Argentina, Uruguay and Chile

[david_hay1]

Dear all,

 

at the end of July I will travel to South America from the UK. We plan to

spend a few days in Buenos Aires and then travel via Uruguay to the north of

Argentina particularly around Salta and then perhaps travel into Chile or

Bolivia.

 

I am open to all suggestions about which may be good photographic locations in

this area. I'm mainly interested in black and white landscape photography and

infrared, also architecture and street photography.

 

Also if anyone has any general suggestions about travel in these countries

that would be very useful.

 

Buenos dias!

 

David

[bill_from_new_york_city]

<p>I have booked my flight for Argentina in late October of this year and will visit BA and Salta. I have not been there yet, but I share some of my research.</p>

 

<p>So far I have found the website www.TripAdvisor.com forum very helpful researching places to eat, to stay at and what to see, what to do in BA and Salta. There seems to be people from Argentina that activity participate in the forum.<p>

 

Some good websites about Salta I have found:</br>

 

http://www.enjoy-argentina.org </br>

 

http://www.saltatravel.com </br></br>

 

For BA </br>

 

http://www.guillebaires.com.ar</br>

 

http://www.indepth.com.ar <b>Check out his photos of BA</b></br></br>

 

And for Argentina</br>

 

http://www.welcomeargentina.com</br>

 

<p>I hope you find this useful.</p>

 

Bill

[alex_lofquist]

While it is not exactly on the way to Salta, I would not want to visit Argentina without seeing Iguazu Falls. As to things to be seen near Salta I would suggest El Parque Nacional El Rey.

[decolady]

Definitely plan Iguassu Falls in your trip. It would be a shame to miss them.

[Hector Javkin]

Like Alex, I would also recommend changing your plans to include Iguazu Falls. Do note that some of the best views of the Falls are from the Brazilian side, and that you might need a visa to cross into Brazil (U.S. citizens do, I don't know about British subjects.) In Salta, many people recommend the "train of the clouds" (tren de las nubes), a narrow-gauge railroad which goes to 4,200 meters. You should get reservations in advance (we missed taking it for not having them), and make sure your physical condition permits you to go that high. Think about UV filters for that altitude.

 

Sadly, the most interesting landscapes between Argentina and Chile are in the Southern Andes, around Bariloche, but this is not the time of year to go, as it is winter now, and the weather is fierce. (On the other hand, if you do go to Iguazu, it's the best time, because it is somewhat less hot.)

 

Other information:

 

Will you be driving? Renting a car is expensive, the driving is wild, particularly in Buenos Aires, and (of course) the distances are huge compared to those in Europe. When you get into Ezeiza Airport, if you won't have a car, avoid the standard taxis, and opt for a "remis," a hired car with driver that you call on the phone rather than hail on the street. The firm "Manuel Tienda Leon," which has had an office at the airport for many years, is excellent.

 

Important unless you're traveling by air: Depending on your route into and out of Uruguay, be advised that there have been many demonstrations in the area of Gualeguaychu, on the Argentine side. (Uruguay is building paper-producing factories, and Argentine environmentalists are concerned about pollution of the river dividing the two countries.) Although the demonstrations have been peaceful, at times people have blocked the bridge between the two countries. If they decide to block it, you will not get through. A reasonable English-language source for information is the BBC web site (for example, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5029414.stm) The Buenos Aires Herald, the main English-language newspaper published in Argentina, doesn't seem nearly as good as in the past.

 

Crime rose after the economic collapse of 2001, so that I no longer walk anywhere at all hours as I have on previous visits. Although the economic situation has improved greatly, there are still problems, and you have to be careful, particularly when carrying bags of photographic equipment. In Buenos Aires, the subway system (excuse me, the underground) is excellent and has always felt safe.

 

When you get to Buenos Aires, buy the Lumi street guide (La guia Lumi) which you can pick up at almost any news-stand.

 

Have a wonderful trip.

[nacho hernandez]

David,

 

I did Argentina, Chile and Uruguay last Christmas. Difficult to go wrong in that area.

 

Buenos Aires is a wonderful city. Really worth exploring in detail. A lot of street photography opportunities. (BTW, food is expectacular too, especially if you are into meat and wine). If you are going to Uruguay, it is worth spending a day in Colonia, a beautiful Colonial city (Unesco's World Heritage site). A ferry takes you there in a couple of hours from Buenos Aires. There are some nice photo oportunities.

 

In Chile I only did Easter Island. It is a trip by itself, but if you have the time and money definitely worth it. You can only fly there from Santiago. Santiago itself is not worth much from a photographer point of view. Much more interesting is Valparaiso, in the coast, very colorful and photogenic.

 

Regarding security, I would not stress myself too much. Just take the usual common sense precautions. These countries are among the safest in Latin America.

 

You can check my photos from these places at my website www.venividiphoto.com

 

Have fun !

[bill_from_new_york_city]

According to the Trip Advisor forum, a travel guide in Salta said the "Train of the clouds" is not running and they do not know when it will be running again.

 

Here is the the link:

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g312822-i7638-k688768-Train_to_the_Clouds-Salta_Province_of_Salta_Northern_Argentina.html

 

Bill

[teresa.zafon]

Hi David,

If you go to Chile and you like deserts, I highly recommend you the north: Desert of Atacama (S. Pedro de Atacama, Geisers del Tatio, P.N. de Lauca, Salar de Surire) Astonishing landscapes. If you like, my Chile�s portfolio could give you and idea.

I was there in august last year and I was really impressed.

In S. Pedro de Atacama there are a lot of agencies which organise tours around the area for one, two or several days� Have a look to this one http://www.azimut.cl/, (very good organization) and you will see the places you can visit there.

And the last thing, if you are going in july and you plan to go sleeping in tends, you will have to take really warm clothes with you, as the nights are freezing. (-15� C)

 

Have a nice trip. Teresa

[david_hay1]

Thanks everyone for the useful information. Hopefully I can come back with some shots like those!

 

Bill I will forward you an email from a friend who is travelling round South america now with some useful info.

 

best wishes

[hugh_jaramillo]

David, depending upon what type of photography do you like if you travel to Chile, and you like picturesque areas then make a point to see some of the "salitreras", see link below

 

http://www.turismochile.com/temas/oficinas_salitreras/

 

They are the equivalent of California's old West mining town's, very active during the late 19 century and earlier part of the 20th century.

 

Let's not forget the seafood.

 

Chao

 

Hugo

 

They are all deserted by the most part