Travelling to Argentina:
- Before you arrive in Argentina, get online and purchase a Visitor's Visa by paying a Reciprocity Fee. If you get to the airport and don't have a copy of it...you are out of luck on entering Argentina.
- Americans are charged $160 US and Canadians $92 US. It doesn't matter where you live - it's all about which passport you carry. Finding a website that provides this documentation - in English - was a challenge but eventually, I found www.visatoargentina.com - they charge a $20/pp service fee but it was easy and fast or you could try Argentina's www.provincianet.com.ar/ and not pay service fees. Good luck with that. Keep a copy of your Visa - US is good for 10 years and Canada is good for 5 years
- Your flight to Buenos Aires will most likely start at Ministro Pistarini International Aeropuerto. Arriving at Argentine Immigration and Customs is what we referred to in E.R. parlance as "A Cluster...". At first glance, the hoards of passengers making their attempts at navigating the unnavigable maze of posts and barriers soon dissipates into a strange order and all is good. My advice? Just ride the people-wave and you will get to where you need to be.
- Depending on where you want to go... Taxis and Airport Shuttles are easy to find at the airport. Taxi drivers are OK with accepting US dollars but appreciate you telling them up front if you don't have Argentine Pesos (AP) as the taxi's are metered. Do yourself a favor and change some money into Pesos.
- Buenos Aires' (B.A.) Metro system is efficient and cheap.
- People native to Buenos Aires call themselves "Portenos".
A city made up of forty-eight 'Barrios', we didn't discover all but did get an opportunity to check out a few. If you are tight on time...flag down a cab (they are everywhere) and let the driver know you want to go to 'La Boca' - you'll be glad you did.
La Boca
Tango in the streets
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Great food
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Interesting Architecture
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| "Filetes" ü |
The Argentine art style known as "Fileteado" is specific to Buenos Aires. Drawings are styled with plants and flowers incorporated into them. The 'Portenos' call these works of art,"Filetes".
Microcentro & Puerto Madero
Microcentro is the commerce and business area of B.A.Puerto Madero is touristy, newer and trendy.
No big whup, really.
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| The beautiful Jacaranda trees in full bloom November 11th. |
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| Puerto Madero |
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| Plaza Mayor May 25, 1810 - The beginning of the Argentine War of Independence from Spain. |
Recoleta
Recoleta is an upscale neighborhood with great sidewalk cafe's, boutiques and home to Cementario de la Recoleta. A massive labyrinth of narrow streets that are lined by mausoleum crypts adorned with magnificent sculptures. The final resting place of the beloved, Eva Peron amongst many more of Argentina's elite.When you get here - step into the office and get a walking map - it will cost a few pesos but well worth it.
Buenos Aires was everything we had hoped it would be...
Who could ask for more?
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