Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Traveling Around Argentina
As most airlines charge tourists in American dollars for
domestic flights, flying around Argentina is expensive. There
are, however, many other safe and convenient options.
Micros
travel virtually everywhere and are usually air-conditioned
and comfortable. Traveling within Argentina's towns and
cities is convenient, with plenty of taxis and
colectivos
(city
buses). It is easy to journey by train from Buenos Aires to
surrounding cities although there is no single national
railroad network. Visitors can cross to Uruguay by ferry or opt
for boat excursions in national parks and along major rivers.
DIRECTORY
Micros
Andesmar
∑
andesmar.com
Via Bariloche
∑
viabariloche.com.ar
Trains
El Tren del Fin del Mundo
∑
trendelfindelmundo.com.ar
Ferrovías
∑
ferrovias.com.ar
Tren Patagónico
∑
trenpatagonico-sa.com.ar
enjoy a ride on one of the
touristy routes traversed by
El Tren del Fin del Mundo
,
La Trochita
(see p265)
,
Tren
Patagónico
, which links the
Atlantic coast with Bariloche,
and Salta's amazing Tren a las
Nubes
(see p199)
.
One of Argentina's sleek modern
micros
Micros
Long-distance coaches are a
great way to get around the
country: they are far cheaper
than flights and go to more
destinations, more frequently.
Fares vary according to the
season, but expect to pay
AR$700-900 one way for a
sleeper service to Bariloche or
Mendoza from Buenos Aires. As
well as the time of year, the
price also depends on the type
of seat reserved. Most
companies offer three options
in ascending price order:
semi-
cama
(reclining seat),
cama
(seat with a greater reclining
angle), and
super
cama
(seat
that reclines 120 degrees). Air
conditioning is usually very
efficient, so wear extra layers,
even if it is hot outside.
Established companies such
as
Via Bariloche
and
Andesmar
have efficient online booking
services that accept all major
credit cards. Tickets can be
collected or purchased from
Buenos Aires's Retiro bus
terminal
(see p330)
where all the
major companies are based, or
from provincial stations. While
top operators offer regular
services between Argentina's
major cities, to get from village
to village in the interior, visitors
have to take a minibus. Luggage
limits can be checked with the
operator, and bags are handled
by
maleteros
(porters) who
expect a tip of around AR$2.
Trains
Only a handful of private and
provincial companies operate
train services outside of
greater Buenos Aires. Among
them is the smart commuter
service
Ferrovías
. However,
other trains can be occasionally
ill maintained and uncomfor-
table. Note too that coach class
on some trains may not be
heated in winter and can be
very cold without a blanket.
There are around six main
routes that depart from the
capital for destinations such as
Mar del Plata, Rosario, and Bahía
Blanca. Train enthusiasts will
Ferries
Apart from the popular route
connecting Buenos Aires with
Colonia del Sacramento in
Uruguay, there are very few
sea-based transport services
in Argentina. Buquebus
(see
p325)
sells tickets for this trip.
Boat excursions, however, are
common, including ones along
Canal Beagle in Tierra del
Fuego, in the Patagonian
lakes around Bariloche and
San Martín de los Andes, and,
most spectacular of all, cruises
to Antarctica out of Ushuaia
(see pp268-71)
.
People travelling by train from Buenos Aires to Tigre
