Expert: Kathy Morrell - 12/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
My boyfriend and I are visiting Argentina thr 2nd/3rd week of Feb 2010.  We are flying into Buenos Aires, I have a friend that lives there and so she will be taking us around there to show us the area.  Is there anywhere I should make sure she takes us? And as for hotels, we don't want to waste a bunch of money for something we are hardly going to be in. suggestions???

After 2 days there we were going to fly to lguazu falls for 2nights 3 days?? If that is a good idea let me know, but if we should stay longer....how many days is best? What airlines is best to go by and how much do they usually cost.  Hotel suggestions (same we don't want to spend a bunch of money) and tour suggestions would also help.  Also, we want to go see Brazil too, so could we do a day trip or should we fly to the falls and stay 4 days? Obviously I need some help planning and coming up with things to see!!!

My friend mentioned Mendoza?? Any suggestions and between Mendoza and the falls which is more of a most see.  We are trying to budget our money wisely so if you could give me some advice on how to do this smartly that would be awesome!!!
Thanks
Lauren

ANSWER: Hi Lauren,  How fortunate you are going to Argentina, especially at that time
of year.

There are so many hotels in Buenos Aires and prices vary.  I do not stay at
real budget hotels so I can not help you on that.  I tried to call my
daughter and she was there a year ago to get the hotel she stayed at.  
She is not home now so here is my normal e-mail address and write me
with other questions if you have them.  KathyinMCO@aol.com   I might here
back from her on the hotel.

I have been to both Iguazu and Mendoza and I would take Iguazu over Mendoza.
The falls are really fantastic. When I went I stayed at the Sheraton but
that is super expensive and I really do not know any low priced ones but
I know there are many.  Look up the area in the Lonely Planet and that
might help you.  When I go on budget trips, that is the book I use.
Definitely 2 days are enough and I have even done it in one day.

If you want to take the chance and have the money, be worth it to have a taxi
take you to the Brazil side of the falls.  Brazil needs a visa to enter
but I know of people that have done it with a taxi and no problem.  Just
ask around, if you want.  You could do this in one day-------bargain for
taxi prices.

Sorry I was not much help but maybe someone else on All Experts will do better.
Do write me, if you have some other questions I MIGHT be able to help you
with.

Also, sorry for the delay in writing.  I have bronchitis and do not feel so
great.  Kathy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much, hope you start feeling better soon! Being sick during the holidays is no fun. Anyways, we arnt worry about money too much, just don't want to spend more than what we have to if we can get things at the same quality at a lower price :)   As for a visa, do we need to be with someone who has a visa to get into Brazil? I am confused by having to have a visa, we have passports, so we can not go into Brazil unless we have visas?


Answer
Hi!  Worst part is my daughter is stuck in Washington trying to get here in Orlando.  Always something.

Well, the Visa thing for Brazil is $100.00. This means you would have to send your passport to
the Brazil consulate here in USA.   Legally, you have to have a visa to get into Brazil
but taxis will take you over the boarder with no problem, from Iguasuu Falls.  This is a decision
you have to make.  If you do it in a day, just keep the taxi driver with you.  YEARS ago
I did it in one day but the Visa was not required then.  Many people get upset that we have
to get visas to Brazil but the reason for that is that USA started them for entry in USA.
The view of the Falls is so different than the Argentina side and my comment is "Niagra Falls
is like a faucet next to Iguassu".

Have you thought of going to Bariloche?  Really charming ski town............Anyway, hope
this explains the visa to you.  Kathy