Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TRAIN
Argentina's trains aren't what they used to be, but Tucumán is still connected to Buenos
Aires (via Santiago del Estero and Rosario) twice a week from the beautiful
Estación
vices frequently take hours longer than advertised, visibility isn't great, food is ordinary,
hygiene is low, but it's an old-fashioned experience that might appeal to those who are in
no hurry or are on a strict budget. Because it's so cheap, it books up well in advance.
At time of research, trains were leaving Buenos Aires' Retiro station at 7:30am on
Monday and Friday for the 27-hour journey. From Tucumán, trains left at 5pm on Wed-
nesday and 7.40pm on Saturday.
The trip costs AR$45/70/130 in
turista
(2nd class)/1st class/Pullman (reclinable seats)
or AR$800 for two in a sleeper. There's a bar/restaurant on the train.
Getting Around
Aeropuerto Benjamín Matienzo
is 8km east of downtown. Bus 121 and 124 head
there from the terminal; a
remise
costs around AR$60 from the town center.
For getting around the city, local buses (AR$3.50) clearly mark their major destina-
tions on the front.
There are several car-rental places, including multinationals. A reliable choice is
Móvil
Renta
(
431-0550;
www.movilrenta.com.ar
; San Lorenzo 370)
.
DAY-TRIPPING FROM TUCUMÁN
The fertile, hilly area northwest of Tucumán is known as
Las Yungas
, and offers
plenty of appealing day trips to get you out of the hot, busy city. The tourist offices
offer good information on destinations like the reservoir of
El Cadillal
, offering
camping, swimming, a 'ski-lift' and windsurfing, or the
Parque Sierra de San Javi-
er
, a university-operated reserve offering guided walks. El Simoqueño (ticket
booth 3) runs regular buses from Tucumán's bus terminal to El Cadillal (AR$9, one
hour), while BerBus (no ticket booth, leaves from platforms 57 to 59; AR$11 to
AR$20) runs to San Javier (where there are a few places to stay) and the reserve.
Tour operators also run trips out here and this is the paragliding area.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Tafí del Valle
