Ask the expert
QI am heading to South America in January next year, cruising from Valparaiso to Buenos Aires for 14 days. Once in Buenos Aires, what would you consider a good use of time to see as much as I can around this area? I thought about heading to Iguazu Falls on a three- or four-day package and then would like to do a land package tour for seven to 10 days. Your suggestions would be appreciated.
AAside from the hive of activity in Buenos Aires, Argentina is a nature lover’s dream. For this reason, I would recommend dividing your stay into three entirely different experiences: Iguazu Falls, Bariloche and the Nahuel Huapi National Park and Buenos Aires.
Iguazu Falls is a short onehour-50-minute flight from Buenos Aires. Two nights here will be enough to view the falls from Argentinian territory, a boat ride at the base of the falls and an elevated view from atop in Brazil.
From here, you could take a five-and-a-half-hour flight to Bariloche to explore the Nahuel Huapi National Park. Situated on the lake front with the Patagonian peaks as a back drop, it is known for its Swiss architecture and chocolate!
From here you can take boat rides, mountain bike rides and walking tracks. There is also the Brazo Tristeza, a remote glacial fjord only accessible by boat, and the Valdivian rainforest.
To round out your Argentinian experience, a twohour flight will take you back to Buenos Aires. I would recommend four nights here – your days will be busy with all sorts of experiences, such as a visit to colourful La Boca where you find street art and tango in abundance, a concert at Teatro Colon, Puerto Madero, the waterside restaurant and fashion precinct and finally the Museum of Latin American Art.
When it comes to dining, most locals arrive at restaurants from 11pm on, so your days are sure to be long and fulfilling!