I'm definitely going to Brazil for Rey's interview, and we have this big trip to Portugal planned for September. Trouble being that I want to move to New York in October, and I think I should be conserving my cash (although I'm getting my ticket through FF Miles), especially since we also want to travel when I come back to Brazil for his interview.

We thought Argentina, our joint funds considered, might be a better trip option (he's in Sao Paulo)... anyone been there/from there/know someone from there/whatever?

Am getting pretty disappointed about missing out on Portugal, but maybe some ringing endorsements of Argentina would help?

PS I'm not supposed to enter Brazil before November 2006 because of an overstay

I loved Argentina.....well Buenos Aires was the only place I got to go to.

It is a very sexy place in my opinion. This is one of the main places in the world for tango. They have professional shows, classes, etc. The skill will just blow your mind. I took some lessons there myself and it was great!

You can also see the pink house and where Eva Peron gave her speech......Madonna played her in some movie I believe. The markets are very nice there and there is also plenty of art.

Argentina is also known for beef and wine.....and both are incredibly cheap! I was eating steak dinners for like $5 U.S. The quality was incredible as well.

I'd say Buenos Aires is a 3 day trip though. You could stretch it out some with other activities. I took a bicycle tour through the city....was scared to death but the guides were great. There is also a ferry service that goes to Montevideo, Uruguay. They take you there for the day (or weekend?) and then bring you back. I would have like to have gone but I did not have time.

Also, when I went the exchange rate was 3-1 and I found things to be very inexpensive. I even bought a suit (very well known, quality brand) for like $250. Hahahaha....I actually wore that suit for my civil ceremony.

Great trip.....I loved it and would recommend it. I could have eaten steak, drank wine and watched tango for a week hahahahaha.

Definitely go! Argentina is one of my very favorite destinations. B.A. is great, but also go to Cordoba if you have time, and Bariloche as well. you won't be disappointed!

I spent a week in Buenos Aires and loved it! My recommendations would be:

1. Go to a show at Senor Tango's. Very touristy but a great show.
2. Have dinner at Puerto Madero. I ate there twice (at Aires de Patagonia as well as Spetus) and loved it.
3. Go to Recoleta cemetery to check out Eva Peron's tomb as well as the other mausoleums.

The exchange rate made things easier. Of all the Latin American cities I've been to, Buenos Aires is the most European. You'll love it!!

You mean, of all the Latin American cities except the brazilian ones, right?

Anyway, I've been in Argentina, I've never met a polite person from Argentina, very rude people, I wouldn't advise you to go there. But that's my opinion.
Since you're going to get on a plane to Argentina, why not choose another latin country like Chile for example? My parents say that Chile is very nice.

I will add my 2 cents worth to this.... My wife has been to Argentina 3 times prior to moving here from Peru and LOVED it........ Very very cheap, great food and wines.

Another alternative is Peru..... Lima for a couple of days and then to Cuzco and Macchu Picchu

Agreed.....although for me anyway Lima isn't all that wonderful. I would choose B.A. in a minute. Just my opinion!

However, you will not find a place anywhere on Earth like Macchu Picchu. This is one of those once in a lifetime must see places. Of course I have some bias to Peru, but I can tell you as someone who has travelled all over the world that you will be hard pressed to find a site as incredible as Macchu Picchu.

It's one of those life altering experiences and something you would never forget.

It depends what you are up for I guess.

For a short trip i.e. 3 days, BA is a blast. As everyone has said, great food, great shopping, great tango, great people watching and great exchange rate. I spent a weekend there alone after a business trip in Sao Paolo and had an amazing time. People were very very nice, it's easy to get around walking and I really enjoyed it - I'd go back in a heartbeat and spend a bit longer.

Wow thanks guys! Now I'm really excited to go...

We had considered Peru but we decided to save that for another year (it takes a lot of planning to do the Inca Trail, a dream of mine) and it looks like Argentina it is!

We will also take the Uruguay trip while we're there!