Packing Light

Actually turned out after looking at many options that Argentina Transfers (http://www.argentinatransfers.com) was the best option. They have vans that will accommodate a party of 6 with luggage from EZE to the hotel for $124.95. Very easy to book and receive confirmation and they will meet us for the very early flight arriving in BA.

Our 3 couples arrive at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Ezeiza at about 5 a.m. and will need transportation to our hotel in the Ricoleta area of Buenos Aires in in late January. It appears that Ezeiza Taxi which appears to have a booth at the airport does not have vans for more than 4 passengers. I have also heard that taxi drivers are less than honest in Buenos Aires. Does anyone have any recommendations for transportation for our 3 couples and luggage from EZE to Ricoleta? Also what should we expect to pay?

We've done port calls in Montevideo twice and Punta del Este once.

 

In addition to some interesting museums, Montevideo has the wonderful Mercado del Puerto. It was originally a rail station, but now has food stalls and restaurants -- ranging from wonderful empanadas at a small stall with all of about five seats at a counter for those who are not local and want to eat them immediately to lovely sit down restaurants with great service. It is also a very easy walk from where cruise ships are generally docked.

 

Punta del Este is a great beach opportunity, but there is also a lovely walk around the coast with great views and also some wonderful restaurants.

Sounds like Punte Del Este is an ideal place to just relax, walk around and enjoy the sights which is fine with me. Is the area to walk around the coast and experience the great views walking distance from the ship or must we take a taxi. We will be booking a private tour in Montevideo.

Thanks for the ideas but I'll never get my wife on a bike in Punta Del Este so seems like not much of a port. Maybe just get off the ship and walk around for an hour or two. Other ports also don't seem overly exciting (other than Rio). I don't mind a beach but didn't need to travel to South America for that when there are great beaches in the Caribbean. Seems like I may be just as well off in taking a few ship tours and call it a day unless there are a few other worthwhile suggestions.

Has anyone been on this cruise and have any other ideas???

We are making plans for tours on our Celebrity Rio Carnival Cruise leaving in January 2016. We are set with what we want to do at our starting point, Buenos Aires and have already booked our tickets for the Sambadrome in Rio for the Carnival but we are unsure of what, if anything is worthwhile in the other ports. Those ports are:

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Ilhabela, Brazil

Buzios, Brazil

Punta Del Este, Uraguay

Montevideo, Uraguay

Any suggestions would help us since this will be the first time to South America for our group of 3 couples. If just walking around the port is the best option, please let us know but if there is something not to be missed, we would appreciate a suggestion. Not looking for anything overly strenuos but walking is no problem. Thanks in advance for any help.

Looking at the tours offered by Celebrity, the cost of the Rio Carnival is about $600 per person, minimum cost. We will be in Rio for 3 days and wondered if there is a less expensive way to see the carnival, enjoy Rio and also keep busy there for 3 days in port. Not sure we can handle 3 days of carnival. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated from anyone with experience.

Next important question is "where do you exchange U.S. dollars for blue market pesos"? And are we dealing with an illegal situation not using an official rate? Sounds like this whole Argentina money situation is a hoax and very different from what I have been used to traveling to other countries. Not sure how this blue market works and was unaware of it when I booked the cruise out of Buenos Aires. Rather depressing. Not thrilled with carrying a load of cash.

We are scheduled for the Rio Carnival criuise on the Infinity leaving next January 31 and recently spoke to some friends who were on that ship for the South American cruise around the cape a couple weeks ago. They indicated that their tour guides warned them not to use credit cards in Buenos Aires and several other South American ports because of the corruption, fraud, poor exchange rates and extra charges prevalent there. In my travels to Europe, Asia, Mexico and other places, I have found that credit cards generally give you the best deal especially since my card does not charge any foreign exchange fees or extra charges.

Can anyone reflect on this information. In addition since South American countries use different currency, I would plan on using ATM machines. Is this also a bad idea. Our friends suggested just bringing U.S. dollars and pay for things with them since they were accepted everywhere. Help please.

What hotel did you use for $120 including breakfast and where is it located.

Thanks for the information on the carnival as well as hotel. Our cruise arrives in Rio on the morning of February 7 and departs in the evening of February 9. I understand the crowds are very large so I was thinking we may avoid some of the hassel by simply booking something through the cruise line. Although it will still be crowded, at least we will be with people that know where to go and what to see. Since we will be in Rio for almost 3 days, do you have any other suggestions as to "must see" things in that port in addition to the carnival?

Just booked the Celebrity Infinity cruise departing Buenos Aires, Jan 31, 2016 and stopping for 2 nights, 3 days in Rio for the Carnival. Anyone familiar with this cruise and what to expect in Rio. I understand it is quite a party and wondered how to get around and enjoy the event. In addition, looking for ideas on hotels and staying a couple exta nigts pre-cruise in Buenos Aires. From reading the posts, it seems the place to stay is in the Ricoleta area. Any help would be appreciated since this is our first venture to South America.