Two adventurous & independent travelers will be in Chile & Argentina in Nov. 2011. Looking for any input/suggestions/recommendations on good & reliable local guides for Santiago/Valparaiso/Buenos Aires for day/city tours. All replies most appreciated.
CHILE/ARGENTINA
Message Submitted by dlbates830 on Thu, 08/18/2011 - 16:03
I found Buenos Aires very
I found Buenos Aires very easy to explore on one's own - it is a city well designed for walking and pretty good public transit to get you into the different neighborhoods. The heart of the city for me was where the two pedestrian streets meet at LaValle and Florida. I stayed in the somewhat modest Gran King Hotel right at this intersection and could not have been happier. Each direction I took at this four point intersection led to fascinating parts of the city, street performers wonderful shops and cafes and multiple dining opportunities on every block. WOWArgentina got the best reviews at the time for making other local arrangements. Try also to take in a performance at the Opera house or at least a back stage tour. Biggest warning however is to watch out for fake currency scams and taxi drivers who claim you have given them fake bills, which in fact they have switched for your good ones. Take coins to pay for taxis and do not even think you will be protected using only "radio cabs".
Much Thanks. Yes, very
Much Thanks. Yes, very familiar with BA and its Taxi/currency scams. I have been to BA twice, but my traveling partner has not. I will check in on WOWArgentina. I Have not been to Chile, so looking for insight on local guides there. Thanks again.
Travel to Chile, how to avoid an entry fee of $140 a person
Chile and other SA countries charge an entry fee when arriving with an international flight.
There is no charge when arriving at Easter Island (Chilean territory) with an international flight and no charge from Easter Island to Santiago either, because this is a domestic flight!
Depending on your itinerary, try to arrive first at Easter Island (also called Rapa Nui), then on to Santiago. We traveled via Lima to Easter Island, others came via Tahiti.
Easter Island is worth a visit, as a matter of fact, for us it was the highlight of the trip.
The charge is a reciprocal of US charges to South Amercan travelers entering the US.
Paying entry fees to various countries can add up fast.
There is no entry fee charged when entering overland.
Our trip was in September 2011, but check before you go, rules are always changing.
Jan Fokkema
Tucson, Arizona
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Moderator note: if arriving at Santiago International Airport, the entry fee is $140. payable in cash or credit card.