Updated: Sep 28, 2022

From Moyra Smart – Across Ambassador

Moira Smart from South Africa is a warm and lovely lady who visited South America 5 times with us…After returning from her 4th trip from Argentina, she shared her experiences in South America so far.

We love sharing the stories of our travelers!

There’s nothing more important than hearing the reactions of real-life people who have experienced the wonders of South America, so we asked Moira to share some of her experiences with us.  

So, if you plan a trip to Argentina, don’t miss what Moyra has shared with us. 🤩

Tell us about your trips to Argentina. When and where did they take place?

Across South America organized my first trip to Argentina in 2010.

📍 The main focus was to visit Iguazu Falls with a friend. This was spectacular! And Yacutinga Lodge in the rainforest as well. We spent some time exploring Buenos Aires & a day experience at an Estancia.

 I arrived back in South Africa to declare to family and friends that I had fallen in love… with a country!

📍 In 2011 Across South America arranged a holiday according to my wishes and experimenting.

I decided to take only carry-on luggage and booked a Homestay in Buenos Aires (this was not part of their program).

From there, I went by overnight bus to Cordoba, where I was interested in visiting the Jesuit estancias in the area. Then another overnight bus to Salta “la Linda.” Another fantastic experience in this city and 3 excursions: north on the Quebrada de Humahuaca, south to Winelands of Cafayate, and west towards the Andes and Cachi. I was highly impressed how Across coordinated this lot!

📍 I had been northeast and northwest now it was off to the southwest in 2012.

I was once more traveling solo (friends thought there might be another kind of “love” there, or I had lost the plot).

El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier, by bus to Punta Arenas & Puerto Natales to enjoy a day excursion to Torres del Paine National Park. A 12-hour bus ride crossing the Magellan Strait to Ushuaia. I had arrived in another world in this “land of fire” Tierra del Fuego and its national park.

📍Now it was the southeast to be explored. I had a “thing” about 2 places: to stay at Estancia Harberton on the Beagle Channel and to visit Peninsula Valdes and Punta Tombo which were day trips from Puerto Madryn. Across made this happen for me too.

Read More: For more tips about traveling to South America and itinerary ideas, ensure you Get our free South America Travel Guide here.

Are you already planning to travel again? When and where? What made you choose this new destination?

There is wild, and then there is Patagonia. Yes, Mayra at Across (addicted, you see) organized a trip to Chile in March 2019. This was my son’s idea. He did not want me traveling alone again, so he invited me to accompany him to Patagonia.

📍Read about Moira’s trip to Chile: Stories From Travelers — Chile Adventure: Take a Trip on the Wild Side

👉Across most memorable moment in South America so far? My memories are my souvenirs; I honestly cannot choose one as each was so different.

👉Your advice to new travelers who want to explore South America that you wished you knew at the start? Learn Spanish. Although people were friendly and helpful and patient with the few words, I had learned.

👉Favorite Place?

Difficult to choose one but possibly Iguazu Falls and Yacutinga Lodge. But the Andes hold a fascination for me.

👉Favorite Experience in South America?

Waking up in El Chalten to see the sun rising over Mount Fitzroy. And then hiking to get as close to it as my legs would carry me. Or maybe it was on the boat dwarfed by the creaking giant of Perito Moreno Glacier.

The best thing about traveling with Across? The way they patiently coordinated my travels to different locations. Also, I so appreciated the friendly transfer service, even when we arrived after midnight due to flight delays.

Thanks a lot, Moira for sharing your experience with us!

Do you want a Custom trip to South America?

These itineraries are a good starting point for designing your own South American custom trip.

For a custom trip, consider booking your Consultation Call with us.

Maria Barciela Founding Partner & Director Across South America

PS. If you have any questions regarding your trip to South America, our services, or how we work. Contact us here or send us a message on Instagram; we would love to know about your South America trip plans.

PS, Read here about our traveler’s testimonials and how our service is to learn more about how we work 😉