Say Hueque – I just came across this company on a google search but I am so glad I found them. This was the best decision I made. They worked with me to make sure I had a good trip. They were able to extend my itinerary to Iguazu falls and Buenos Aires as I had needed. The only thing is they select some expensive hotels. A bit cheaper would have been good. But all in all I am very happy with this company. There were two main things that bothered me: one - they take credit card but charge a fee for it or you can give them your bank info. If I had known this before, I would have paid using my bank for one big payment and be done with it. The second thing was how much tipping was involved: $20/day for guide and $3 for driver and we had 2 other guides and about 4-5 drivers in all. Each time Pili would pass an envelop. Tipping was not mandatory, but it would have been nice to know in advance so I could bring some change. I had only big notes.
Food – Food was the worst for me here. There is hardly anything vegetarian to eat, and whatever there was, it was not tasty. I was just managing. Breakfast was boring every single place. I had to buy lunch/dinner maybe 3-4 times. Thrice with the group and twice on my own. Only the Italian food was good, everything else is forgettable. There are too many sweet things in the morning and only eggs in the name of salty. Oh well…
Transport – Say Hueque booked all my pick ups and transfers from airport and for the tours. All were fantastic. All drivers were professional and safe. I could have probably used Uber for my airport transfers but I was not comfortable and also did not know about safety. But it is all safe.
Bus use in BA is very easy, especially with google maps. I used it all the time. Couple times I had to use Uber because I had to be at my tour at a particular time at a certain place. Uber was not that expensive – 40 min ride was $12. I did not need to use the train. During the tour, we did not need any transport as all the towns were small and walkable. In El Calafate we used taxi, which was also not expensive. You can call taxi with whatsapp number.
Flying on Aerolinias Argentina – This was quite a pleasant experience. I was not sure how flying here would be – but it was great. First there is a carry on weight restriction of 13 kg. Mine was not weighed as I walked right in through security. Security was always a breeze. No issues of taking off shoes or taking out electronics. Boarding was smooth by zone. One can check in up to 48 hrs ahead of time and pick out their seats, which I did, as I always want the window seat in a new country. Placing carry on in the luggage compartment was not an issue. Not one time did I hear any agent calling for anyone to check in their carry on luggage for lack of space, like in USA. All flights included a drink and some cookies. The pilots were amazing. I did not feel any ear pressure changes at all! And I got miles on my Delta account.
Hotels – These were booked by Say Hueque and were all good. The locations were excellent. The only thing I wish they had was a hot water kettle and tea in the rooms. The Patagonia hotels did not have AC because it is usually cold there. But overall, all good.
Money – I could use my card at all the main stores and tourist places. The only time I needed cash was with small vendors and in some cases to get a discount on the goods. I exchanged $100 in the hotel (Dazzler in BA) and in one other place I used another $100 to pay for about $55 goods and got back money in pesos. I managed to spend all my pesos either in shopping or giving tips. I would say have a small amount of pesos as the exchange rate changed quickly – it was 1060 when I came and 1300 when I left. Many vendors don't mind taking dollars.
Water – Water was drinkable everywhere from tap except Iguazu. There I was advised by the hotel staff to use only bottled water. They could fill the bottles but there was not a place for us to refill ourselves. Again – no major issues. I just went to the local grocery store and bought a large water bottle.
Walking – There was soooo much walking involved in this vacation. I guess it is in all. But this one also required waterproof shoes, hiking shoes and definitely good walking shoes. My Columbia hiking shoes turned out to be fantastic. I needed them in the national parks and also Iguazu falls.
Toilets – It was not too hard to find toilets. Most restaurants would have them. All parks had restrooms in many locations. The only place we had to go in nature was in El Chalten hikes. The best thing I have learned is to go whenever you see a restroom.
Safety - My biggest concern about traveling alone is always safety. I am careful myself anyways, but I felt safe in BA and IF. I was not out too late in BA, IF I was out for dinner one time, but again, no safety concerns. It was all good. I think there are localities where one should be careful, I was not in any of those.
All in all, it was a great trip. Highlights were the glacier and Iguazu Falls for me.
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