Obsessed with the Adobe architecture!!!  Photo Source: Emiliano.tv

The villas located in the vineyard overlooking the Andes.  These villas are pricey, but they get rave reviews! Each one comes with a private roodeck (with fireplace), plunge pool and patio.
​Photo Source: Fodors

The rooms are decorated in a colonial-bohemian style.  This one could be the setting of an epic story where artfully dressed characters happen upon each other in the midst of horseback ride in the Andes foothills. Both competitive spirits, they race each other back to the lodge. She wins the race, and his heart, and they enjoy a glass of Malbec together on this oversized velvet chaise.    Photo Source: TripAdvisor

SWOON!

Imagine enjoying these rooftop fireplaces with a glass of wine, enjoying the sun setting over the Andes! These private villas would be a fun, private getaway for couples, families and groups of friends.  You can evan hire a private chef one night to cook for your group.  Yes, please.

Stunning sunrise picture from Cavas' Facebook page. Those colors!

They offer many activities to help guests work off all the food & wine - hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting and zip lining.  I love the idea of biking between wineries to fully experience everything the region offers. 

[Pictured Above]  A typical street in La Recoleta Cemetery.  Usually, there is not a super tall American named Chris standing around giving you the stink-eye:)

Below these floors lie many tombs, including those of famous popes, roman families and St. Peter himself. 

Recognize those gates? They are the inspiration for the fleeing scene in the Sound of Music.

I was recently at dinner with friends who had just returned from vacation in Argentina.  While enthusiastically discussing some of Argentina's delights - malbec & steak - we eventually arrived on the subject of money.  My friends saved a lot of money by brining cash (USD) to Argentina and exchanging their dollars for pesos using an unofficial exchange rate.      

US Dollars are currently scarce in Argentina due to the government's tough currency exchange restrictions, intended to help the struggling peso and to discourage citizens from spending their money outside of Argentina. 

The result? Two exchanges - the official exchange rate from banks and ATMs, and the black market rate also called the "Blue Rate" or "Dollar Blue" which can be obtained from unofficial traders.  For example, you might get 7.80 pesos for $1USD using the official rate but you'd get 11.40 pesos for $1USD using the blue rate.  As you can see,  the savings are significant. Although the blue rate is technically illegal, it's published in Argentina's newspapers,  many news outlets report the blue rate when talking about the official rate, and travelers and locals alike regularly take advantage of the discounted rate.

Finding Unofficial Traders
In order to exchange money using the blue rate, you must find unofficial traders. Your best bet is if you know someone in Argentina who can direct you to a trusted unofficial trader. If that isn't an option, seek out a tour operator online before you arrive or ask your hotel to recommend a "cueva" (it literally means cave, but it's really a functioning exchange business). If that doesn't work, there will be people in the street yelling "Cambio!".  While this should be a last resort, you can ask them about their exchange rate and compare it to the published blue rate & official rate.  

Whether you exchange with unofficial or official traders, there is always a risk you'll get scammed.  Make sure you count your money, calculate the exchange and get them to agree on the trade amount BEFORE you hand your cash to the trader. There is also a small chance you might get counterfeit notes, so inspect your bills for signs of forgery.  

Changing Pesos Back 
When changing your pesos back to your home currency, you get a better rate on the official market than with the blue rate. However, it's harder to find official traders in Argentina who will take pesos for USD (or EUR/GBPs). You are more likely to be able to trade your pesos once you leave the country.  If possible, research beforehand and identify a currency exchange outside of Argentina that trades at the official rate.  

Arbitrage
This dual exchange rate presents an arbitrage opportunity assuming you have left over cash after your trip.  For example, say you bring $1,000USD and trade it at the blue rate quoted above for 11,400 pesos. If you were to immediately come home and trade your pesos at the official rate you'd get back $1,460USD, resulting $460USD in profit.  Now before you start thinking this is a way to make a lot of easy money, remember that you can't carry around anything over $10,000USD, otherwise you'd have to declare it.  And I really wouldn't recommend carrying around a ton of cash anywhere, especially in a foreign country.   

A Word of Warning
Argentina's currency is extremely volatile so keep a close eye on the exchange rate right before you leave and during your trip.  This currency has collapsed before and it may happen again. Keeping this in mind, it may be wise to exchange only as much as you'll need on your trip. The last thing you want is to return home with a bunch of pesos only to find out that the currency is worthless.

Now that you know how to save money during your next visit to Argentina, how will you spend your extra cash? 

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