We are traveling in December from US to Buenos Aires Argentina and then need to go to Futaleufu, Chile, which is close to the border. I gather a flight from BA to Bariloche is what should be done lst then we can rent a car and go via Esquel to Futa. My Q has to do with flights from BA to Bariloche, which I mainly want to know about, and safety etc. Which carrier is best, LAN or Argentinas Air? Any suggestions on car rentals also, since we will be in Futa then drive out of there to Santiago to leave and go back to US. Thanks much in advance for any assistance.

Just to update: we are flying to Buenos Aires then to Bariloche then driving to Futa and staying a few days then back to Bariloche and flying to Puerto Montt and then driving around Chiloe and then flying up to Santiago for the last few days. We'll be looking for lodging for 3 in Bariloche, on Chiloe, in Valdivia, Valparaiso and Santiago, Chile. If anyone has any suggestions, that'd be great. Many thanks for the usual helpful information.

We stayed at Hotel Orly in Santiago. It was a good hotel and not too expensive. The area is good. It is a popular hotel with travelers from English speaking and European countries.

We stayed in Puerto Varas and Villarica. We only did a stop on our drive between the two cities at Valdivia. Valdivia looked nice - we visited the market and the Fort which was interesting. In Puerto Varas we stayed at a guest house that was okay but if you happen to get to Villarica - I highly recommend staying at the Hosteria de Colina. The owners are wonderful and so helpful. The food is also good. We ended up eating at the Hosteria every night after our touring.