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Argentina for Carnival - Anyone been?
Posted on 11/4/22 at 1:31 pm
Posted on 11/4/22 at 1:31 pm
Looking at heading down to Argentina for Carnival in January (they run parades every Saturday). Anyone been?
I am reading that the largest event is in Gualeguaychú, so I was looking at flying into Buenos Aries then driving up there for a couple of days over the weekend.
Then flying Buenos Aries to Mendoza and spending three days doing wineries before heading back home.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. I haven't been to South America at all so I don't know what to expect.
I am reading that the largest event is in Gualeguaychú, so I was looking at flying into Buenos Aries then driving up there for a couple of days over the weekend.
Then flying Buenos Aries to Mendoza and spending three days doing wineries before heading back home.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. I haven't been to South America at all so I don't know what to expect.
2
Posted on 11/4/22 at 5:26 pm to jbgleason
I was in Buenos Aires back in March.
It’s a lovely city and the people are generally very friendly. Finding English speakers is not very easy. I’d highly recommend hiring a private guide for at least one day. Hit the Recoleta, the first Catholic Church, City Cemetery, Government plazas and eat all the Choripan, Gelato and Dulce de Leche. Drink a Mate tea. Take in a meal at Fogon Asado. Thank me later.
There’s a bit of a misconception about value in South America. The age old belief is that everything is quite cheap. In Brazil and Panama this held true. We found that not to be the case in Buenos Aires. After the exchange rate their pricing was pretty consistent with what you pay here in the States be it hotels or dining.
One thing I was unaware of until it was a bit late is that theres an official exchange rate (what your bank or credit card uses) and there’s a real exchange rate. The real exchange rate being much more favorable for actual US dollars.
Argentinian people in general are distrusting of their own financial system and having been wrecked by inflation many times it’s easy to understand why.
Many businesses will deeply discount their pricing if paying with US Dollars. This gets all the more prevalent once you get outside of Buenos Aires or are dealing with family owned businesses. Be sure to bring some US cash if looking to grab up some keepsakes or when buying drinks. Quality leather goods are dirt cheap in Argentina. If looking for a nice belt or bag it’s a great place.
It’s a lovely city and the people are generally very friendly. Finding English speakers is not very easy. I’d highly recommend hiring a private guide for at least one day. Hit the Recoleta, the first Catholic Church, City Cemetery, Government plazas and eat all the Choripan, Gelato and Dulce de Leche. Drink a Mate tea. Take in a meal at Fogon Asado. Thank me later.
There’s a bit of a misconception about value in South America. The age old belief is that everything is quite cheap. In Brazil and Panama this held true. We found that not to be the case in Buenos Aires. After the exchange rate their pricing was pretty consistent with what you pay here in the States be it hotels or dining.
One thing I was unaware of until it was a bit late is that theres an official exchange rate (what your bank or credit card uses) and there’s a real exchange rate. The real exchange rate being much more favorable for actual US dollars.
Argentinian people in general are distrusting of their own financial system and having been wrecked by inflation many times it’s easy to understand why.
Many businesses will deeply discount their pricing if paying with US Dollars. This gets all the more prevalent once you get outside of Buenos Aires or are dealing with family owned businesses. Be sure to bring some US cash if looking to grab up some keepsakes or when buying drinks. Quality leather goods are dirt cheap in Argentina. If looking for a nice belt or bag it’s a great place.
This post was edited on 11/4/22 at 5:31 pm
Posted on 11/6/22 at 6:52 am to jbgleason
I've spent a lot of time there and love it.
First, make sure you have a meal at Don Julio. Five years ago you could get a stunning steak dinner with lots of wine and trimmings for $60/head.
Second, don't take a taxi downtown from Ezeiza, take a Remi. That's like a nicer taxi. They are all little tiny Volkswagens (sub Jetta size) but the Remis are cleaner and more tourist friendly.
Third, check your tickets, your Mendoza flight probably leaves from Aeroparque, the little airport downtown.
Spend some time walking around Recoleta and San Telmo, all very interesting. I also enjoyed Fervor (order seafood), El Sanjuanino (order traditional local food), Bistro Dada, there are plenty of good spots.
You can find inexpensive hotels in Recoleta for $60-80/night that are clean. You can also find deluxe rooms at Alvear or Four Seasons that are $400/night.
The subway is very useful. I speak shiddy Spanish and didn't have much trouble finding English speakers.
First, make sure you have a meal at Don Julio. Five years ago you could get a stunning steak dinner with lots of wine and trimmings for $60/head.
Second, don't take a taxi downtown from Ezeiza, take a Remi. That's like a nicer taxi. They are all little tiny Volkswagens (sub Jetta size) but the Remis are cleaner and more tourist friendly.
Third, check your tickets, your Mendoza flight probably leaves from Aeroparque, the little airport downtown.
Spend some time walking around Recoleta and San Telmo, all very interesting. I also enjoyed Fervor (order seafood), El Sanjuanino (order traditional local food), Bistro Dada, there are plenty of good spots.
You can find inexpensive hotels in Recoleta for $60-80/night that are clean. You can also find deluxe rooms at Alvear or Four Seasons that are $400/night.
The subway is very useful. I speak shiddy Spanish and didn't have much trouble finding English speakers.
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