If Your Compass Could Talk…

Whale watching in Puerto Madryn is one of the most amazing things you can see in Patagonia. The whale tours are located in Peninsula Valdes, about an hours drive from the city. You can arrange for tours in Puerto Madryn or drive yourself into the Peninsula in one of only two locations where you can go whale watch. The tours are many and you won’t have a problem finding a boat that can take you out within the hour. The tours last about an hour and a half and will cost around AR$ 45.

At the right time of year (Oct-Dec) for the Southern Right Whales and (Jan- March) for the Orcas are by far the best time to go and check it all out.

Mendoza Argentina is making a HUGE name for itself as one of South America´s top travel destinations. The wine coming out of Mendoza is perhaps some of the most popular worldwide, competing well against Chile for exports where as years ago, it was still very much maturing.

Mendoza´s wine festival brings in almost 20,000 people for the long weekend and is held at the end of March, a great time to see the city. Now, too is a great time to visit to take in not only a bevy of wines, but rafting, hiking and gorgeous scenery.

Visit Mendoza for some great travel times!

For some great information on South American wine see: www.worldwidewinetours.com

If you´re traveling at all through South America, I recommend going through Puerto Madryn – this quaint little town has much to offer the weary traveler. Like a day with the whales, seeing half a million penguins OR scuba diving with sea wolves (sea lions). I reommend the following places for your Patagonia travel needs: Huaica Travel – Belgrano 198 and Lobos Larsen on Brown.

Buen Viaje!

With the Holidays just around the corner, remember that while you have travel plans, so does everyone else. Try to make reservation ahead of time, be patient and just enjoy the ride.

Lonely Planet, Frommers and Time Out all issue warnings in the front of their books to be mindful when traveling to other countries. While you might be on vacation, you are visiting and are a guest in someone else’s home. Be respectful of other cultures and the things you see and do along the way.

Enjoy!

If you have to take a bus in Argentina, consider checking out www.andesmar.com. Andes Mar, are among the army of luxurious overnight buses that shuttle people from Buenos Aires to Patagonia, to Mendoza, Iguazu and many more. These buses serve dinner, play movies, offer games, have drinks and provide sleepers with 180 degree flat beds for sleeping along the journey.

There are many bus companies to chose from and are accessible from Retiro in Buenos Aires. If  you’re lookin for a way to buy and reserve online however, Andes Mar is the way to go.

Argentina just recently debuted in the news that they will begin enacting a system of payment for travel within the city that allows travelers to use one universal card for buses, the subway, taxis and trains.

While there are arguments against the card that suggest it will increase inflation within the city, the overwhelming attitude in Buenos Aires is that the cards are long overdue, especially in the moneda crisis that Buenos Aires has long been struggling against.

Argentina isn’t especially known for its film industry. That is, compared to Hollywood at least. However, the film industry is making a particular splash among film experts and fans. This interesting article was recently published on the Indepent and the following is a list of popular films that are must sees created, directed and put on by Argentines:

La Cienega

La Mujer Sin Cabeza

XXY

Visitante de Invierno

No sos vos, soy yo

When traveling, you end up doing a lot of searching for travel information online. You come across forums, websites and articles. From time to time I like to point out some really poignant information I like to pass onto other travelers.

This forum has a good set of backpackers articles which includes itineraries and pertinent travel information for South American travelers: http://www.minihostels.com/argentina/lima-peru.html

Additionally, I really like this travel site: www.pology.com,  which is a travel website featuring only first person articles from travelers who have had a particularly interesting cultural experience when traveling. Known for being picky on their submissions -its a great travel read!

Buenos Aires is known for its delicious steaks and hearty meals of pasta however, there are many more options out there that are perfect for spicing it up. If you can’t decide where, what or how to get to what you want to eat check out: www.guiaoleo.com.ar.  This website will direct you to places in your barrio or places based on type of food, price, etc. There is a lot on the site and its every porteño and expatriates favorite food-finding tool.

The teatro Colon is one of the world’s major Opera houses. It represents a huge part of the Buenos Aires history and stands on Cerrito street just off of 9 de Julio. The opera house which offers tours has been down for construction since 2006 and is said to remain closed until 2010 although occasional openings for tours, etc. have been common place.

The intricacies and beauty of teatro colon are a source of pride for Argentines and even though the gorgeous building is closed for repair, visiting the outside is awe-inspiring. Just another bit of love brought to us by Buenos Aires.