Expert: Cintia - 6/22/2005

Question
Hi Cintia!

My name is Takis, I am from Greece and I will be visiting Argentina during August. There are two questions I would like to ask.
The first relates to the Cataratas de Iguazu. I will be staying in Iguazu 3 for days. I know that all travel agencies have packages for the region. I am interested in a package including flight tickets from Buenos Aires (ida y vuelta) and trips to both sides of the cataratas as well as to the misiones. I estimate about 2 days to see both sides of the Cataratas and one day to see the misiones. My question is whether you know a traevl agency where I could book this in a reasonable price. It is for 2 people. I would also like to know what is it worth to see about the misiones ( I only have 1 day for this).Is it possible to find special offers for this (air tickets or all of these?and how?)
If I don't book a total offer for this all, how difficult is to explore the Cataratas and misiones on my own?

My second questions is that after teh Catararas de Iguazu I will be having 1-2 days in Buenos Aires (I will have seen it )before leaving. What places can I visit in one or 2 days? I have heard about the Pampas. Can you suggest any specific place?


Tahnk you very much in advance!

Takis


Answer
Dear Takis,
Greetings from Buenos Aires! It is wonderful to be contacted from Greece and I am glad to learn that you will soon be visiting Argentina.
Perhaps if you have read my previous answers, you already know that I am a travel agent specialized in tailor made services for independent travelers who come to Argentina. However, the reason why I volunteer at this website is because I am willing to promote my country and encourage more people to visit it. I do not pursue any commercial interests here so I will be happy to give you general information regarding your queries but I am afraid I can´t recommend you any specific travel agency.
In response to your plans about going to Iguazu falls, a 2 night stay is the minimum amount of time you will need to visit both sides of the falls. I have had clients who did so on an overnight trip, but they were in hurry and had to hire  a private guide to make the most out of their time. The brazilian side doesn´t require much walking, so half a day is enough, but the argentinian side has several self guiding trails where you will have to walk a lot, so you should allow at least one full day, and maybe a bit more depending on your pace.
As to the jesuit missions, you can find them not only in Argentina but also in Paraguay and Brazil. The ones that are usually visited are the San Ignacio Jesuit Ruins and Santa Ana Missions. From Iguazu, you should consider a full day excursion since they are located in the southern part of the province, while Iguazu is in the north.
One possibility is that you go from Iguazu down to visit the missions and from there to the city of Posadas which is quite close, and fly back to Buenos Aires, instead of going back all the way up to Iguazu. There are not many flights from Posadas to Buenos Aires but maybe you are lucky to travel on a day where you can take an evening flight and therefore save some valuable time.

About Buenos Aires, after having explored the city, you can certainly considering staying for 2 days at an estancia in the countryside. If you like nature, then this is a good option for you. Estancias are upscale resorts far away from the city where you can relax, do horseback riding, etc.

I hope this helps you with your plans and wish you a wonderful stay in my country.
Best regards,

Cintia Stella
Buenos Aires, Argentina