WARNING !! US Travelers • Airport Entry Fee Argentina

Airport Entry Fee
December 11, 2009

This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens that on December 20, 2009, the Government of Argentina will begin charging American Citizens visiting Argentina for business or tourism an entry fee of $131 U.S. dollars.  The fee will be collected only at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport.  Once paid, the fee permits multiple entries into Argentina for ten years in accordance with United States visa reciprocity.  Americans may pay in dollars, by credit card, or with travelers checks.

U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the U.S. for the latest travel information.  The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time, M-F, at 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from outside the U.S., at (202)-501-4444.  For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at 4300 Avenida Colombia, 1425 Buenos Aires; telephone+54-11-5777-4354; after hours emergency telephone +54-11-5777-4873; ACS unit fax +54-11-5777-4293; e-mail BuenosAires-ACS@state.gov; web page http://argentina.usembassy.gov.

Americans living or traveling in Argentina are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Argentina.  Americans without internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Filed under: Argentina, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Argentina, Buenos Aires, CM Boutique Gay Travel

Northern Boutique Route • ARGENTINA

Complying with my motto at CM Boutique Gay Travel • BEEN THERE DONE THAT, I am heading off tomorrow DEC 03rd, from Buenos Aires on a 15 Days / 14 Nights experience NORTHERN Boutique Route of Argentina. This route includes the following amazing destinations Mendoza • Tucuman • Cafayate • Cachi • Salta • Purmamarca and Jujuy.

This Northern Boutique Route is sponsored and courtesy of the following boutique Hotels and Tours, which I will review as a gay traveler, testing and rating their services and products based on my own experiences.

> Mendoza ( DEC 03rd. to 08th. )
( Hotels ) Park Hyatt Mendoza • Casa MARGOT • CAVAS Wine Lodge • El Aguamiel.
( Tours ) Full Day Wineries • Full Day Rafitng Tour • Full Day Horseback Ridding along the Andes.
( Restaurants ) Azafran • Bisto M • Ocho Cepas • El 23 Gran Bar • Las Negras Deck.

> Tucuman • Cafayate ( DEC 09th. to 11th. )
( Hotels ) Missia Pepa Boutique Hotel • Estancia Las Carreras • WINE Resort Viñas de Cafayate.
( Tours ) City Tour Tucuman • Tafi del Valle • Quilmes • Quebrada de Cafayate.

> Salta • Cachi • Purmamarca ( DEC 11th. to 18th. )
( Hotels ) Ayres de Salta Hotel • Design Suites • El Cortijo Hotel Boutique • El Lagar • Refugio de Coquena • House of Jasmines.
( Tours ) City Tour Salta • Cachi • Purmamarca • Quebrada de Humahuaca.

All the information, images ad live videos on this itinerary, hotel and tour reviews will be available, published and shared on my website at CM Boutique Gay Travel, this blog and my Carlos Melia Facebook Page. Feel free to follow this and send your questions, requests and comments.

Hope you enjoy it and all this information will help you planning you future holidays at this destinations. Especial thanks to my Travel Experts a each of this destinations, whom you will be able to meet at my site.

Cheers, Carlos Melia • CM

Filed under: 27187630, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Cachi, Cafayate, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Hotels with Attitude, Jujuy, Purmamarca, Salta, Tucuman, Argentina, Cachi, Cafayate, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Hotels with Attitude, Jujuy, Mendoza, Purmamarca, Salta, Tucuman

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK • ELEINI TONY • Tel Aviv, Israel

Hi Carlos,
Thanks for  your E-mail…I must  say that we had a great vacation, we enjoyed it very much .
The tours we arranged us were very nice , the hotels were great, just the issue that they were far from
The center we had to use taxis a lot. However , thanks a lot for your help.
Tony

Filed under: Argentina, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Customer Feedback, Argentina, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Customer Feedback, El Calafate, Iguazu Falls, San Carlos de Bariloche

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK • CHRIS RANDOLF • TEXAS,US

Carlos is a FANTASTIC Travel Agent…
He listens to your needs and plans your trip so that you experience only the best the country has to offer…Not the same tourist sites most agents send you to but where the locals hang out… That’s my kind of Travel Agent!
Chris

Filed under: Argentina, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Customer Feedback, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Customer Feedback

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK • FRED & BEVERLY • New York, US

Hi Carlos
We are back in the New York and we had a fantastic time on our trip to your beautiful country.The Transfer went perfect and he was very professional.Your instructions for the bus tickets were very accurate and we had a very good time in San Antonio de Areco.We really appreciate all your help, and will recommend you to our friends.
THANKS
Fred & Beverly

Filed under: Argentina, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Customer Feedback, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Customer Feedback, San Antonio de Areco

Gay Marriage coming to ARGENTINA ?

As some of you may have heard, Argentina is closer than ever before to becoming the first Latin American country to rule in favour of Gay and Lesbian Marriages (we currently only have State-specific Civil Unions in several Argentine provinces).

A special legislative commission will conclude a round of hearings to determine if the proposed law is submitted to Congressional vote. There is a large number of undecided congressmen who – we know for a fac t- have been monitoring online polls to get a feel of the general population’s support for Gay Marriage.

EXPRESS YOUR VOICE NOW. !!! Regardless where in the face of the world you live. This is a fight we all must takeover together worldwide. Which is why I’d like to ask for your help, by simply clicking in the attached link ( http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1191578 ) and scrolling down the page to the poll. Just click on “Sí” (which means you support Gay Marriage). A pop-up window will appear where you’ll be asked to enter some random digits to confirm your vote, and that’ll be it. We’d also be tremendously grateful if you could forward this request to your contact lists (and, of course, posting this news and links on blogs and gay-friendly websites would be also of great help).

So far the Argentinean citizens have shown a positive feedback favoring a 51% towards Gay Marriage. This shows a huge step forward, for other countries all over America to follow.

Thanks in advance for your support, and let’s hope sometime soon we can all be remembering the days of fighting for our rights as something of the faraway past!

( This post was shared by Diego Mathe – Buenos Aires, Argentina )

Filed under: Argentina, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Gay Rights, Press Clipping, Argentina, Argentina Gay Travel, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Gay Marriage, Gay Rights

Gay Day Tour Buenos Aires (3hs.)

The best way to get to know this amazing city in only 3 hours. You may not get to see all areas deep into detail, but it will give you a general idea on which neighborhoods are your favorite and a general perspective on the pace and identity of the city. During the length of your tour, take advantage of the knowledge of our gay guides and strain their brains out for tips on cool and trendy restaurants, bars and hot spots in the city. I would strongly suggest to do this tour on the first or second day of arrival, to better understand, enjoy and take advantage of Buenos Aires. This tour can either be done on Private Transportation w/driver or using Public Transportation.

>> FYI. !!! For those interested we also provide this same tour in New York City.

> DESCRIPTION
The best way to get to know this amazing city in only 3 hours. You may not get to see all areas deep into detail, but it will give you a general idea on which neighborhoods are your favorite and a general perspective on the pace and identity of the city. During the length of your tour, take advantage of the knowledge of our gay guides and strain their brains out for tips on cool and trendy restaurants, bars and hot spots in the city. I would strongly suggest to do this tour on the first or second day of arrival, to better understand, enjoy and take advantage of Buenos Aires. This tour can either be done on Private Transportation w/driver or using Public Transportation.

The tour will take you following the pace of the history and development of the city. La Boca, San Telmo, Plaza de Mayo, Downtown, Retiro, Recoleta and Cemetery, Palermo, Palermo SOHO, Palermo Parks and Belgrano.

The tour can be customized to your choice or needs and any point. So if you feel like staying longer in a particular area, or would like to do any particular activity, like shopping for leather…, please let us know in advance to include it in our itinerary.

Pick ups and Drop offs are at you hotel, unless you prefer a different location. The time and schedule is also customize to your needs, but in order to avoid rush hours we suggest (during the summer) 10AM or 04PM pick ups, and (during the winter) 11AM or 3PM pick ups.

* Full Private tours include bilingual gay guide + private car w/driver.
* Semi Private tours include bilingual gay guide. We will move around the city using public transportation (bus, taxi and subway). In this case transportation expenses are on your own.

For us at CM, the best way to get to know the city of Buenos Aires. A short but complete introduction to the city and its happening, visiting the main tourist attractions and neighborhoods.

> COST
Fares below are subject to last minute modifications and seasons.

PRIVATE Service with Transportation
x 01 PERSON – USD 150
x 02 PEOPLE
 – USD 150
EXTRA PERSON – USD 50 x person.

PRIVATE Service without Transportation
x 01 PERSON – USD 75
x 02 PEOPLE
 – USD 75
EXTRA PERSON – USD 39 x person.

1).  Prices subject to modifications. Local TAX is not included.
2). 03 Hours Tour including Bilingual Guide and transportation services according to your tour choice.
3). TIPS, Drinks and other expenses are not included.
4).  If you choose to take the Public Transportation option, you are responsible for all transportation expenses of the Tour Guide.

Filed under: Argentina, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, New York City, Argentina, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel

San Antonio de Areco Tour

San Antonio de Areco is probably the prettiest town in the Pampas. and one of the top ten places to visit in Argentina, according to the Lonely Planet Guide. Enjoy and experience the cultural legacy of the Gauchos, old traditions and local craftmanship in this colonial little town. One full day program, with 04 alternative options. Touching history (including Homemade Delights and Artisan’s Paradise), Town of Gauchos, Natural Areco, and Relax in the Countryside.

> DESCRIPTION
The basic tour consists on the Touching History Option. Which includes round trip from Buenos Aires to San Antonio de Areco, with pick up at your hotel. All services are either in private of small groups of max. 07 people. ( Modern Hyundai H1 Vans ).

Touching History Tour > Guided Tour by Van of the main historic points + Lunch at a typical restaurant + Guided tour of the Gauchesco Guiraldes Museum + Walking tour of the Colonial Town + Visit to the Artisan’s workshop + Homemade delights at a Pulperia. 

The Artisan’s Paradise, consists on Draghi’s Museum +     Gasparini’s Atelier + Textile’s workshop + Handmade Pottery + Leather crafts + Hot Chocolate and Alfajores “local cookies” Factory. Homemade Delights, consists on Hot Chocolate and Alfajores “local cookies” Factory + Local homemade delis like sausages, cheese and a local microbrewery.

(extra) Town of Gauchos Tour
 > Tour of Gauchos old bars “ Pulperias “. Horseback ridding + Asado Barbecue + Horse drawn carriage ride.

(extra) Natural Areco > Canoe trip along the Arceo river + Asado Barbecue at an Estancia (farm) + Native Vegetation + Bike ride or Visit to an Organic Greenhouse.

(extra) Relax in the Countryside
 > Horse drawn carriage ride + Asado Barcecue at an Estancia (farm) + Hammam’s Spa Session.

> COST
FULL DAY TOUCHING HISTORY TOUR
01 PERSON > USD 210
02 PEOPLE

 > USD 120 x person
03 OR 04 PEOPLE > 95 x person
05 OR 06 PEOPLE


 > 90 x person

OPTIONAL EXTRAS
TOWN OF GAUCHOS

 > USD 20 x person
NATURAL ARECO > USD 20 x person
RELAX IN THE COUNTRYSIDE > 25 x person

Prices Include:
+ Round Trip with Hotel Pick Up
+ Transfers within San Antonio de Areco
+ Bilingual Tour Guide
+ Amenities in the Van
+ Museum Tickects
+ Full Lunch with drinks
+ Afternoon Snacks and drinks
+ All Taxes included

(*) Prices are subject to modifications upon booking confirmation.

Filed under: Argentina, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Argentina, Buenos Aires, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Gauchos, San Antonio de Areco, Tours

Argentina to Receive First Comprehensive Study of Pink Consumers

Argentina is about to receive its first ever comprehensive research analysis of gay and lesbian consumers.

Conducted online, the survey will sample LGBT responses throughout Argentina.

The research will be undertaken by Out Now. Ian Johnson, CEO of Out Now says the research is a major step for the region’s GLBT communities: “In the past gays and lesbians have often been ignored by governments, organizations and companies. With this new research we will begin to be able to understand the many lifestyle, social and economic factors affecting the daily lives of this significant group of people in Latin America. As has been the case in other regions, we expect better information will lead to better work, social and lifestyle outcomes for LGBT people as a result of this new research.”

In Q3 of 2010, Out Now will present an overview of the findings to the media, and will syndicate a comprehensive market research report.

The new research is supported by various corporate and community sponsors including Delta Airlines and IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association).

(Source: Adrian Phoon – Online Coordinator DNA Magazine Blog )

Filed under: Argentina, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Press Clipping, Argentina, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel

El Pais Newspaper features Carlos Melia

>> Montevideo, Uruguay

The main newspaper of the Republic of Uruguay, has interviewed our own Carlos Melia, and featured him as a pioneer into gay travel and marketing for South America. Also been recognized for all his independent efforts throughout the last seven year, positioning CM Boutique Gay Travel – his own company – as the main gay travel agency in the region.
To read the full article please follow the link to the official site of El Pais Newspaper (click here)

* More articles and Press clippings can be found at the Press section of our site

Filed under: Argentina, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, Press Clipping, Argentina, Argentina Gay Travel, Buenos Aires, Carlos Melia, CM Boutique Gay Travel, El Pais, Uruguay