Just returned from a wonderful time in BA.
1.Good airfare hotel package from www.hotels.net
2.Highly recommend LoiSuites Recoleta. Very nice accomodations, helpful staff, good location across from Recoleta cemetary.
3.Radio taxis are easily flagged on the street, are plentiful and cheap. Most drivers do not speak English and many don't know how to get to where you want to go. Write down the address and hand it to the driver and carry a small map.
4.You will enjoy great food and wines for average $30-60 for two.
5.TimeOut Buenos Aires is a very good guidebook and the most up-to-date one.
6.Confiteria Ideal at 348 Suipacha is one of the old tango salons and a great place to get a lesson and/or attend a salon. Another good place to dance with Portenos is La Virtula in the Armenian Cultural Center.
7.Iguazo Falls package arranged through BA local Kraft Travel. WOW Argentina also gets high marks. Get an early flight and take the boat tour (last one is 3:30) the day you arrive. Take the falls tour at 9 the next morning (or do it yourself)and then leave late afternoon. the falls are spectacular! Stay at the Sheraton Internacional in the park, but go to La Ruieda in town for dinner.(70 peso round trip;the driver will wait for you) The food at the Sheraton is terrible.
8.If you are knowledgeable about antique jewelry you can get great buys in San Telmo.
9.Cashmere sweaters are inexpensive, but not the same quality as Mongolian. Some are scratchy and some do not fit well, so be sure to try them on.
10.The best buys are in Once, if you can separate the bad quality from the good.
11.If you understand Spanish go to the theater. There are many productions going on all of the time. check the daily papers, including the BA Herald (in English).
12.If the Tangokenesis dance group is at Teatro Maipo, be sure to go. The best seats were $10.
13.The tour of Teatro Colon is wonderful. You get to see where sets and costumes are made and stored. Go to a performance as well if one is on while you are there - and affordable tickets are available.
14.The government sponsored volunteer guide program, Cicerones, is wonderful. Go to their web site to fill out a form with your request.
15.The MALBA contemporary Latin American art museum is well worth a visit.
I'd be happy to provide specific information on restaurants,sites,etc. You can contact me at vfccasa@aol.com