Reality Tour, South America: Buenos Aires-Bound!

While you could spend a month in Mendoza and not see everything, having three nights in Mendoza gave us a good taste of what this city and its beautiful surroundings offer. So this morning we bid a fond farewell to the ‘land of sol y vino’ and another new friend, Fabian, and we head to Mendoza’s international airport, Francisco Gabrielli just 5 miles outside of town.

Our flight isn’t until 10 a.m. so Debbie and I have a pretty leisurely morning packing and having breakfast. One of the things I like about this tour is its leisurely pace. Three nights in Santiago, three in Mendoza, and three coming up in Buenos Aires allow for some later mornings than is typical on an escorted tour. That’s good given those late nights…

The airport may be international but looking around it has more of a regional airport feel.  Cramped is the word that comes to mind as we formed a line through a doorway where beyond, it is presumed, lies security. Once on the other side there is one x-ray machine and not a gray bin in sight. It seems you don’t have to take off your shoes or empty your laptop from its carry-on. From security we are funneled into a holding area (again, cramped comes to mind) but Kevin secures seats for most of our passengers.

Our LAN flight to Buenos Aires is under 2 hours (by coach it would have been 10 hours). On the flight I munch down an alfajor, another staple in South America which I hope my kids like because I’ve jammed a large box of them in my suitcase.

alfajores 045CmlsSA

Basically, its sweet cake joined together with dulce de leche or jam and covered in white or dark chocolate. It seems I’ve barely savored my alfajor and second cup of joe (very strong brew in Argentina) when we begin our descent into Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America.”  Even from 10,000 feet, I can smell the leather shops calling my name. With the favorable exchange rate for Americans traveling to Argentina and the afternoon, shopping will definitely be on the itinerary in these final few days.

Click here to read about Collette’s Wines & Wonders of South America tour!



posted by Melissa McKee

Collette Vacations

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2 Comments to “Reality Tour, South America: Buenos Aires-Bound!”

  1. Tiffany 14 January 2010 at 10:14 AM #

    During my visit to Argentina, I went to Puerto Madryn and Bariloche as I knew those were unique places in the world. When I arrived I could not believe my eyes, they were marvels. No wonder everybody says that seeing those places is a must.
    Then I rented a Furnished apartment in Buenos Aires which allowed me to know all the tourist attractions that this exciting city has to offer.
    I really think that those who do not know Argentina yet should just get on a plane and go there. They will not regret it.
    Tiffany

  2. Sublime Muse 14 January 2010 at 11:50 AM #

    Tiffany, I couldn’t agree more! Argentina is such a great travel value right now as well. I am encouraging all my friends to go!


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