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Chile, Argentina, Tierra Del Fuego and Falkland Islands Trip for XMas (1 Viewer)

John Bender

John Bender

Footballguy
Anyone been? Going to book something for me and the lady tonight.  Would like to get to MAcchu Pichu eventually but this is easier for our schedule.  Fly into Santiago, leave from Buenos Aires, go around Cape Horn and everything in between during the last 2 weeks of December.  Looking for anyone who's been for any must stops? TIA

 
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Haven't been but am planning a trip to Patagonia down the road.  Distances down there are huge - that's a pretty ambitious plan if you actually intend to spend any time in Santiago and Buenos Aires too.  

 
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scorchy said:
Haven't been but am planning a trip to Patagonia down the road.  Distances down there are huge - that's a pretty ambitious plan if you actually intend to spend any time in Santiago and Buenos Aires too.  
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20 days enough?  Looking like December 17th through first week of January.  

This is one of the things I was wondering so I appreciate it.

 
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John Bender said:
20 days enough?  Looking like December 17th through first week of January.  

This is one of the things I was wondering so I appreciate it.
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Yep, that changes everything.  I thought by 2 weeks, you literally meant 14 days, when just getting there and back, plus the intra-South America flights, can take up several days on their own.

 
GF and I were actually planning on Chile, or Argentina, this Xmas as well, but  we had a few weddings pop up and just didn't feel like we could pull the trigger this far out to pay for it all.

 
scorchy said:
Yep, that changes everything.  I thought by 2 weeks, you literally meant 14 days, when just getting there and back, plus the intra-South America flights, can take up several days on their own.
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Sorry about that.  It's sort of liquid at this point which is why I asked before we booked.  We have leeway to open up at either end here for longer time.  So I think we're going to take your advice and stretch it out.  I'd really like to be in a cool place for New Years (Buenos Aires or similar)

 
Do you plan on doing any trekking?  My son really wants to do the W trek (5-7 days) in Torres del Paine.  We can only pull that off if we leave mi esposa at home (not likely), so would probably end up doing day hikes from El Chalten instead.  Extremely jealous - wish I could go this winter.

 
Haven't been there, but actually just booked a 3 week trip around the same time. 9 days hiking in Torres del Paine and a 12 cruise to Antarctica. I think we fly back from Buenes Aires on January 7 so maybe I'll bump in to you there. ;)

 
Come back with some insights for retired ex-pat possibilities. Arica (not on your itinerary) and Puerto Montt intrigue me.

ETA: Irkutsk, you still infatuate me.

 
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John Bender said:
Anyone been? Going to book something for me and the lady tonight.  Would like to get to MAcchu Pichu eventually but this is easier for our schedule.  Fly into Santiago, leave from Buenos Aires, go around Cape Horn and everything in between during the last 2 weeks of December.  Looking for anyone who's been for any must stops? TIA
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If you enjoy wine - Mendoza was great.

 
The slums in Buenos Aires.... holy hell.

Driving by from the airport - all those old condo/apt buildings look like they are about to fall over, leaning about 15 degrees, no walls, just falling apart... then you notice people living in them.   :eek:

Nothing like that here.

 
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I spent 3 weeks in BA on business back in 96. So long ago that I can't recall specififc places that I'd say are "must see." What I do remember is how nice all the people were and that I enjoyed the trip.

A little side story regarding that trip:
One afternoon I'm out to lunch with two men who we are clients. One asks me "You see any women who you think are attractive?" My knee jerk reaction is to deflect as I don't want to say anything to get me in trouble but they persist. So, I answer "Roxanna" (beautiful latina who's the receptionist). They look at one another, shrug and the other says "Yeah, OK but what about Paula?" Paula is blonde, also attractive and is of European heritage. After lunch I relayed this conversation to the British project manager and she smiled and said "The local men consider the women of European heritage better looking by default than the women who are of local heritage." I found that interesting.

If I do think of anything specific I'll let you know.

Have fun on your trip!

 
Falklands look like a good stop to see some wildlife and just an interesting place.  I like odd remote places like that (last year I went to the Azores) and while I'm so far down there, I figured why not.  Looks like a real ##### to get there though.

 
Buzzbait said:
I spent 3 weeks in BA on business back in 96. So long ago that I can't recall specififc places that I'd say are "must see." What I do remember is how nice all the people were and that I enjoyed the trip.

A little side story regarding that trip:
One afternoon I'm out to lunch with two men who we are clients. One asks me "You see any women who you think are attractive?" My knee jerk reaction is to deflect as I don't want to say anything to get me in trouble but they persist. So, I answer "Roxanna" (beautiful latina who's the receptionist). They look at one another, shrug and the other says "Yeah, OK but what about Paula?" Paula is blonde, also attractive and is of European heritage. After lunch I relayed this conversation to the British project manager and she smiled and said "The local men consider the women of European heritage better looking by default than the women who are of local heritage." I found that interesting.

If I do think of anything specific I'll let you know.

Have fun on your trip!
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Was expecting much, much more out of that side story.

Never been.  Would crave the steak in Argentina and wines from the whole region.

 
John Bender said:
20 days enough?  Looking like December 17th through first week of January.  

This is one of the things I was wondering so I appreciate it.
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Flying or sailing?

If flying I'm not sure what to say. I've been to Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Comodoro Rivadaria, Neuquen, Puerto Deseado and Puerto Madryn (and surrounding areas).
No real reasons to go there, actually (I went for work, but did a bit of driving and sight seeing as well, principally in Argentina).

I have heard great things about hiking in Torres del Paine and it is possible to fly from Punta Arenas to Antarctica that time of year (but hellishly expensive). You can also go by cruise ship (=icebreaker) from Ushuaia. There should be some seal colonies close to Puerto Deseado IIRC.

Those would be the only reasons to set foot in Patagonia that I know of.
 

 
Judge Smails said:
Would crave the steak in Argentina and wines from the whole region.
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Out with client for dinner one night and it was Brazilian style (skewers of food brought to table). Each time they said "Have some of this, it's marinated beef tips", etc. One time they just said "Try this" and wouldn't tell me what it was.  With that in mind let's just say the steak was excellent. Bulls balls...not so much.

 
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Booked this tonight. Will start booking excursions and everything in between over the coming weeks but we fly into Santiago Dec 17th, and fly out of Buenos Aires on January 5th.

Definitely going to do the 4 wheeler trips from Stanley, Falklands to see the Penguin colonies and that's all we're locked into right now.

No travel insurance #YOLO

 
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Excursions, tours and whatnot booked. 

Only thing we are having trouble finding something to do is New Years Eve and New Years Day in Buenos Aires. No tour companies are running, the few that are are charging an arm and leg. 

Anyone know anyone there? Who's been there for New years or holidays? 

Tia

 
I have noted that the Argentinian restaurants I have eaten at all tend to serve their steaks pretty rare - as in barely singed. Doesn't matter how you order them. Great beef, but I like mine a little warm in the center. Anyone else have this experience?

 
bueno said:
I have noted that the Argentinian restaurants I have eaten at all tend to serve their steaks pretty rare - as in barely singed. Doesn't matter how you order them. Great beef, but I like mine a little warm in the center. Anyone else have this experience?
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Nope

 
John Bender said:
Excursions, tours and whatnot booked. 

Only thing we are having trouble finding something to do is New Years Eve and New Years Day in Buenos Aires. No tour companies are running, the few that are are charging an arm and leg. 

Anyone know anyone there? Who's been there for New years or holidays? 

Tia
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I have a friend that lives in Buenos Aires. Not sure I can persuade him to be tour guide (and he is probably in is beach house in Brazil anyway). What do you want to know?

 
msommer said:
I have a friend that lives in Buenos Aires. Not sure I can persuade him to be tour guide (and he is probably in is beach house in Brazil anyway). What do you want to know?
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Honestly - just basically what to do for New Years.  Is there a particular place to be?  A particular place to get reservations at.  With so many things closed New Years Day and not knowing how Argentinians celebrate New Years Eve, we're just looking for some guidance on what to do specifically on NYE and New Years Day.

No need for a tour - but it's going to suck to be in Argentina and not get to do anything for those 2 days.

Thanks msommer - FBGs rules for this type of stuff.

 
No worries, questions sent. I'll update this when he replies

I can recommend a trip to the Junin cemetary, and hanging out in Puerto Madero is always nice. But I haven't been there in at least ten years so my knowledge is not up to date

 
if you are in to trout fishing it is supposed to honest be about as good as it gets just sayin theres a little knowledge in your ear from the old swcer take that to the bank bromigo

 
msommer said:
No worries, questions sent. I'll update this when he replies

I can recommend a trip to the Junin cemetary, and hanging out in Puerto Madero is always nice. But I haven't been there in at least ten years so my knowledge is not up to date
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Ok so finally heard from my friend and it is not good news. Basically he says "don't go".

The Argentines do not have much tradition for celebrating New Year's and the max they will do is to go to a nice restaurant with the extended family. Which means, you have to have a reservation well in advance to get a table. No fireworks, no party in the town, nothing.

 
msommer said:
Ok so finally heard from my friend and it is not good news. Basically he says "don't go".

The Argentines do not have much tradition for celebrating New Year's and the max they will do is to go to a nice restaurant with the extended family. Which means, you have to have a reservation well in advance to get a table. No fireworks, no party in the town, nothing.
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Jeez. Who runs worse than me?

Thanks msommer - much appreciated.  Guess I'll try to grab some reservations now since I'm already locked and loaded.  That's disappointing to hear but I understand (probably something to research BEFORE dropping the money on a vacation)

 
So this turned out to be an amazing trip - I'll recap below for posterity if anyone goes in the future....

Chile - Flew into Santiago and realized quickly there was little there to do. Our hotel was in Vina Del Mar which has to be among the most beautiful places on the planet. Pure blue ocean - everything on the beach. Had the opportunity to tour Valparaiso as well as Vina Del Mar is basically the same city. If you're looking to get away for a vacation in an off-the-beaten-path place, Vina Del Mar was majestic. The only crime to even remotely worry about was the "docks" in Valpo but keep walking and have a "No, gracias" loaded in your chamber when you get approached and you'll be fine. 

Punta Arenas, Chile - the edge of the earth, the city sitting on the Strait of Magellan. The one thing I wasn't prepared for was the amount of street dogs. It was an ok city and a good jumping off point to one of the penguin colony islands (which was awesome) but there isn't much to do or see here for more than 2-3 hours. We even saw a dead street dog in the middle of a walking path which was depressing.  If you go here, I highly recommend the Magdalena Island tour through any of their local companies to go to a penguin colony island with no civilization, just a walking path and penguins - it's about an hour long boat trip to get out there.

Ushuaia, Argentina - unfortunately due to the rough seas, our tour was canceled here - we got to eat at a great restaurant.  Get the King Crab is all I can say and brush up on your Spanish because there are very few English speakers here. I'm fluent and didn't have a huge problem but it was a amazing to see that lack of English speakers in these countries - not because I expect the world to speak english, but because I've been to Europe a few times and was amazed at how many people also could speak English with no issues.  

Falkland islands - the best part of the trip.  It was a 3 hour boat ride out to the Falklands, a 3 hours OFF road drive to the destination, but the half hour we had there was amazing.  there are 3 types of penguins on their island - you can touch them you are so close - stand next to them - etc etc, and it's the purest ocean I've ever seen. I have some pics I'll upload later.  Be prepard to be off road for 6 hours of your tour.  The ride out is VERY bumpy and unsettling but worth it when you get to your destination.

Buenos Aires - be careful. It wasn't a very friendly place if you're an american - especially the cab rides.  Make sure your Spanish is near fluent before you go or prepare to never take a cab because it's a racket there.  they'll usually wait until you get in, ask where you're going, then start driving an quote a ridiculous price that you can't understand.  Even when we managed to find an Uber, the guy showed up drunk and demanded cash the entire trip - I guess, ask questions if you have them because overall the city is pretty beautiful - you just need to be sure you get around and stay safely.  I proposed to my now fiance under fireworks on the La Mujer Bridge on New Years and that part made it amazing. Overall though, I disliked Buenos Aires - our tour guide made me feel unsafe at all times and to watch out for EVERYTHING.  But Chile blew Buenos Aires away. 

 
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Sand said:
That looks so photoshopped.  

(No Easter Island?  That's way up high on my list).
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I know - that's why I provided the further out view to prove it's no :lol:

Didnt make it to Easter island unfortunately, I did make it to the Easter Island museum in Chile, wish I did man - it's on my list too

 
John Bender said:
So this turned out to be an amazing trip - I'll recap below for posterity if anyone goes in the future....

Chile - Flew into Santiago and realized quickly there was little there to do. Our hotel was in Vina Del Mar which has to be among the most beautiful places on the planet. Pure blue ocean - everything on the beach. Had the opportunity to tour Valparaiso as well as Vina Del Mar is basically the same city. If you're looking to get away for a vacation in an off-the-beaten-path place, Vina Del Mar was majestic. The only crime to even remotely worry about was the "docks" in Valpo but keep walking and have a "No, gracias" loaded in your chamber when you get approached and you'll be fine. 

Punta Arenas, Chile - the edge of the earth, the city sitting on the Strait of Magellan. The one thing I wasn't prepared for was the amount of street dogs. It was an ok city and a good jumping off point to one of the penguin colony islands (which was awesome) but there isn't much to do or see here for more than 2-3 hours. We even saw a dead street dog in the middle of a walking path which was depressing.  If you go here, I highly recommend the Magdalena Island tour through any of their local companies to go to a penguin colony island with no civilization, just a walking path and penguins - it's about an hour long boat trip to get out there.

Ushuaia, Argentina - unfortunately due to the rough seas, our tour was canceled here - we got to eat at a great restaurant.  Get the King Crab is all I can say and brush up on your Spanish because there are very few English speakers here. I'm fluent and didn't have a huge problem but it was a amazing to see that lack of English speakers in these countries - not because I expect the world to speak english, but because I've been to Europe a few times and was amazed at how many people also could speak English with no issues.  

Falkland islands - the best part of the trip.  It was a 3 hour boat ride out to the Falklands, a 3 hours OFF road drive to the destination, but the half hour we had there was amazing.  there are 3 types of penguins on their island - you can touch them you are so close - stand next to them - etc etc, and it's the purest ocean I've ever seen. I have some pics I'll upload later.  Be prepard to be off road for 6 hours of your tour.  The ride out is VERY bumpy and unsettling but worth it when you get to your destination.

Buenos Aires - be careful. It wasn't a very friendly place if you're an american - especially the cab rides.  Make sure your Spanish is near fluent before you go or prepare to never take a cab because it's a racket there.  they'll usually wait until you get in, ask where you're going, then start driving an quote a ridiculous price that you can't understand.  Even when we managed to find an Uber, the guy showed up drunk and demanded cash the entire trip - I guess, ask questions if you have them because overall the city is pretty beautiful - you just need to be sure you get around and stay safely.  I proposed to my now fiance under fireworks on the La Mujer Bridge on New Years and that part made it amazing. Overall though, I disliked Buenos Aires - our tour guide made me feel unsafe at all times and to watch out for EVERYTHING.  But Chile blew Buenos Aires away. 
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King Crab in Punta Arenas is pretty awesome too! In Ushuaia you could have gone on the train ride at the southnmost prison in the world (the prison is shut down now). I did many years ago and it was pretty interesting - but not something I'd do again.

I'm with you one Buenos Aires, That city is screwed up. Too many ultra rich, too many very poor. But I have a friend there so I'm fairly safe when I go (and I'm not American).

Congrats on the engagement, I hope you managed a nice restaurant etc for the lead up to the main event!

So strange that you don't look anything like your avatar ;)

 
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John Bender said:
I know - that's why I provided the further out view to prove it's no :lol:

Didnt make it to Easter island unfortunately, I did make it to the Easter Island museum in Chile, wish I did man - it's on my list too
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Before you do Easter Island: Galapagos. Thank me later

 
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