May 26, 2004 -- From some US gateways, it takes longer to fly to Argentina than it does to Europe, but fans of that South American destination say the long journey is worth it, because with places like Buenos Aires, you get two-for-one. Visiting the Argentine capital is like visiting Paris or other Old World citiesplus you get the ambience of Latin America. Plus, you'll pay far less for nearly everything down there, from gargantuan steak dinners to comfortable hotel rooms.
Begin with amazingly low-priced tour offerings, such as one from Traveland, which has six-night stays in four-star hotels starting at only $599 including airfare with departures out of Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Orlando, or Washington, D.C. Included in the package are your six nights at the brand new American Park Congress Hotel, daily breakfast, private transfers, half-day city tour, shopping tour, two barbecue lunches and entrance to the Casino Flotante Buenos Aires. Other gateways are available at different prices. Departure dates are June 2; August 11, 16, 19 & 24; and September 14, 20 and 23. (Some other dates, not mentioned, are sold out.) You have only until May 31 to book at these prices. Contact the operator at www.traveland.com or phone 800/321-6336.
A similar package is available with Escapes Ltd. From $649 out of Miami, you can fly down to Buenos Aires on Aerolineas Argentinas and spend five nights there at the new, centrally located Regis Hotel or other similar properties. Included also in the package: buffet breakfast daily, hotel taxes and service fees, transfers from airport to hotel and a half-day city tour. This deal is available from now through July 7 and again from August 9 through December 10, though the company adds that some trips may not operate or "may not be advisable" during the winter season. The package from New York starts at $699, and prices from other gateways are also available on request. You add $25 for weekend departures each way. Optional add-ons include trips to Bariloche and a lake crossing into Chile (from $294), a journey to the Valdez Peninsula to see the rookeries of the Magellan Penguins (from $240), and more. Contact them at www.escapesltd.com or phone 800/243-7227.
Gate 1 Travel, as always, has excellent deals to Argentina, including an eight-day "Best Buy" package to Buenos Aires and Montevideo, starting from $699 out of New York City. This two-country bargain also includes the six nights of hotel lodging (four in Buenos Aires and two in Montevideo), daily breakfast, all transfers, sightseeing, entrance fees and more. It does not include airport and security fees, departure taxes, or optional tours. For the basic price, you stay in Buenos Aires at the Waldorf Hotel, in Montevideo at the Balmoral Plaza. The $699 price is for departure October 14 only. Other departure dates at higher prices are June 10, July 1 and 22, August 12, September 2, 16 and 30. Departures from many other gateways cities are also available. Contact the operator at www.gate1travel.com or by phoning 800/682-3333.