a sneak peek of this week's episode.
Aires is known as the Pirates of South America. I'm Scott. And
I'm Melissa.
And we're the Sunshine Travelers. Our passion is travel and sharing our experiences with those who enjoyed as much as we do, or those who want to learn more about travel, or even those who just want to live vicariously through our travel stories. No matter where you fall along that journey, get ready to hear about our first-hand experiences as we visit some of the most interesting and amazing places on earth. In this week's episode, we join our guide, Santiago, as he shares his love and passion for his home country of Argentina. He'll take us through the city of Buenos Aires and its many neighborhoods that each have a history and culture of their own. Join us as we venture through the city and South America. Grab your passports and let's get started to Buenos Aires.
Aires is one of those places that's been on my bucket list of places to return with you, Melissa, and spend some time visiting as tourists. I've been there for work and got to do a little bit of tourist activities. We had one day where we were able to hit some of the highlights a few years ago. But let's hear from Santiago on whether or not that is enough time. Santiago on whether or not that is enough time. So one of the best things about working for global companies is the opportunity to form lasting friendships with colleagues from all over the world. If you've been following our series on places we'd like to spend more time exploring beyond just a few days in town for work, Buenos Aires is one of them. Please join me in welcoming my friend Santiago as he takes us on a journey to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Welcome, Santiago. Hello, thanks for having me. Yeah, so tell us a little bit about yourself and, you know, specifically, why are we talking to you about Buenos Aires? All
well, I'm from Argentina to start, so that's a good reason for you to talk to me about Argentina. I am from Yes, Buenos I'll Aires. be 50 this year. So and although I've been living outside of Argentina for some years I go now, back almost every And year. I'm always looking for something new to do. So I'm like digging to see what else is there that I have not seen, especially to show my girlfriend, you know, a different thing from Buenos Aires. Otherwise, you just go back to the same place and then it's like, oh, well, yeah, we've done the thing. So it's good to try to discover new things. Yeah.
So, you know, I would say, and Melissa, correct me if I'm wrong, but Santiago is probably a little bit different than a lot of people that we talked to, Santiago is probably a little
we talked to because usually they're really good at digging in and exploring other but not where they live. places, That's true. we've talked to a lot of people have done that. Yeah, who, yeah, So that's great that you even try, on your visits back to explore home, new That's places. super exciting. Yeah. For us to hear about.
And then I can tell just from following you on social media, you have beyond just Argentina, you have a huge wanderlust and a love for photography as well.
Yes. We really like traveling. I mean, you've seen probably lots of pictures of food. Yeah. But yeah, I like taking pics of the nice places we visit. And then it is a bit of a travel journal. So it's nice to go back to Instagram and then look at my own account. And it's like, oh yeah, I remember when we went here or there. So yeah, it is nice. And there are plenty of places that I would like to see that I haven't seen and places that I would like to return to. We do
that with our own stuff, especially like when we're preparing for a show. our own stuff, especially like when we're preparing for a show and we'll go back and look at photographs and maybe posts from when we were there on social media stuff. And we'd be like, oh, remember when we did this or remember when we did that? And I agree. It's just a great journal of that time. And I love photography as well. I'm a hobbyist at best, but just looking through some of your pictures, it's really inspired even more that desire to go back because I remember the things that we did while we were in Argentina with you, but, and I wanted to always take Melissa back and see Buenos Aires and, and do some of these things. But as I've been looking at your pictures, there's so much more to Buenos Aires than even what we saw on that short visit.
Yes, well, hopefully I'll have some good tips on some places that you would like to visit. And as we get started,
And as we get started, I just wanted to say, I remember very distinctly when Scott was down there on the trip that he's specifically speaking of,, you got to go out and see some things, him calling me and saying, no, like we have to come back here. I have to take you here. And I think this is the one destination that he has talked more about us going at some point than any other place in the world. So we are super excited to hear your suggestions.
And we've got a trip that we want to do in the very near future. We don't know exactly when yet. We originally thought maybe next year we'd do it, but there's a lot of planning that's involved. But we want to go to Antarctica. And so Buenos Aires is the logical place for us to fly to to get to Argentina and then start that trip. So when we do this, I know that's what we're going to do is we're going to start in Buenos Aires and go from there.
I know we'll talk about Buenos Aires today, but I always recommend people to go to Buenos Aires and to one or two other places when they go to Argentina, because if you're going to fly for 10 hours or more, then just take advantage of that and try to see something else. You know, there's plenty to see in Argentina as well.
Yeah. All right. Well, let's get started. You know, when I think of Buenos Aires, I think of the downtown. I think of Great Stakes, maybe Evita comes to mind, the cemetery, right? But you have thoughtfully put together a bit of itinerary or an agenda for us for someone who is going to visit and what they should see, how long they need, where should they stay, food, like you said, a bit of a foodie. And then when's the best time for them to visit? Yes, that's
a great question. I'll start from when, because if we're thinking weather-wise, I would probably recommend that you go from February to May or from October to end of December, because otherwise it will be too hot and humid or just the winter. So I guess my best recommendation would be mid-November to mid-December. So it's breezy, not too hot, flowers are in bloom. You can see this tree called Jacaranda, which is all over the city and it has like purple flowers. So you can see like in avenues like full of these purple trees. You can Google this.
So it's
see pictures. It looks really nice. So that would be my ideal time if I could go there. And
while we're talking about weather, help me out. My geography may be failing me, but you're pretty close to the equator, right, in Argentina? Well, I don't
if I would say close. Much closer than we are, at least. Yeah, but I would say, just to give you an idea, this is a semi-tropical climate, so that's what it's considered to be. Yeah. So in the summer, it can get quite hot, and then in the winter, quite rainy and miserable.
we should remind our listeners, too, because it's in the Southern Hemisphere, though, that the summer is what you're talking about, right? The spring is November, December, and then the summer. So January then is what you're saying is avoid January because that's the hottest time. So just keeping in mind that the seasons are flip-flopped for people who are in North America and in Europe.
because that's
Yes. Good point.
Yes. Take us on the journey then. We know now when we should go and where are we going?
Yes. I would say that, I don't know, maybe because it's my city and I like it, but I will be there for no less than 10 days. So then you get to see the capital city of Buenos Aires and then some of the parts of the province of Buenos Aires. So if you see in the map, it's funny that they both have the same name, but you have the, you know, like DC. So Buenos Aires is the city and then the surrounding is Buenos Aires, the province. There is plenty to do from museums to watching football or soccer matches, concerts. And then there's the architecture and then the countryside. So out of all these things in Buenos Aires, if I went downtown, I would visit the Recoleta neighborhood because that's one of the oldest neighborhoods and the one that has the most European feel. Buenos Aires is known as the Pirates of South America and that's because at the end of the 18th century, lots of people went to Europe. And back then, Argentina was one of the richest countries in the world. And then these people just saw some palace in France and they were like, I want one of those. So then they got the architect and the materials and then they built the same thing in Buenos Aires. And then other then they built the same thing in Buenos Aires and then other rich families did the same and they're like well I want one that is bigger than my neighbors and then this competition between rich people made you know some parts of Buenos Aires really similar to Paris and plenty of that remains of course progress has taken some of that but you can find in the center like Avenida de Mayo which is the avenue that goes from the pink house where the president works. And you might have seen in the Evita movie to the Congress that's full of these type of buildings. Some people say that it looks like La Gran Vía in Madrid. And then there you can take tours of some of these buildings like Palacio Barolo. They have lots of sky bars that you
quite nice for the center and for Recoleta for this European wife. See,
realize that that was the name of the neighborhood. I thought that was the name of the cemetery that you took us to. I guess one in the same.
in the same. Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah. And I would just say for people that are listening, this is definitely one of those places that I would recommend that you go on via tour or somewhere like that and book a walking tour of the city. Someone who can take you through, explain the history. You can see all the beautiful architecture that Santiago was talking about, but then they can tell you the stories that go along with it because the stories, because we had a fabulous guide named Santiago who did all of his research and was very prepared to take us around. But the stories that go along with the neighborhood in the area are just as phenomenal so i would definitely recommend that i would
that also for the cemetery itself i know that it sounds creepy that i'm recommending that you visit a cemetery but it is like an architectural marvel you see all these scripts that have different architectural styles and this is where the rich and famous has been buried so there are like really big monuments you know all over and it is really nice if somebody can tell you well this is the place where this guy lays and that's the story and this family this and so it makes more sense you can still like it but i don't know i'm a fan of walking tours so. And the way
way that Scott described it to me after returning there, that it was almost the same as what you just described as the neighborhoods, right? The families are then trying to outdo each other with how they buried their loved ones as well then.
Yes. We even saw mausoleums and crypts that had HVAC systems in it, right? I mean, it was crazy what, what some of these people did, but you know, they're demonstrating their, their wealth.
like number one, top of the list. Like you have to do that. Right. Like that, that's the number one thing. Then that's what you talked about. Yeah. Yeah. And then, so what would you say? You mentioned museums. So what are our can't miss museums yes you
what you talked
have the i was going to say it in spanish but the latin american museum of art and there are lots of collections from artists from different places in latin america then you have close to that the what's in what's in museums, and it has like the classics. So you will see a lot of paintings from European painters from the Renaissance. So you can see that, and that's for free. The previous one I mentioned is not free, but there are many museums in Buenos Aires that are free of charge. Then there's another one of contemporary art, also free of charge, and they're all located in the Palermo neighborhood. Palermo is the biggest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, and it's divided like in seven different pieces. And all of them with their funny names like Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood. And depending on what the area of Palermo is known for, then that's where the name comes from. So for Palermo Hollywood example, is where all the TV studios then that's where are. the name comes So for example, from. Palermo Hollywood is where all the TV studios are. So that's why it got the name. Then this also has this bohemian side and the shops and the nice graffiti places and it's really hipster, I would say.
so the word is Palermo? Palermo is,
That's where I also would recommend people to stay. Okay.
Okay.
was going to be my next question is, where should you stay when you're visiting Buenos Aires? In the city. In the city. Yes.
In the city. Yes. In any of the Palermo subdivisions because all of them are close to transportation and then also quite close to the sites. So, I mean, you can take sometimes the subway, sometimes you need the taxi, but everything is like, you know, not too far. I mean, let's keep in mind that Buenos Aires is a really big city. So I don't know if it's like two times the size of Paris. So it might take you at least 30 minutes to go anywhere
And do you have any recommendations for where people should stay?
Besides just the area,
just the area, like something specific. Yes. I don't
know any hotels in Palermo I can recommend you, but there are lots of boutique hotels there. So, I mean, I'm sure that there is something that you can Google. Yeah, I'm sure. I don't know any brand in particular.
I'm
something that you can google yeah i'm sure i don't know any brand in particular yeah airbnb you know through airbnb or boutique hotels stuff like that it's probably better than some of the larger chains anyway yes i call it there's
also a good neighborhood to stay okay so it's closer to downtown and there's also plenty to do there so you know either palermo that would be the places that I would recommend. Some people stay in San Telmo, which is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires and it's really close to downtown. But, you know, it's a matter of preference. I've had people go to any of these neighborhoods and they all had a good time. I guess maybe I like Palermo more and I think that it, it's, it's, it's a new neighborhood, but it's like 20 years ago, it started getting really, really good with lots of restaurants and property was like redeveloped. So there's a really nice vibe there.
Awesome. Yeah. So then what else? What are we going to
What are we going to eat while we're there?
Okay. Yeah. What are we going to eat?
in Palermo, you'll find a lot of places. And one might think that Argentina is a place where you can get only beef. And maybe that was the case in the 80s. But since then, a lot has changed. And you can, you know, there are restaurants from anywhere, any place in the world. So you can find Indian, Chinese, you name it, we have it. That said, of course, I recommend you to it we have it that said of course i recommend you to go for beef because that's that's the main thing argentinian cuisine is based on as argentina being a country of immigrants you know you you might find things are familiar to you like pasta pizza and whatnot but the main thing is to have beef because it's grass-fed. Those cows are happy and are walking around. And then you can tell when you, when you eat the meat. One thing that you might see at many restaurants, what they do is they, they bring it to the table and then they cut it with a spoon just to show you how tender the meat is. spoon
is. Wow.
I remember going to a restaurant and I think the meat came from a cow, but I don't think it was the beef that, that you ordered for us.
Yeah. Maybe that's a good point because we eat everything from the cow. So you might find, well, the regular cuts like New York strip and then ribs and whatnot, but then we also eat the innards. So like sweetbreads, you know, or the intestine or for the brave, the testicles, which is again, something I've never had, but apparently when you go to one of these countryside places, you know, they offer that if you want to try it.
think he had
think he had ever had it, but I
think he did try to get it for us. We always had to be careful with Santiago when he started ordering because we never knew what might show up to the table.
But all of the things that we don't typically eat are actually very healthy for you, right? I mean, that's...
Yeah. So all of these, I mean, you think about it and you think of fear factor, but it is nice. If it's nicely prepared, then it's super nice. Of course, some of these parts might be too fatty. So if I'm thinking of like intestine, it's just mostly fat. So it has to be in a way that it comes out crispy out of the grill. So then you feel it can be like if you had tried chicharron.
Yes.
So it might have that type of feel in your mouth. Sweetbreads, I love it. I don't know if your cardiologist would say, yeah, go for it, but it is very tasty. Everything in moderation,
in moderation, right?
Yes. They marinate them. You can get them in champagne sauce or with lemon. Just be brave and just have them. You won't regret it. I
great advice, right? Just to try something. That's the opportunity for travel is trying something that you wouldn't normally get to try. And if you don't like it, you don't like it, but at least have that experience and not pass up on that. I think that's awesome. Is there anywhere in particular or you just in the neighborhood you're in, just kind of do your research to see what people recommend or and ask locals i guess or how do you recommend finding restaurants yes i'm
yes i'm sure that every neighborhood has like a good steakhouse that you can go to and even the quality of the meat i would say that 90 of the time it's going to be fine but if i would have to recommend you a place i would say go to Don Julio. That has I think been, has won Michelin star. The guide was I think at the beginning actually, of the year or at the end of last year in Argentina. And then they gave some stars to some restaurants in Buenos Aires. And then they also recommended some others. So you can check their website and then you'll find a list of all the ones that they have listed that they're their favorites. But as a local, although Don Julio is a very touristy place, I will definitely go there because it's going to be great. Then in Palermo, there is one called El Preferido de Palermo. So Palermo's favorite in English, and they have typical Argentinian food and it is also really good. Then there is one, again, I'm a local, but for a touristic experience, I would go to one called Fogón, which was on TripAdvisors, a number one thing to do in Buenos Aires last year. And we actually went to it. And in this one, you're sitting around the grill and they're cooking the meat in front of you and you're participating in the cooking so they they teach you what they're doing and it's a bit interactive and it was a very nice experience so i recommend that one yeah
so i recommend that one yeah that's awesome because then you learn a little bit scott and i always like to have those kind of experiences or do cooking classes or something like that. And so much of the time we'll come back home and try to recreate that for ourselves or for guests or whatever. So I think that's awesome. That's an awesome recommendation.
Yes. There is another one. I think it's called the Argentinian experience with a similar vibe. You go there, you learn how to make empanadas, and then they will grill something for you. They tell you about Argentinian wine. So, you know, those, they're always nice when you go abroad because then you get something from the culture that, you know, if nobody locally is telling you, then you
Yeah, one of the things we love to do when we visit a new area is we just start asking the people around us who work there and who live there, what should we do? And then when they start giving us the, you know, the standard places, we'll ask the follow-up question, do you eat there, right? Tell us where you eat. And then we really get into some great places that are very much part of the culture.
Yes. this one is Well, going to be funny because my favorite restaurant is called Kansas, and it's an American-style barbecue place. But it is like fusion. So they have barbecue ribs that are made the American way, but then everything else is like Argentinian style. And every time I go it's awesome. there, So I guess what I like is like consistency. I've been going there for 15 years or and it has always been really so, good. So I will have the New York strip for there, because example, it is amazing. Then if I need to go more local, I'm trying to think's one called anchoita which is a bit new and they have their own like the food that you get on your table they control everything so they own cows and then they own the butcher place and then everything to when it comes in front of you, has been controlled by the same company. So you know that the quality of the meat is of a certain quality, and then everything they do is of quality. So that's a restaurant that I really like.
similar to what we would call farm-to-table. Okay. And there's one here near Jacksonville where we
Okay. And
everything is sourced either from their own farm or from a local farm. Right. And so if it's in season, you can eat it. If it's not in season, they won't be serving it.
mentioned 10 days. So what we've talked about so far, how many days should we spend doing those things in the city to just have a leisurely pace and not be rushed?
in the
How many days is that?
days is that? Well, I said 10, and I was counting that you would spend a couple of days in the countryside. We call them estancias. So some of these are like huge mansions that, you know, back then, a hundred years ago, they belonged to one family. But then these days they have been refurbished. So then they're like either hotels or you can go there for the day and then you can see a gaucho show. Of course, they give you barbecue, empanadas, and then you have like the whole experience. And there's a swimming pool. You can, you know, play cricket, you can do some outdoor activities and have a great time for the day. Or you can spend a couple of days and disconnect from the madness of the city. So these are these are really good. There is one called Estancia La Candelaria, which is like a French castle. You can probably see that one on my Insta profiles from a couple months ago. And then Estancia Villa Maria is also very nice. It's not a castle, but it's also a very nice property. So I would recommend that you take a couple of days to do this.
Okay, perfect. And so how far are we talking about outside the city? I
would say two hours.
Okay. And so do we need to rent a car then? You can
You can arrange that with the estancia. So they can arrange that somebody, you know, takes you there and then returns you to your
in the city, the Buenos Aires, we don't need to rent a car, just use taxi, public transportation, all of those type of ways. and
can. Well, you can. Yes, Well, we have taxis, we have Uber, and then there are a couple more apps that you can use. There's the Metro that takes you pretty much anywhere. I think it's like seven Metro lines. It gives you like a New York vibe. Yeah. And then of course, buses everywhere. So you won't need a car. It will be crazy to get a car no need for it
city okay good to know
but when you are traveling outside if you wanted to turn maybe a little bit of a turn it into a bit of a road trip you could rent a car and yes definitely drive yes it's
just that hurts you know any of those that are available there, you can get a car.
One of the things we love doing is, you know, when you have a car, you can control your trip a lot more. So if you see something interesting, you just pull over and you check it out and explore or, you know, you can go straight there, but you're in control of that. And so we always like to ask, you know, is this a place where we would be safe? Okay, whatever. Is it easy driving there? Do we need to know anything like, you know, drive on the opposite side of the road, opposite side of the car, you know, all of those things?
I would not drive because traffic is crazy. And then depending on the political climate, you might get a lot of demonstrations of people on the street. I believe that the current government does not tolerate that. But you know, you never know. So you would just be sitting in your car like, OK, we're not moving. So I'm going anywhere. So I would just use public transportation. And then most of these places are in walking distance from one another. So, I mean, some might be like three kilometers from one another. Some others might be closer. So it really depends on how you organize your day. So that's why it's important. Are you talking
Are you talking about in the city right now or out in the countryside?
In the city. But when you go out to the countryside?
In the city.
then No, you're fine. Yeah. And once you get out to the countryside no then
you're fine
yeah yeah and once you get out of the city then it's just smooth driving
and then do you guys drive on the same side of the road as the u.s or yes all right and same side of car
or yes
all right
driver on the left yeah
left yeah i got that from
that from the brits. Yeah. But then they
Okay.
we like to talk to people about that because often we hear from people, oh, we're afraid to rent a car internationally. And that's not been our experience. But there are some places like cities where it doesn't make sense to have a car because you got to find parking, like you said, traffic and other things that may impact that. So use those public transportations. But then when you go on that road trip out to the countryside, which I think we want to try to venture there next in the conversation, is you could rent a car easily, go out there, enjoy the countryside. So tell us a little bit, you know, one thing that I did not realize, and this probably has to do with Buenos Aires and the surrounding area also being called Buenos Aires. But I didn't see any kind of, you know, when we were in the city, I didn't see a sea or I didn't see any kind of cliffs or anything like that. But I look at your pictures and I see cliffs and I see marine life and seals and sea lions and all kinds of stuff there.
Yes. Well, the sea lions are from when I was in Mar del Plata, which is a town that is like five hours from Buenos Aires. Okay. So then that's on the coast. So you, it's like a beach resort. So all along the coast in Southern Buenos Aires, you can find several places with like dunes and you know, there's water and there is wildlife. In Buenos Aires city, we have the river and it's the widest river in the world. So if you get to, to the coast, we don't have, it's been widest river in the world. So if you get to the coast, we don't have... It's been... Some parts have been gained from the river and then there is like a wall. I don't know how to explain that. A wall. Yeah, so versus... If you remember Montevideo, they have the beach. So they left the beach untouched and then the roads go along the coast. But in Buenos Aires, they built like a boulevard and then there is this wall that blocks the water. So we don't use the river in Buenos Aires besides for fishing for anything else. If you go to the province, then you can get access to the water like, you know, you would in Montevideo or in Miami.
get access to water like you would in Montevideo or in Miami. I think in the countryside, your recommendation then is to go to some of these old castles or buildings that have been built, spend some time out there. Anything else outside on the countryside?
I think the estances are the best option because those are like around two hours from the city. If you want to go to any other place, then it is like a bit longer way. So we're talking about four or five hours or six. So if somebody
if somebody has more time, so if you want to venture out and do the four, five, six, you mentioned, so there's a beach resort. Okay. So then tell us a little bit about that.
There are several beach resorts along the coast. So you might find, sorry, the first one four hours from the city. There's a huge lagoon. Then you keep on going and each town has a different vibe. So Mar del Plata being the biggest. If you look at pictures of Mar del Plata from the internet, it has a Monaco vibe. So when it was built in the 1900s, that was where the rich and powerful used to go for January, for example. So then you see all these buildings that look super nice. But then eventually became the most popular place to go on the coast. So now it's like a middle class type of location or for middle class and then along the coast you might have you know other places that have like surfer vibe or a little town that is really cute and then it also has access to the water so it really depends on what kind of holiday you want to have then you would choose Mar del Plata because it has everything or you will go to the smaller places that are more secluded and then you know then well nobody's gonna bother you when you are at the
okay and so then what is that so the time of the year that you've talked about then what is what is the water like and is it I mean easy to swim or or what is it like there yeah
well this is the atlantic so the water is quite chilly that's something to to keep in mind people normally go from mid-december until march but that's when it's crazy because every argentinian goes to the coast so but if you if you're traveling to buenos aires in in november then you can still go. I guess the water might be a bit chillier than in December, but that doesn't mean that it won't be enjoyable.
Yeah, we live on the Atlantic and so we're used to that, right? Because
we live
further north on the Atlantic, the waters are quite chilly, you know, up until around May, June timeframe. But I love
you said is this is where you're going to find that the Argentinians go for their vacation. So you're going to get a really, a much more local vibe than going to, I don't know, a beach that Americans would go to, for example, right? So I think that would be awesome for somebody who just wants to have, you know, that kind of experience. Where do the locals go for, you know, holiday? So that's awesome.
Yes. If I had four or six hours, I would fly. Okay. So I would rather go to the Iguazu Falls or to Mendoza for the wine or to Bariloche for the mountains and the lakes. So I would use my time in a different way.
Okay, so you mentioned, so beach is an option, but if you don't want to do that, so then let's go back because I am interested in the falls as well. So then where do you, so sorry, let's go back. So you fly then if you're going to go to the beach or you fly somewhere else to go some of these other places you're mentioning?
can fly to Mar del Plata also for one hour, but then if you fly for two hours and you're in the border with brazil okay and then you can go to the u.s falls and i was probably spent two three days there and that will blow your mind mar del plata is okay but the u.s falls is one of the wonders of the world or the nature wonders of the world so i guess it's a matter of putting your hours in their better place
you can go to the beach anywhere right so then you're going to see something okay and that's awesome and so you correct me if i'm wrong i understand there are places to stay then that are right near the falls then you can spend some time exploring you will need
can spend
the brazilian side exploring. You will need one day to go to the Brazilian side of the falls. And then one day to go to the Argentinian side of the falls. There are hotels inside of the national park. You can feel that you're, you live in the jungle, so you go out in the balcony and then it's like you're in the jungle, so it is pretty unique. Well, it's a different way of recommended.
you realize this is two back-to-back recommendations to go there
yes well i technically recommended or asked the other person we were talking to about it but and then you get to go to another country as well right so then you're yes you can go to
yes you can go to brazil as well to
to brazil and and that so i've been seeing a lot about the falls recently. And so I was we have to go there. like, oh, Scott, So I'm with you. I think I would put that on my list. But you mentioned two or three other places. So go ahead and tell us those. Yes.
So there are two or three provinces in Argentina where we produce wine. You might know Malbec. So that is mainly produced in the Mendoza province and that's also a trip on its own so I would recommend you know take three days you fly to Mendoza you can stay in in one of these wineries they have hotels there so you're just imagine you're in the swimming pool in front of the Andes, sipping some wine every day for three days. Or you can take like a bike tour and then you go from vineyard to vineyard. And then, of course, they give you something to drink. I don't know how you get back to the hotel after that. People do it. But that's also a very nice province. And you can do rafting in mendoza as well so there's plenty to do there and then the other option i was recommending was bariloche that is ski resort town in patagonia and then you can go there and you know see the andes but in a different way because it's like the higher peaks and with the turn of snow and there are lots of lakes it looks like the alps
if you wanted to go and ski is that like so when do you need to be there or is the elevation high enough that it's same time frame
no you would need to go in june july and august okay okay
about. That's a break from our really hottest months. Yeah.
Yeah.
where you could go that you could get snow skiing.
mentioned several places then. So I assume that that's three separate places, three separate flights, correct? Because of where they're located. How easy, difficult, or expensive is it once you're in Argentina then to take those flights to the other places?
of where
don't think flights are particularly cheap in Argentina. I mean, of course, now living in Europe, if I want to fly somewhere, it's relatively cheap. Right. Also, distances are quite short. So i guess what i need to think when i tell you about the price is that buenos aires from bariloche is probably a thousand kilometers away or so okay we're talking about maybe 250 dollars per leg or back and forth okay so maybe that's reasonable i don't know how much it is to go from New York to Miami.
Yeah. It sounds very similar to prices that we'd pay in us to travel from state to state. Yeah.
like it's definitely worth it. And then it, you have a lot more time to spend in the destinations instead of just spending time in the car, just depending on how much time you have.
Yes. I mean, you can also take the bus. It takes forever. But the experience you get from seeing the country, you know, that's something. So I know when I mean the bus, I don't mean, you know, well, you see me, it's not like I'm like really tight, like in economy on a plane. These are buses that have seats that turn into beds so you are really comfy so you might travel for 20 hours but it goes flat so you really so
very interesting because i've never heard of that yeah so where where do you look online if you're interested in booking something like that like is that a particular company that does that or
they all have them okay you just need you have different categories of seats so these buses might have um like the lower part of the bus has these beds and then the upper part it might be like half a bed so they have like different
you just
arrangements. So maybe it's the whole bus is with all these seats. I know that there is one that is like your own little cabin. Like if you were on a train, they're kind of like close to the curtain. And then they have these ones are like not as comfy, but still all right. I mean, way better than a plane. I'm thinking so you can compare business class or first class okay comfort not as fancy i would say but differently comfy okay so
if you have more time that would be just a completely different experience and i'm guessing like if you wanted to you could do that in one direction and then fly back or something like that. Yeah. Okay.
Okay.
good. I have not heard of that. So I'm glad you shared that.
Santiago, is there anything else that we've missed in Argentina that we need to know about?
there's so much in Buenos Aires that, you know, you can see the most beautiful bookstore in the world, the Ateneo Grand Splendid, which is a bookstore that has been built inside of what it used to be a theater. It was chosen the nicest bookstore by National Geographic, I think 2019. It's still on list as the first one or the second one, something to check out. Then there's plenty to do with history, with the pink house and the cathedral, some of the like the Colón theater for example, I recommend that you do the tour of the theater and then you can also go see a play because the acoustics of that place are insane. It's one of the top three opera houses in the world so you definitely should check it out. If we go back to when to go to Argentina, maybe you don't listen to anything I have said and you only check what is happening in Argentina at the moment. I don't know, maybe your favorite band is playing in Buenos Aires, so maybe you go just because the concert is happening in June, you know, maybe the weather is not great, but seeing a concert in Argentina is quite special. We're really passionate. You can, if you don't believe me, look for ACDC in River Plate Stadium 2009. And then you know what I mean. The same for soccer matches. You can go see Boca Juniors. When you visit La Boca neighborhood, you can also visit the stadium. There's a museum there. The River Plate team also has a museum in the Belgrano neighborhood. There's Chinatown in Buenos Aires also. It's quite small compared to New York's Chinatown, but it's worth checking out. Things that you should not miss. Try the ice cream. It's really good. If you like Italian gelato, this is the same or better. Sorry, I might be a bit biased there, but I'm kidding. You
You see him looking at me, right? That's my thing. So same but better. Okay, I have definitely got to.
know, she's got her laptop up and over there. I think she's booking a flight right now.
and am I forgetting anything? Tango show. You don't miss that. There is the Astor Piazzolla Theater. It's super nice inside. You can go for dinner and see a tango show in there. There are some of those in Puerto Madero as well, which is the newest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Also, it's the safest. Then I will go to the polo championship finals if you go in maybe the end of November if you like polo or if you know anything about polo you know we have the best players in the world so maybe you can check that I have managed to do that once it's always the championship ends before i travel every year so not not that one year but so that's why it's maybe in end of november when it
not not
know their church is to see all buildings the the architecture part it's there is a ton to to check there so you know i'm happy to share notes or anything that I have said with links to places. So if that is useful for anybody, then happy to share it.
Yeah, that would absolutely be awesome. And then we can definitely share those in the show notes. I mean, it sounds like that if you go and you can't find something to do that you've really missed out. you can't find something to do that you've really missed out. Because it sounds like no matter when you go, you're going to be able to find a match or a concert or a play or something, in sports and culture right, and whatever. And it also sounds like that we don't need 10 days. It sounds
going to say 10 months. Yes, but really consider going to see something because it is really convenient from the financial point of view as well. I recall when Taylor Swift was in Buenos Aires, people were flying from the US to Buenos Aires because it was cheaper to buy the tickets in Buenos Aires, including the flight, than to buy the ticket in the US.
Wow. Yeah, they were ridiculously expensive
wow so it sounds like one of the things that you would recommend that people put on their packing list is some good walking shoes yes definitely yeah yes just
walk around and one thing i always say buenos aires is a big city. You know, we always see in the news that bad things happen. What is important is not to grab people's attention. So, you know, leave your Rolex at home and mind your surroundings and you'll be fine.
Yeah. I think that's
I think that's true no matter where
where you go anywhere so let's talk a little bit about like dress for example and then what people do need to pack like what is a typical you know what do people typically wear what do you need to know like if you go in the churches that kind of thing so that you don't stick out as a tourist right so that you blend in and you respect the culture and and what people locals do yeah
i mean if you're in the summertime then shorts and flip-flops or running shoes and a pique shirt then you're fine okay i guess maybe if you go with your camo shorts you grab people's attention because they're not as common it's like why this guy with camo shorts maybe Maybe they will identify you as a tourist because that's not common. But then other than that, I mean, I guess it's the same that people wear anywhere. When it comes to the church, I don't think that, I think we're relaxed. So I don't think you will find any Catholic if you go into the cathedral with shorts, I think it'll be fine. Maybe in some of these places, at least I remember one of these palaces in close to downtown that they had a dress code. But I mean,
you will
plan on going to the theater, just take a shirt, something that looks nice, and then you can use that for several locations. Then you're fine.
Okay, sounds good. So it sounds like just, yeah, like some of those places places just research then if you plan to go so okay that's
good. So
probably one of those places where if you took some layers you'd be good as well light lightweight layers if you're going to go during the summer
so if you do decide to go in june july august what additional like what temperatures do we need to expect? What kind of clothes to pack then?
Well, zero Fahrenheit. Sorry, 32 Fahrenheit. So it will be cold and humid. The problem is humidity. So it kind of like goes through you. So if you have something that can block that, then you're fine. I mean, scarf and gloves and a hat, and then
to know.
I remember when Santiago would come to Atlanta in the middle of summer, he would have his scarf and gloves in the office.
Yeah, because I was coming from the winter.
I was going to say, I thought you were saying for the air condition being so cold, but yeah, you were coming from the winter. That's true.
Yeah. Or maybe one last thing to recommend, because you might not know, but the financial situation of Argentina is not great at the moment. It hasn't been for many years, but now it's particularly bad, which works in your favor coming with dollars into the country. So maybe if there is something you want to do that where you are is expensive, maybe you can do it in Buenos Aires and it won't feel expensive to you. So, for example, you can go to the most expensive hotel and have afternoon tea like in England. Maybe that's affordable in Buenos Aires versus if you want to do it in Europe or in the US where you will pay three times as
So this
this works for pretty much anywhere unless it is an experience that is made for tourists, then you pay a bit more. It
like he's
like he's telling us
that now's the time to go.
like he's telling us that now's the time to go. Yes. And so what do we need to prepare? Most places take like credit cards. We need to get cash out of the ATM when we arrive. How do we need to prepare to be able to pay for things?
I think if you have Visa and MasterCard or MasterCard, then you're fine. If you have diners, then I guess it's the same as in any other country in the world. Nobody wants to take it. So I would just pay my credit card and then you need to take some cash. Maybe you need that. I mean, with Uber, you can pay through the app and it's no problem. But for tipping, maybe cash and then in some places that you might need to use cash. But then I cannot tell you how much. I mean, I would just exchange 100 at a time.
Okay, gotcha. So you mentioned diners, and I want to point out for everybody, the reason that these guys are mentioning Diners Club is because the company that they worked for when they worked together, that was the corporate card, was this Diners Club card. And we were just always like, what? Are you going to get to a place that it wouldn't? I think
that it wouldn't? I think he says that because he would end up having to pay because we had this diners club card and no one would take it.
Oh, is that what it is? Okay. Yes. Because we always laughed. We were like, why does this company have a diners club card? He uses that. But now you also did not mention American Express. So Visa and MasterCard. Yeah,
I think Visa and MasterCard would be the best ones to use anywhere. Not only Argentina. I think American and diners are the ones that stores are like, I don't think so. Yeah,
so. Yeah, we usually travel with both American Express and Visa travel cards just because you don't know. You touched on something that we probably need to mention tipping so what is tipping around the world is very different than it is in the us so what is what is typical in argentina
it is not mandatory so that's for once in the phone you don't need to give tip it is token of appreciation for the service you have received. If it's really good, then you go 10, 15, 20, whatever you want. But if you don't leave anything, I mean, nobody's going to chase you from, you know, out of the store. I would recommend you give some tip, but it's also based on how much you like the service. If you don't like it, then I don't, if I don't like the service.
good to know. And then that can be added to the bill on a credit card or you need to pay that in cash?
that in cash? Yes, it depends on the shop. You know, whatever system they use, sometimes you can do it. Sometimes you need to leave it separately.
Okay, perfect.
I think we could probably continue to ask Santiago questions all day. But we do want to get to three questions that we ask all of our guests on the show. And the first one is, you know, what is your favorite place in the world that you have visited? And if you have any kind of story around it, you know, please share that.
I really like my country, so I'm going to take Argentina Yes. I really Well, like my country, so I'm going to take Argentina out of the equation. But recently we traveled to Singapore and that was my first time in Asia and I really liked it. So I don't know if it's the contrast that is so different you I guess my mind was or, blown know, because of all the things that I didn't know. You we go to know, the food court in this place and it's what is like, that? I don't know what to choose because I don't know what it is. You know, and to understand that there is like a whole culture that I was not aware of. I mean, and, you know, I travel and I know food from many places, but this was like, especially in those hawker centers that have like Indian food and then, you know, Asian food from different countries. It was like mind blowing. So that I really like, I don't have a story about Singapore though. I have a story about your wife.
Yeah, no, that's fine. But Singapore though is definitely a very expensive country to visit. Is that not right? Yeah. Yes. Yeah. That's what I've heard from people who have been there. So the second question that we would ask you is what is on your bucket list somewhere, something you haven't done yet, but you want
Yes, I would like to go to Japan, which is something that I haven't done. And we've discussed it for many years, but, know, we never have the time to do it. So maybe one day, I think I will also like the fact that, you know, when you go somewhere and you don't understand anything, which is an experience that is really hard to get these days because the world is so connected that no matter where you go, somebody will speak in English to you. You will, you will find some common ground to try to do something. But I think that Japan will be a challenge. And I think that experience from when I was a kid going to the U.S. and not knowing the language, you know, that adds some excitement to the trip.
particular place in Japan or
road trip? I guess we'll visit several places, but I want to go to Osaka. This is the food capital so i want to go there and try some nice things i look forward
the pictures and finally is what's next on your list where are you going next next we're going
to thailand in a couple of months again never been, so also looking forward to that. Are you going to Bangkok? Yeah, we land in Bangkok and then we're going to go to Koh Samui, which is one of the islands that's close to Bangkok.
hear really good things about that. We have a lot of friends who travel either full-time or a lot and Thailand's one of their favorite places to visit
the place where you visit is that so the island so it's like a beach resort vacation
yes it's one of those like you do nothing all day so you're relaxed good yes well excellent santiago
thank you for taking the time to talk to us. And thanks for sharing your love and passion of Argentina. And I tell you, Santiago is the best tour guide that I think I've ever had. And really encouraging the desire for me to want to take Melissa back and do some of the things that we did while we were there in Buenos Aires.
you, Santiago. Well, thank you. I always want people to have a good time when they go to Argentina. So, you know, the listeners that take the leap of faith, go that far and enjoy it. Absolutely.
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One of the most interesting things I learned today is that there's a city of Buenos Aires and also a province called Buenos Aires. And part of my research after our interview with Santiago, I learned that the city of Buenos Aires is not the province of Buenos Aires. So the city is an autonomous district that has been since the year 1880. And that explains why when I look at his pictures on social media, we see things like mountain cliffs and the sea, because I definitely don't remember seeing those things when we were in the city. Wow,
Scott, I enjoyed this so much and I learned a lot. And if I remember correctly, was this the trip where you got to do those things in Buenos Aires because you got down there and they were like, oh, today's a holiday?
Yes.
So it's auck up
auck up on them.
You laugh about that, but it actually worked out good because it was one of the opportunities where you got to see something in the city. So I really haven't done much research on Argentina other than knowing about Buenos Aires from this trip that you're telling me that we need to go visit the cemetery with a guide and also eating at one of their famous Argentinian steakhouses. I've also seen a lot of people travel to Iguazu Falls, and so that I'm glad that Santiago mentioned that because that is definitely on my bucket list. You
know, I wonder what would be the possibility of getting Santiago to go with us on a trip to Argentina and be our guide to all these wonderful places. Yeah,
would be amazing. We'll have to find out sometime when he's going to be there and see if we can coordinate that because that would be awesome. I was also glad to hear him say about several things that this might be touristy, but it's worth doing or this restaurant might be for tourists, but that he would eat there. I think sometimes when we travel, we worry that sometimes things might be touristy and not an often experience. But Santiago found value in doing those things, such as taking part in the gaucho experience when visiting one of the states in the countryside.
So, you know, we found this out also, we went to the Bahamas and we stayed over on Paradise Island. And, you know, we were talking about whether or not we should go to the Margaritaville. But we found out that that touristy place actually had local food, local cuisine, and it was really good. Not just their hamburgers. Yeah,
just their hamburgers. Yeah, that is absolutely true. Because I was a little bit hesitant at first, right? About, especially when we look for places to go eat and it's like, oh, Margaritaville, but it got so many good reviews and we kind of ran out of places to go. So you're right. So I think you just have to, you know, look at all that and take all that into account and sometimes just, you know, take a chance and You never know what experience you're going to have.
Yeah. I mean, if you read hundreds of thousands of reviews and they all say it's good, I'd take a chance on that.
Yeah. I always love going to places that it's like tourists and locals alike like it, right? That it's just that kind of experience. And it sounds like that there's several of those in and around Buenos Aires.
Kind of like La Perea in Cancun.
Absolutely.
coming up with all these other places,
places, but. Think about, oh, this is a tourist trap, right? I think because things get a negative connotation about being a tourist trap. But whereas tourists can enjoy it, but it's a place where, you know, the locals would go. I know that you could never do it all, but having a few days to spend in each of these regions seems like it would give you a good overview of Argentina.
this is a trip that we could tack on to the front of our Antarctica trip. This is a trip that we could tack on to the front of our Antarctica trip. So
convince Santiago to go on our listener cruise, we could do Argentina on the front. And what would be awesome is then anybody else who joins us, too, then we could take advantage of his knowledge and expertise as well.
right, Santiago, we've got your 2026 plans for you. All
Hearing Santiago talk about all of the great food in Argentina really has me hungry to return there sometime in the near future. I do remember all of the great coffee shops scattered around the city. You should definitely put Buenos Aires on your bucket list of places to visit. What else should we do in Argentina? you should definitely put Buenos Aires on your bucket list of places to visit. What else should we do in Argentina? Send me an scott email, at sunshinetravelers.com. I always look forward to hearing from you and being able to share this information back with our other listeners.
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