South America: Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls
If you are planning a vacation to somewhere outside the U.S.A., investigate Argentina. A wonderful county and very inexpensive. Of course, my thoughts are slightly skewed because we just spent 10 weeks in Ecuador and Peru. These are wonderful places to visit but are difficult to travel. I understand why we met almost no Americans that were not on tours, Americans are not use to the difficulties and opps of Peru and Ecuador.
While traveling in Ecuador and Peru it took us a while to catch on to why we did not see many Americans. The Americans our age, if they were traveling here, had signed up for a two or three week tour that stayed only at the best hotels, told everyone where to be and when, and if there is a problem it is the tour companies problem not your problem. The other group of traveling Americans, few compared to other countries, are in their 20´s and staying at even cheaper places than we stayed.
I am not saying that you should avoid Ecuador or Peru as a traveler, but I am saying travel is difficult -- mentally difficult. You trade the mental difficulties of traveling versus the tour company's problem free travel for a sense of freedom, knowing that everyday will be an adventure -- sometimes the adventure is something as mundane as taking a well deserved hot shower or the ability to make your next destination, exciting, new and enjoyable.
Each new destination you arrive not knowing the basics -- like where is north on the city map, where to buy water, and what are the hours various stores are open and what does each store sell. The first adventure is finding a hotel and the next how to get to the hotel. You are not sure you know what you will need or want and most likely even if you do you do not know the language to convey your needs and wants.
South America's Ecuador and Peru is not the United States unless you are traveling with money and living a mini USA life in South America. And if you are living the mini USA life why bother to visit South America!
One important thing that the ever time conscious Tom discovered very quickly -- everything takes longer than your wildest estimate. Finding an ATM; the bus station; deciding on where to eat and getting there and once there what to eat, waiting for the food, and possibly the longest wait is for the check; checking into a hotel -- language, type of beds, copy your passport, fill out the hotel registration form, etc -- and of course you are already tired when you arrive at the hotel; no central air or heat -- this is not the USA with a set temperature that only varies plus or minus one degree; hot water; etc.
And I would not trade one day of our trip for an extra day back in the USA!
Back to Argentina
Buenos Aires is a great city. Very similar to a European city of USA city. Remember that we had been traveling for 10 weeks, had left Cusco for Lima, spent the day touring Lima, left Lima at two in the morning and arrived in Buenos Aires about mid morning. The first things we find upon our arrival is a new taxi, cut green grass and trees everywhere and this is just the airport parking lot.
Our hotel is 4 stars or about 40 more stars than almost any place we have stayed. Our hotel is located on one of the two pedestrian streets in B.A. on the seventh floor. A single big queen bed, not two or three single beds. A bathroom that you can drink the tap water, flush toilet paper, and my favorite a shower with hot water and a spray head that works. And the room is only 33 dollars a night. Life is great.
We did not leave the room until we woke up late in the afternoon in need of food. Our meal at the corner cafe was our introduction to Argentina beef. You read in the tour books how great the beef is and all I can say is it is better than what you read. I believe I had 8 steaks in 6 days. One lunch was a 3 quarter pound filet minion cooked rare with french fries and only 5 dollars. But it was our night out going to one of the expensive Frommer recommendation that I knew I was in heaven. The steak was over 12 ounces, cooked to perfection and served with green beans and mashed potatoes. Before the steak -- possibly the best steak I ever have had the pleasure of putting knife and fork to, we had a drink, then a bottle of wine with dinner and after dinner coffee and we split a desert. All for less than 40 dollars. Oh yes, before I forget -- Cuban cigars cost less than a good USA cigar!
After six days in B.A. we flew to Iguazu Falls. Immediately after checking into our hotel we left to visit the falls from the Brazilian side.
Iguazu Falls may be the most spectacular natural wonder I have ever laid my eyes on! Only thing I have ever seen that is in its class is Arizona's Grand Canyon. We started our hour long walk and only about two thirds of the falls had come into view when Nancy turned to me and said, Iguazu Falls has got Victoria Falls beat. As for those who have seen Niagara Falls I will quote Eleanor Roosevelt, Poor Niagara.
Iguazu is all about raw power. The Falls stretch forever, are incredibly high, and make a sound like a hundred run away railroad locomotives all with a subtropical jungle back drop! You can walk over parts of the falls, out into the spray of other parts, look at them from across the river and from the river. We took the 20 minutes raft trip that takes you up close and personal to the Falls. Wet. You get soaking wet and this wet comes from the spay created by the crashing of the water from the top of the falls into the river. The raft runs up to one of the falls, the spray comes at you so hard that you think someone as turned a fire hose on you, and there is no way you can keep you eyes open due to the water. What a thrill!
During the next couple of days we spent one whole day walking the trails on the Argentina side and another afternoon when we felt as if we had the falls to ourselves -- it was raining. After a couple of hours even we elected for cover. We got ourselves a table on the bar porch of the Sheraton looking out over the falls and had a beer. Life is good.
Digressing: Mom and Dad, when traveling in Argentina forget your bar case. A double gin and tonic cost as little as 3 dollars. I have forgotten how to order a beer, it is always cerveza grande -- this can be up to a liter of beer for less than two dollars.
Our second full day we had a scheduled guided birding tour for six in the morning. About 4 in the morning I woke up to a total down pour with thunder that was shaking the sliding glass door next to the bed. I met the guide at 6 and he cancelled. But later that morning we rescheduled for an afternoon of birding.
It was fantastic. We identified 42 birds in less than 3 and half hours. Probably saw or had pointed out another half dozen that for various reasons we did not clearly see or see at all. The highlight was just before dusk seeing the rare Helmeted Woodpecker. To date we had identified over 200 birds of which 180 are new to us. And probably seen another 20 that for what ever reason we have not identified or clearly seen.
Also seen six types of monkeys, an anteater, pigs, giant rodents, caimans, snakes, spiders, and other insects.
Time to go get dinner. Oh yes, we are in Puerto Madryn, Argentina. One more day here and then we fly to El Calafate. Martha and Tony, we will let you know how glacier hiking in South America compares to New Zealand.Oh before I forget, Martha, I keep looking for rocks to join you collection from New Zealand but so far nothing compares -- And Tony is not here to pay for the shipping!
Our best to everyone and start your planning for a visit to South America.
Oh one last thing. When in Buenos Aires I got a haircut and beard trim. If I had not requested the beard trim I think I would have made a good Santa Claus by Christmas time.
Nancy and Tom
South America
While traveling in Ecuador and Peru it took us a while to catch on to why we did not see many Americans. The Americans our age, if they were traveling here, had signed up for a two or three week tour that stayed only at the best hotels, told everyone where to be and when, and if there is a problem it is the tour companies problem not your problem. The other group of traveling Americans, few compared to other countries, are in their 20´s and staying at even cheaper places than we stayed.
I am not saying that you should avoid Ecuador or Peru as a traveler, but I am saying travel is difficult -- mentally difficult. You trade the mental difficulties of traveling versus the tour company's problem free travel for a sense of freedom, knowing that everyday will be an adventure -- sometimes the adventure is something as mundane as taking a well deserved hot shower or the ability to make your next destination, exciting, new and enjoyable.
Each new destination you arrive not knowing the basics -- like where is north on the city map, where to buy water, and what are the hours various stores are open and what does each store sell. The first adventure is finding a hotel and the next how to get to the hotel. You are not sure you know what you will need or want and most likely even if you do you do not know the language to convey your needs and wants.
South America's Ecuador and Peru is not the United States unless you are traveling with money and living a mini USA life in South America. And if you are living the mini USA life why bother to visit South America!
One important thing that the ever time conscious Tom discovered very quickly -- everything takes longer than your wildest estimate. Finding an ATM; the bus station; deciding on where to eat and getting there and once there what to eat, waiting for the food, and possibly the longest wait is for the check; checking into a hotel -- language, type of beds, copy your passport, fill out the hotel registration form, etc -- and of course you are already tired when you arrive at the hotel; no central air or heat -- this is not the USA with a set temperature that only varies plus or minus one degree; hot water; etc.
And I would not trade one day of our trip for an extra day back in the USA!
Back to Argentina
Buenos Aires is a great city. Very similar to a European city of USA city. Remember that we had been traveling for 10 weeks, had left Cusco for Lima, spent the day touring Lima, left Lima at two in the morning and arrived in Buenos Aires about mid morning. The first things we find upon our arrival is a new taxi, cut green grass and trees everywhere and this is just the airport parking lot.
Our hotel is 4 stars or about 40 more stars than almost any place we have stayed. Our hotel is located on one of the two pedestrian streets in B.A. on the seventh floor. A single big queen bed, not two or three single beds. A bathroom that you can drink the tap water, flush toilet paper, and my favorite a shower with hot water and a spray head that works. And the room is only 33 dollars a night. Life is great.
We did not leave the room until we woke up late in the afternoon in need of food. Our meal at the corner cafe was our introduction to Argentina beef. You read in the tour books how great the beef is and all I can say is it is better than what you read. I believe I had 8 steaks in 6 days. One lunch was a 3 quarter pound filet minion cooked rare with french fries and only 5 dollars. But it was our night out going to one of the expensive Frommer recommendation that I knew I was in heaven. The steak was over 12 ounces, cooked to perfection and served with green beans and mashed potatoes. Before the steak -- possibly the best steak I ever have had the pleasure of putting knife and fork to, we had a drink, then a bottle of wine with dinner and after dinner coffee and we split a desert. All for less than 40 dollars. Oh yes, before I forget -- Cuban cigars cost less than a good USA cigar!
After six days in B.A. we flew to Iguazu Falls. Immediately after checking into our hotel we left to visit the falls from the Brazilian side.
Iguazu Falls may be the most spectacular natural wonder I have ever laid my eyes on! Only thing I have ever seen that is in its class is Arizona's Grand Canyon. We started our hour long walk and only about two thirds of the falls had come into view when Nancy turned to me and said, Iguazu Falls has got Victoria Falls beat. As for those who have seen Niagara Falls I will quote Eleanor Roosevelt, Poor Niagara.
Iguazu is all about raw power. The Falls stretch forever, are incredibly high, and make a sound like a hundred run away railroad locomotives all with a subtropical jungle back drop! You can walk over parts of the falls, out into the spray of other parts, look at them from across the river and from the river. We took the 20 minutes raft trip that takes you up close and personal to the Falls. Wet. You get soaking wet and this wet comes from the spay created by the crashing of the water from the top of the falls into the river. The raft runs up to one of the falls, the spray comes at you so hard that you think someone as turned a fire hose on you, and there is no way you can keep you eyes open due to the water. What a thrill!
During the next couple of days we spent one whole day walking the trails on the Argentina side and another afternoon when we felt as if we had the falls to ourselves -- it was raining. After a couple of hours even we elected for cover. We got ourselves a table on the bar porch of the Sheraton looking out over the falls and had a beer. Life is good.
Digressing: Mom and Dad, when traveling in Argentina forget your bar case. A double gin and tonic cost as little as 3 dollars. I have forgotten how to order a beer, it is always cerveza grande -- this can be up to a liter of beer for less than two dollars.
Our second full day we had a scheduled guided birding tour for six in the morning. About 4 in the morning I woke up to a total down pour with thunder that was shaking the sliding glass door next to the bed. I met the guide at 6 and he cancelled. But later that morning we rescheduled for an afternoon of birding.
It was fantastic. We identified 42 birds in less than 3 and half hours. Probably saw or had pointed out another half dozen that for various reasons we did not clearly see or see at all. The highlight was just before dusk seeing the rare Helmeted Woodpecker. To date we had identified over 200 birds of which 180 are new to us. And probably seen another 20 that for what ever reason we have not identified or clearly seen.
Also seen six types of monkeys, an anteater, pigs, giant rodents, caimans, snakes, spiders, and other insects.
Time to go get dinner. Oh yes, we are in Puerto Madryn, Argentina. One more day here and then we fly to El Calafate. Martha and Tony, we will let you know how glacier hiking in South America compares to New Zealand.Oh before I forget, Martha, I keep looking for rocks to join you collection from New Zealand but so far nothing compares -- And Tony is not here to pay for the shipping!
Our best to everyone and start your planning for a visit to South America.
Oh one last thing. When in Buenos Aires I got a haircut and beard trim. If I had not requested the beard trim I think I would have made a good Santa Claus by Christmas time.
Nancy and Tom
South America
posted by Rambling Tom at 6:25 PM
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