live/visit there?
Where is the nude beach?
Best Tango Show?
Good places to eat, dance?
How far away are the waterfalls? Can it be a day trip?
Good night clubs!
Thanks!

 

[SweetErika]

I don't think you'll get a ton of responses here, especially in How To.

Have you checked out sites like TripAdvisor to get ideas for restaurants and attractions? I'd also suggest finding good travel and Argentina-specific forums. You should be able to figure out how far away the waterfalls are and get some other suggestions on must-see sights/attractions with google and maps.

 

[bobinks2]

I was there a long time ago.

I goggled the name of the steak place that the locals used to eat at. It's closed now.

The cut of beef that they eat is called Lomo. It's different than any cut we have, but it's like a filet mignon.

Iquazu Falls is a weekend trip if you fly. When I went, it was cheaper to stay on the Brazilian side. You'll need to check to see which is better now. There was also a casino in Paraguay while you're in the area if you like to gamble, or just want to check Paraguay off of your bucket list.

I was not aware of any nude beaches in the area at the time. You may be able to google it. Most of the people from BsAs go to Punta del Este in Uruguay to go to the beach.

My guess is that the best night club at the time is either out of business or out of favor. FWIW, the most happening night club in town didn't open until 3AM. It closed at dawn. They really party all night.

You should also be prepared to eat dinner very late. The way I remember it, they start seating at around 8:30 - 9pm. The restaurants are all packed at 11pm.

At the time, I went to the best tango place. I don't remember the name. The dancing was incredible, but it was basically just a tourist trap.

They have incredible ice cream. At the time, the best ice cream stores were called Freddo and Pom.

If you've never been to that part of the world, you need to try an alfajore. It's a chocolate covered, shortbread cookie with dulce de leche in the middle. If I remember correctly, the most popular brand was Havana.

 

[QuantumJumping]

Thanks!

I was there a long time ago.

I goggled the name of the steak place that the locals used to eat at. It's closed now.

The cut of beef that they eat is called Lomo. It's different than any cut we have, but it's like a filet mignon.

Iquazu Falls is a weekend trip if you fly. When I went, it was cheaper to stay on the Brazilian side. You'll need to check to see which is better now. There was also a casino in Paraguay while you're in the area if you like to gamble, or just want to check Paraguay off of your bucket list.

I was not aware of any nude beaches in the area at the time. You may be able to google it. Most of the people from BsAs go to Punta del Este in Uruguay to go to the beach.

My guess is that the best night club at the time is either out of business or out of favor. FWIW, the most happening night club in town didn't open until 3AM. It closed at dawn. They really party all night.

You should also be prepared to eat dinner very late. The way I remember it, they start seating at around 8:30 - 9pm. The restaurants are all packed at 11pm.

At the time, I went to the best tango place. I don't remember the name. The dancing was incredible, but it was basically just a tourist trap.

They have incredible ice cream. At the time, the best ice cream stores were called Freddo and Pom.

If you've never been to that part of the world, you need to try an alfajore. It's a chocolate covered, shortbread cookie with dulce de leche in the middle. If I remember correctly, the most popular brand was Havana.

This is truly helpful. Especially about eating so late at night! When I was in Calgary, Alberta the restaurants closed at 10, the kitchen at 9!
I will try to find an Argentina forum.

 

[BertrandRussell]

Argentina has huge open spaces between cities. Travelling is best done by bus or plane. ( The passenger rail service is almost non-existent, slow, and expensive. )

If you have lots of time, use busses, If you have limited time, fly.

When flying, keep in mind that schedules may change with little notice. So call the airport the day before you leave, just to make sure that you know when it takes off. ( NB: the planes to Iguazu from BA use a local airport, not the international airport that you use to come into Argentina )

Iguazu is a full 2 day trip from BA if you fly, more if using a bus.

If you can afford it, stay in the Hilton inside the park. When it closes at night, you will still be able to hear the howler monkeys and maybe see a jaguar if you are lucky. Otherwise, you will only be able to see the park during the day when all the animals are hiding.

If you stay in Iguazu, eat at El Quincho del Tio Querido. Five years ago it had spectacular food at cheap prices.

If you take a boat to the base of the falls, make sure to bring along an exra set of dry clothing.

Five years ago, the US State dept was recommending yellow fever vacinations for those going into Paraguay or the Brazilian city of Foz de Iguazu. YMMV.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[QuantumJumping]

Argentina has huge open spaces between cities. Travelling is best done by bus or plane. ( The passenger rail service is almost non-existent, slow, and expensive. )

If you have lots of time, use busses, If you have limited time, fly.

When flying, keep in mind that schedules may change with little notice. So call the airport the day before you leave, just to make sure that you know when it takes off. ( NB: the planes to Iguazu from BA use a local airport, not the international airport that you use to come into Argentina )

Iguazu is a full 2 day trip from BA if you fly, more if using a bus.

If you can afford it, stay in the Hilton inside the park. When it closes at night, you will still be able to hear the howler monkeys and maybe see a jaguar if you are lucky. Otherwise, you will only be able to see the park during the day when all the animals are hiding.

If you stay in Iguazu, eat at El Quincho del Tio Querido. Five years ago it had spectacular food at cheap prices.

If you take a boat to the base of the falls, make sure to bring along an exra set of dry clothing.

Five years ago, the US State dept was recommending yellow fever vacinations for those going into Paraguay or the Brazilian city of Foz de Iguazu. YMMV.

Enjoy your trip.

This is good to know! Thanks.

I am now looking at Trip Advisor, things to do in BA

 

[QuantumJumping]

This seems a great place to visit

Definitely on my bucket list now