Argentina Reciprocity Fee to Start December 20th

Breaking News -- We've just confirmed with the US Embassy that, as of December 20th, US citizens will be charged a reciprocity fee upon entering Argentina. The US$131 fee will be charged only on entries via Buenos Aires´s Ezeiza Airport, will be good for multiple entries, and valid for 10 years.

Argentina is not technically calling this a "visa fee" as there is no visa paperwork or application process to go through...though this is the same amount that the US charges Argentines for its visa process.

Australians will be charged US$100 for the 10-year, multiple entry pass, while Canadians receive just a one-time entry for US$70.

Forms of Payment: Travellers may pay by Argentine pesos, US dollars, credit cards, or travellers´cheques. If paying in pesos, the local exchange rate for US$131 will be used.

Please note that, for now, travellers will have NO access to ATMs or currency exchange desks before having to pay their reciprocity fee. Make sure that you have a way to pay!

The fee represents the implementation of a law passed back in 2008, but which had not been put into practice until now. Click here for the Argentine government announcement, released just this week.

Holiday Cheer! Our (Informal and Subjective) Wine Guide for Toasting this Season

Ah, the holiday season is upon us - time to deck the halls and bring out the holiday cheer. Wine is the primary choice of 'cheer' here in Argentina, so we thought we'd add our two pesos on brands to try and buy while visiting this part of the New World. (Note: this is a fully subjective list!)

Inspira was quite happy to see a recent November Wine Spectator article that recognized Malbec as an emerging grape in the wine industry, but also noted Argentina's other rising stars, such as the reds Bonarda (considered by many wine experts to follow Malbec as Argentina's next big boom) and Pinot Noir as well as the white, fruity Torrontes (a Salta specialty, and perfect for the area's arid clime). We suggest branching out beyond Malbec (if only to say you did), though if taking bottles home, you may want to stick with this forerunner.

But back to our brands. For "Best Buys at Argentine Supermarkets" - great for purchase and taste in your apartment or hotel room with some cheese - we like Colome's Amalaya (around US $10), Norton (around US $7) and Quara (around US $5!). Under "Restaurant Values," to accompany some great tenderloins at an Argentine parrilla, try the classic brands Salentein, Rutini, or Luigi Bosca or even slightly lower-priced wines from Escorihuela Gascon or Trapiche. To "Impress the Folks Back Home," experts count the Renacer Punto Final Malbec 2006 among the highest scorers (see Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiastic). We also happen to like wines from powerhouse producers Catena and Achaval Ferrer; the "restaurant value" brands are also good bets.

Salud! and much holiday cheer from the team here at Inspira Travel.....

Buenos Aires Jazz Festival, December 3-8

The Buenos Aires Jazz Festival opens tomorrow, December 3rd, showcasing more than 150 local and international artists. From big names to new talents, the music fest offers jazz in all its variations - instrumental, vanguardist, Latin American, European, tango jazz, and much more. Clinics, midnight jam sessions, Classic venues such as the Sarmiento Theater are complemented by open-air shows at the Centro Cultural Recoleta and the Buenos Aires Zoo, and speakeasy basement venues like the renowned La Trastienda.

We love the fact that ticket prices remain so accessible, costing between 10 to 40 pesos depending on the show. That's roughly US $3 to $12 to see top musicians perform!

For more information, contact the City of Buenos Aires or give us a ring here at Inspira.

Family Travel Tip, Buenos Aires

We've had the pleasure of arranging travel for various families recently, many with kids between the ages of 2 and 10. One of the parents' first questions is, what to do in a big city like Buenos Aires? Since the question must be foremost on travelling parents' minds, we thought we'd share some of our insider tips. Look for an upcoming "Top 10" list...but in the meantime, check out this video we recently posted on YouTube highlighting one of our fave places...the Museo de los Niños, or Children's Museum, in Buenos Aires. Hands down one of the best children's museums we've seen....

Argentina Among Best in the World

Conde Nast Traveler's "Best in the World" Readers' Choice Awards is out...and Argentina is among the favored.  The Four Seasons Buenos Aires made this year's Top 100 List, coming in at #97.  And, of course, Buenos Aires beat out nearly every city in the Americas, ranking second only to pristine Vancouver.  (Our capital was also voted Latin America's top city for Restaurants.)

When it comes to hotels, Argentina won by a wide berth.  Apparently, the hotel infrastructure is far-and-away tops across South America.  Of the region's Top 15, seven are in Argentina.  Six of the seven are actually in Buenos Aires - the Four Seasons, Alvear Palace, Bobo, Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt, Sofitel, and Home hotels.  The seventh is Mendoza's crown jewel, the centrally located Park Hyatt.

No slouching here!  Argentina continues to add new hotels of all sizes to its accommodation offerings...check out a selection on our home page or feel free to contact us at info@inspiratravel.com for even more info!

Argentina: Top Ten for Fine Dining, Nightlife, and Ease of Travel

The folks over at FutureBrand have released their 5th annual Country Brand Index...and Argentina tops the list in major travel and leisure categories.

In the Fine Dining category, Argentina wows at #4, outdone only by global heavyweights France, Italy, and Japan. It's the only South American destination to make the top ten. With the country's famed meat and wine; rich European heritage that results in authentic French, Spanish and Italian cuisine; introduction of fusion foods from Asia and Peru; and great value at restaurants, we're not surprised!

The country is no snoozer when it comes to Nightlife, either. At #10, Argentina is already known for its plethora of bars and discos that stay open 'til dawn. We love that here, it isn't just about the drinking - milongas, tango shows, theater, and much, much more make for all kinds of evening entertainment. Heck, even our neighborhood ice cream shop stays open until 2 a.m. on weekends!

And, finally, Argentina slides into 7th place for the Ease of Travel category, which ranks the ease with which travelers can enter, leave, and get around the country. We're sure it helps that, unlike certain South American neighbors, Argentina has fewer visa restrictions - making it not only easier but cheaper to get into the country.

Here at Inspira, we know that gastronomy and nightlife rank high on our travelers' priority list...which is why we not only help guests get around, but also get to the tops in restaurants and night fun with our complimentary concierge service. If you're traveling with us, let us know what we can help you with!

For more information on the study (though in Spanish), click here.

Mendoza, Place of a Lifetime!

Named one of the 50 Places of a Lifetime in National Geographic Traveler's October issue, Mendoza has been on our minds for a while now. The increasing awareness of Argentine wines, especially malbec, has led to the destination's increasing popularity. But fine vines are not the only attraction. Nestled in the base of the imposing Andes, Mendoza is also a great base for Andean exploration, particularly via horseback. mountain biking and trekking. There is also some great white water rafting during warmer months.

For those specifically interested in winemaking, the first week of March is usually Vendimia, or the grape harvest celebration. Local festivals, concerts, and food-and-wine tastings abound, as do the crowds. Late March through early May is a good time to catch the end of the grape harvest, with many wineries beginning their winemaking activities.

Travelers have their choice of accommodations as well, ranging from deluxe hotels such as the Park Hyatt to charming boutique hotels and inns, like the Posada de Rosas.

A great new destination to add to your Argentina itinerary...and one of 50 places of a lifetime this year!

The Healing Therapy of Tango

Great article from Reuters on the healing properties of tango!  (Thanks to Dana Depp for bringing to our attention!)  We knew tango was a marvel, and that the intricate dance has the ability to get people re-connecting with themselves and with others (see our tango guide Camille Cusumano's book Tango: An Argentine Love Story for more on that topic).  But that it can have an impact on treatments ranging from couples' counseling to phobias, from Parkinson's to physical therapy is novel to us...perhaps not surprising, but new news indeed.  The World Tango Championships may have just ended, but now we have a full year in which to practice putting our best foot forward.

The Storming of Santa Rosa

We´ve gone from winter straight into summer here in Buenos Aires, with temperatures suddenly approaching 30 degrees Celsius (86 Farenheit!). It´s the annual preview to the Santa Rosa Storm, a meteorological event that seems to celebrate Santa Rosa´s religious holiday on August 30th. On Sunday, possibly Monday, we'll see southeastern winds pick up, perhaps some furious lightning displays, and a deluge of waters from the heavens above. Really made me wonder about this Saint Rose, who with such a pacific name is still able to command the elements such?

Apparently, Rosa was born in Lima, Peru and has an annual holiday in part because she was the first Catholic saint of the Americas. As a young lady, she fasted, disfigured herself when admired to ward off vanity, and took a vow of virginity - all this against her parents´wishes. Rosa became a champion for the hungry and homeless, supporting them with the sales of her handiwork and tending to them, before becoming a member of the Dominican order at the ripe age of 20, and finally passing away at 31.

Saintly, indeed.... Yet, in addition to this tranquil existence, Rose was known for her "intervals of ecstasy". (Today, this would describe her as any other club-hopping 20-something; at the time, one can only suppose that these intervals were totally "organic.") I can only imagine that her annual storm might be the manifestation of another such ecstatic episode!

In addition to being the patron saint of the Americas, she also represents florists and gardeners...and as August 30th marks the beginning of spring here in Argentina, she certainly has an apt following!

For those of you travelling to Argentina post-Santa Rosa, pack for spring! Temperate climes, sunny days, and the lovely lavender of blooming jacarandas will shortly be visiting beautiful Buenos Aires.

The First Inspira Insiders Contest! How to Enter...

We are thrilled to announce our first “Inspira Insiders” contest!  From July 15 to September 15, 2009 Inspira Travel will be seeking the best insider tips on travel to Buenos Aires, our home base.  Where to go…what to do…and most importantly, WHY the place/event/experience is so great!  We know you love to travel as much as we do…and we’ve rounded up a selection of fabulous prizes to give away…all for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us and with fellow travellers. 

How to Enter

• Email tips (in English or Spanish) to insiders@inspiratravel.com along with full name and email address. 
• Up to three tips will be accepted, for as many chances to win some fabulous prizes (see Prizes blog entry!) 
• Tips must be specifically regarding the city of Buenos Aires and/or day-trips from Buenos Aires.
• All entries must be received by midnight, September 15^th, PST (Pacific Standard Time).
• Must be 21 years and older to enter.
• No purchase is necessary.

For complete contest rules and details, please see our blog post on "Complete Contest Rules".

Inspira Insiders Contest: Complete Contest Rules

Yes, yes, we do have to have rules....  They may look like a lot, but we assure you, they're quite straightforward!

Contest Rules

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.

1. Enter the Inspira Insiders contest by sending an email with your insider tip on exploring Buenos Aires to insiders@inspiratravel.com.  Your email should also include your full name.  By providing your e-mail address, you grant Inspira Travel (Sponsor) the right to send you commercial messages, unless specified otherwise as indicated on the entry form.  By providing your tip, you also grant Inspira Travel the right to use your tip in its commercial and promotional activities without compensation.  We respect your privacy and will not share your information with any third parties.

2. Entries that are lost, late, misdirected, garbled, or incompletely received, for any reason, including by reason of hardware, software, browser, or network failure, malfunction, congestion, or incompatibility at Sponsor´s servers or elsewhere, will not be eligible. Sponsor, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Web site. 

3. Up to three insider tips will be registered per entrant for the drawing. Contestants who have one registered insider tip at the end of the contest period (on or before September 15, 2009) will have one entry in the prize drawings; contestants providing a total of two insider tips will have two; and so on.  The tips may be provided in one email or in separate emails.  Tips must be provided in either Spanish or English.

In the event of a dispute as to any Submission, the authorized account holder, at time of entry, of the email address used to register for the Contest will be deemed to be the entrant and must comply with these Official Rules. The "authorized account holder" is the natural person assigned an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider or other organization responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted address.

4.  Contest winners will be chosen, on or after the first day of the following month. The potential winner will be notified by phone or e-mail. If the potential winner cannot be contacted within 14 days of attempted notification, an alternate winner may be chosen. All decisions by the judges are final.

5. The Grand Prize winner will receive two nights at Casa Calma wellness hotel in Buenos Aires, for self and a companion.  Breakfast and hotel taxes are included.  Transportation, additional meals, in-room charges (e.g., minibar, movies), telephone calls, gratuities, incidentals, and all other expenses are not included. Prize elements subject to availability, certain restrictions, and blackout dates. Scheduling must be made through Inspira Travel, and is subject to availability and blackout dates.   Accommodations are on a double-occupancy basis. Travel must be completed within 10 months of notification of the winner. No substitutions for the First Prize will be allowed except by Inspira Travel, in which case a prize of equal or greater value will be awarded. The retail value of the First Prize is approximately US$600, depending on exact travel dates.  Invitation to the Fernet tasting will be for a set date, to be determined and communicated in advance by the organizers, and will take place in Buenos Aires.  The Boutique Shopping Tour will be booked via Inspira Travel on available dates as noted by the tour organizer.  Prizes are non-transferable.

6. Income and other taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winners. Prizes are not transferable.

7. The contest is open to all participants who are 21 years of age or older as of the date of entry, except for employees of Inspira Travel, participating promotional agencies, providers, and the families of any of the above.

8. Odds of winning depend on the number of correct entries received.

9. All entries become the sole property of Inspira Travel and will not be acknowledged or returned.

10. Acceptance of a prize constitutes consent to use the winners' (and the Grand Prize traveling companion's) names and likenesses for editorial, advertising, and publicity purposes without further compensation (except where prohibited).

11. Contestants, by entering the Inspira Insiders contest, agree to be bound by the above rules and regulations. 

Inspira Insiders Contest - Tips on Tips

Looking for a little more direction on your entry? Here are some "good to know"s that may just give you an edge....  Buena suerte!

• Judges will be looking for entries that are aligned with the Inspira Travel philosophy of engaging travellers with the people and places of the destinations that await them.  Please feel free to check out our website to learn more about us!

• Tips can be on just about anything, and do not need to cost money. The more unique and engaging, the better. Some areas you may want to consider (though this is by no means a complete list) may include:  romantic Buenos Aires, eco-friendly activities, eating out, family-friendly, free, cultural, day trips from Buenos Aires, active, getting around, and shopping.

•  Don’t forget to let us know why you think the place/event/experience you are recommending is so fantastic.  For example, if you think that La Bomba del Tiempo at the Ciudad Cultural Konex is, well, the bomb, let us know why – is it the low price, the multi-cultural crowd, the best drumbeats around, your favorite thing to do on Monday nights, all of the above?  Be specific, incorporate your personal insight, and provide a vivid description.

Inspira Insiders Contest - Prizes!

The team at Inspira Travel is delighted to feature some of our top partners in Buenos Aires, and a menu of prizes intended to soothe, scintillate and even satiate the senses!

• Our Grand Prize winner will receive a two-night stay for self and a companion, including breakfast, at the renowned boutique hotel Casa Calma.  This wellness hotel is Buenos Aires’s first, with each individual room conceived as a mini-spa center, featuring a Jacuzzi, Scottish shower, organic amenities, and more.  Guests love the way that the rooms´ plasma TVs and iPod ports complement the natural surroundings with top technology, and rave about the hotel´s restaurant, featuring the freshest of natural ingredients.

• The First Prize is a Fashion Tour by Buenos Aires Boutique Tours, for winner and a guest.  These customized tours through Palermo or Recoleta are tailored to match the traveller’s style and shopping interests.  Handmade shoes, silverware, jewellery, textiles, leather goods, and more make Buenos Aires a shopping paradise…and the “in the know” retailers featured on these tours bring the best quality, service and design to participants.  Every tour includes coffee, lunch, and a glass of wine as well as an exclusive shopping tote filled with an area map, VIP discount card, and more. 

• Three entrants will each receive a bottle of the new Fernet 1882 , the first fernet made in Argentina (and 100% Cordobes, at that!) and an invitation to our exclusive Fernet tasting.

• 12 contest entrants will receive an exclusive invitation for self and a guest to an private tasting of Fernet 1882 with picada. 

• Four participants will each receive a large jar of the dulce de leche La Salamandra – natural, delicious, and Argentine.

Entries will be reviewed by representatives of Inspira Travel.  Judges´decisions are final. Visit our blog entry on “Contest Rules” for all contest rules and details.

A brief guide to tango music for beginners

This week, we are delighted to have a posting from Inspira´s new tango expert and guide, Camille Cusumano. In addition to being a formidable dancer, Camille recently penned "TANGO, an Argentine love story," based on her personal experiences. She now also leads Inspira´s tango tours, for anyone interested in an insider´s take on tango dancing, where to buy tango shoes, proper tango etiquette, and more. Contact us for additional information or to arrange "una tarde de tango" (an afternoon of tango). Below, from Camille:

Tango music is something the most unschooled among us recognizes when we hear it. Even if we don’t know what a bandoneon is, we know that concertina-like sound, blending with violins and perhaps some piano music. We recognize the beat, technically called “two-by-four,” even if we know nothing about music. And above all, we know the emotions of the tango sound, the varying mix of lament, woe, romance, passion, and every nuance in-between.

Once you start going to milongas, where tango music is played for dancers, you quickly learn that tango can be broadly divided into three categories---pure tango (the dos por quarto or two by four), tango vals or waltz (similar to American waltz), and tango milonga, a word also used to describe the rhythmic music whose roots go back to the African slaves. Tango milonga invites lots of syncopation, called traspies, in the dance steps.

And then, within these three categories, there are numerous interpretations depending on the composer. Too, too numerous to describe here – but here’s a good book to pick up and learn more: Tango, Let's dance to the music! By Joaquin Amenabar.

So, the more I dance tango and learn about the music through the way it affects my dance, the more difficult it is for me to answer that FAQ: Who are your favorite composers?

Yet, I will try here: Carlos di Sarli (The RCA years) is a favorite – he is my tops for romantic tango music. Di Sarli has songs in all three types of tango music, too. You can’t go wrong with anything by him.

Ah, Pugliese – Osvaldo Pugliese. He is probably considered the most romantic for many tangueros. And I do love to listen to his wildly creative interpretations. Who could not love La Yumba, Mala Junta, and Mariposa?—to name just a few of his eternal themes. Here’s a little secret about Pugliese I just learned from Joaquin Amenabar: The milonga DJs play his 1950s radically passionate stuff – but it’s not danceable. Well, that explains why unlike most milonga attendees I always want to sit out that tanda and just watch the dancers wrap themselves as one to his music. BUT, get hold of Pugliese’s 1940s music – and you’ll hear it’s much more tempo-friendly for dancing. You can find a CD of his 1940s music anywhere here in Buenos Aires – just ask the clerk. Also, look for a composer, lesser known, but equally passionate to Pugliese, Alfredo Gobbi. You’ll be amazed how similar they sound. Gobbi died too young to achieve the fame of Pugliese, who made it to his nineties.

Let me drop a few more names that you might want in your collection: Francisco Canaro–make sure you get La Poema (romantic tango); Juan D’Arienzo, the King of Rhythm; Rodolfo Biaggi (very rhythmic –too much so for some dancers); Anibal Troilo (rhythmic is a softer way) – anything by these Golden Era composers is great.

Start with the above Composers. When you’re ready to add more styles to your collection, look for any tangos by De Angelis, Tanturi, Laurens, DeCaro, Calo . . . and I’ll stop there for now. Not all tangos have lyrics but when they do, here are the great voices to look for: Francisco Fiorentino, Alberto Castillo, Julio Sosa, Raul Beron, Angel Vargas, and of course, the immortal Carlos Gardel.

That’s enough name-dropping for now to keep you busy.

Let it Snow! Argentina ski season to open soon

The leaves are falling here in Buenos Aires, meaning the snow on the slopes just a ways south from here is not far behind.  Last year, we saw "in the know" snow men and women arrive to Buenos Aires with their ski gear...yet, while Argentine slopes are well-established in South America, they are actually still quite unfamiliar to folks up North.  This year, with the dollar, pound and euro holding quite strongly against the peso, we decided it was time to get word out.  In-season skiing in the middle of the summer?  And at these prices?  We have a few friends who are already packing up.....  So here's what we have on tap:

Package Overview:  All of Inspira's Summer Slopes packages include 7 nights' lodging, free daily shuttle from hotel to lifts, ski lift tickets, breakfast daily, roundtrip airport transfers, and medical insurance.  Rates are per person, based on double occupancy.  Additional lodging options other than those noted below are available, though price may vary.  Airfare, ski passes, and equipment are not included.  Packages are offered from June 13 - September 26, 2009. Prices may vary according to availability.

Destinations:

Modeled after a European-style alpine village, framed by woods, lakes, and even a volcano, San Martin de los Andes attracts snow aficionados with its

ski resort Cerro Chapelco.   Cerro Chapelco provides
27 runs for active travelers of all levels, including the U.S. national
snowboarding team who trained here as recently as last year.  Travelers
seeking the tranquillity of an Andean mountain town can find it in this
Patagonian refuge.  The Summer Slopes San Martin de los Andes seven-night
package starts from $479 per person, based on double occupancy at the Posta
del Cazador hotel.

The southernmost winter sports center in the world, Cerro Castor is also the newest in Argentina.  Near Ushuaia's capital city of Tierra del Fuego, Cerro Castor features 19 runs of varying difficulty and one of the longest seasons in South America.  The area is also popular with travelers who want to explore the "End of the World," as they may enjoy outdoor adventures such as boat rides to sea lion colonies and treks through the Tierra del Fuego national park.  The Summer Slopes Ushuaia seven-night package starts from $499 per person, based on double occupancy at the Macondo House Inn. 

With peaks resembling Gothic spires, Cerro Catedral is one of the best-known ski resorts in South America.  Located about ten miles from the town of San Carlos de Bariloche, Cerro Catedral offers modern facilities with over 53 runs of various difficulties, overlooking the spectacular lakes and hills of Patagonia.  At night, travelers can enjoy the sophisticated cuisine and glamorous nightlife that unfailingly accompany Bariloche in ski season.  The Summer Slopes Bariloche seven-night package starts from $539 per person, based on double occupancy at the Tres Reyes Hotel.

Women´s Soccer Team, a Goal unto Itself

Yesterday, the Inspira Travel staff met up with Ginger from San Telmo Productions. She and her Argentine husband Gabriel are currently making a documentary about a female futbol (soccer) team in Villa 31 and just finished months of shooting. For those not familiar with the term, a villa is essentially a shantytown, similar to the Brazilian favela and often on occupied government land . As with most major South American cities, Buenos Aires has its fair share of villas and must deal with both the stereotypes and stringent realities faced by these communities.

In other countries, where women´s team sports are popular and plentiful, the notion of a female soccer team might not be of any interest. Yet in South America, where futbol reigns supreme, there are few female teams, not to mention a complete lack of any women´s professional league. The benefits that come with practicing a team sport - among them, sportsmanship, discipline, support, physical well-being - are many, though the challenges that these young women face make such benefits hard won. While I won´t enumerate them all here (leaving that to San Telmo Productions and other journalists who have committed significant energy to this story), just making it to daily practice can sometimes seem a futile task given the responsibilities and situations that are oft encountered.

For travellers interested in learning more about the Villa 31 girls´ futbol team, please don´t hesitate to contact us. In the meantime, you can read more about these young ladies here and about the documentary filming here.

Green Travel Tips Buenos Aires

With Earth Day tomorrow (April 22), we thought we´d post some travel tips about greener travel in Buenos Aires. For more information on Buenos Aires festivities for the second annual Earth Day here in this grand metropolis, see bottom of post.

“Verde, que te quiero verde” (“Green, how I love you green”), could be the tag of today’s green travel movement. According to a recent TripAdvisor survey, green travel has been steadily growing – in 2009, 34% of U.S. travelers have intentions to visit an environmentally-friendly resort or hotel while 32% said that their travel decisions would be more environmentally conscious, up significantly from 30% and 26% respectively the previous year.

How, though, to be eco-amenable when travel plans lead to big cities instead of rural landscapes?

• Stay in hotels with environmentally-conscious cultures. New boutique hotel Casa Calma, which features organic room amenities in refillable bottles, low-consumption lighting, biodegradable cleaning supplies, and even a vertical garden to help maintain year-round temperature equilibrium.

• Get around green. Built in 1913, the Buenos Aires subway is the oldest in Latin America and the 13th oldest in the world. Carriage cars on the Linea A (the first line built in the city) still retain much of their original features, including wooden side panels, leather straps, and ceiling lamps. At about US$0.40 entry fee, a ride on Linea A is not only an eco-friendlier means of city travel but an inexpensive, first-hand experience of what was once transportation’s grandest innovation.

• Seek out low impact tours. Bike tours of Buenos Aires rank among our travelers’ favorite Buenos Aires experiences. A great way to cover a lot of ground with little impact, these excursions are also ideal for first-time visitors seeking a respite from jet lag, or return guests interested in seeing the city in a different way.

• Give green. With the city’s reputation for avant garde fashion and design, recycled and second-hand gifts are far from second-rate. Vacavaliente, sells playful home and office accessories made from recycled leather at specialized stores throughout the city. In addition to the popular San Telmo Sunday market, Inspira Travel also recommends browsing the lesser-known Dorrego flea market for vintage home furnishings and accessories (a recent find included an art deco silver-plated teapot for US$25).

• Eat locally. For visitors intrigued by South American cuisine, Inspira Travel secures reservations at Casa Felix. Open just three days a week, the restaurant incorporates tastes such as plantains, manioc, fennel, and blue corn. Ingredients are sourced locally and organically. Part of the city’s hip “puertas cerradas” (or “closed doors”) dining trend, this underground locale combines eco-friendly with in-the-know gourmet.

This year, Earth Day in Buenos Aires will be celebrated on April 25th at the Plaza Naciones Unidas, complete with live music and other performing arts, stands for organizations, sale of organic products, and more.

Tango Turns and Milonga Mannerisms

The "city of," "world capital of," "birthplace of"....  When travelers think of Buenos Aires, tango is inevitably one of their first associations.  And for good reason - the passion, late-night glamour, and  alternately strong or plaintive chords of the tango are characteristics equally alive in and intertwined with the soul of this oft enigmatic place.  

As an addition to any Buenos Aires itinerary, a professional tango show truly impacts one's sight and sound.  Live musicians, powerful singers, and  impeccably timed choreography (not to mention the sparkle of those exquisite tango shoes!) envelop and enthrall.  At Inspira, two of our favorite shows, Cafe de los Angelitos and El Viejo Almacen, take place in refurbished historical venues.

A dinner show, however, simply does not do full justice to this intricate art form.  For this, our Inspira Travel consultants recommend visiting a milonga, a tango dancehall where the "real people" dance...dancers of all skill levels, locals and expats alike.  The beauty of attending a milonga is the people-watching.  Older gentlemen in suits, hip-hoppers in baggy jeans, glittering ladies in backless dresses - a parade of personalities.   Spectators would also be best served by a basic understanding of milonga etiquette, with its subtle nuances and unstated rules.  Inspira offers milonga guides who accompany visitors, explaining dance's customs while providing an historical overview of the tango.  

For travelers looking to get a head-start on milonga mannerisms, we were delighted to see a recent article by travel writer Ian Mount on accepted protocol.  

For further information on tango shows, milonga outings, and insider travel advice on Argentina, please contact info@inspiratravel.com.

Hoping all your travels are inspirational....

As Napa sleeps, Mendoza reaps

The frenzied revelry that accompanies grape harvests has traditionally attracted travelers during the August to September months, when Europe and California are at their peak.   With the winter months of the Northern Hemisphere, however, Southern climes offer new opportunities for festivities.  

From January through March, the province of Mendoza in Argentina celebrates its grape harvest – more than 17 towns hold local events with the most important dates taking place over the first weekend of March, as the season culminates with street revelery, beauty pageants, folk dancers, fireworks, and more.   Inspira Travel presents packages for aficionados to explore the newest world capital of wine at a time when its cultural heritage and pride literally take to the streets.

On Friday, March 6^th  the Via Blanca de las Reinas parade kicks off the weekend as 17 candidates for Vendimia Queen (one from each of the province’s towns) ride their festooned floats through the city center.  Participants distribute wine samples in baskets, reaching crowds with long poles in competition with their rival pueblos.  The following evening, the grand closing spectacle – and the only event that requires entrance tickets - crowns the Queen in an amphitheater, complemented by a fantastic light show, music and dancing.   On preceding nights, the city’s plazas are bordered by numerous booths featuring handicrafts, wine tastings, local gastronomy, and live music. 

Inspira Travel’s 7-night packages for the 2009 Vendimia allow travelers to see top attractions of the area while leaving time for independent exploration of the famous festivals. 

The Inspira Vendimia package combines two nights in Buenos Aires with five in Mendoza and includes:  seven-night accommodations at top hotels, city tour and tango show in Buenos Aires, city visit of Mendoza, wine tasting tour to leading vineyards, half-day visit to the Andean foothills and the mineral water springs of Villavicencio, entrance to the closing acts of the Vendimia festival, and airport transfers.  Rates start from US $1,839 per person depending on hotel selection, and are per person based on double occupancy.  Airfare is not included.  Package is available March 1-8, 2009 based on Vendimia festival dates, but other travel dates may also be arranged.  

For more information on this or other packages, contact info@inspiratravel.com