Midland, Tex.: We are taking our mother to Buenos Aires on May 18 through May 26. She is 86-years-old and has limited mobility. She loves horses and demonstrations of horsemanship. Can you recommend an estancia for a daytime visit where there are activities for persons of limited mobility?

Michael Luongo: Dear Midland...this is a tough one since by their nature, estancias are not really designed for those with limited mobility. You could try for a day trip Santa Susana and Fiesta Gaucha. it is touristy, but designed in such a way that you should have access to most of the shows, whether the gaucho games, or the dancing inside. You might have to arrange special transport rather than use of the usual busses that take people there however. Good luck and so nice to bring your mother to see Buenos Aires!

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Fort Worth, Tex.: I'm planning to stay in the Plaza San Martin area for a week next month with my aunt, who is a cancer survivor and doesn't get around quite so well. Is this a pedestrian-friendly area for eating, sightseeing, etc.?

Michael Luongo: Fort Worth...Oh yes, it sure is pedestrian friendly as it is just off Calle Florida. Portions of the access to Plaza San Martin itself are high steps, but certain areas will be easier for wheelchairs, you just have to go the long way. It is a beautiful park. Florida Street is pedestrianized. Not all the stores will have access, but major places like Galerias Pacifico will be accessible—it is a mall with shops and eateries. You can also do outdoor dining in Buenos Aires as well, and though it's heading to autumn, you should have good weather. Should you need medical attention, Buenos Aires has a great healthcare infrastructure. Hospital Britanico, the English hospital has a lot of English speaking doctors.

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Denver, Colo.: Michael, my wife and I will be in Argentina the month of June. Can you tell us what we should expect for weather in Buenos Aires and Mendoza?

Michael Luongo: June is the end of fall, beginning of winter in Argentina, so it will begin to be cold. That said it won't be as cold as in the temperate climates of the Northeast, but the weather will be changeable also. Mendoza will be in about the same range, maybe a little colder since you're near the mountains. Check ahead before your trip to make sure.

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Lake Forest, Calif.: Is the civil unrest among laborers, farmers and the government a negative factor to consider for current travel throughout Argentina, especially if basing travel excursions from Buenos Aires?

Michael Luongo: This is a really good question. It may or may not be an issue depending on where you go. I have not heard of any of the estancias for instance being harder to get to. The thing about civil unrest in Argentina is that it is just normal, happens all the time, with obviously larger flare-ups. People for the most part however get around it all. That said, once there, doublecheck roots etc. This can be a problem even in the capital too however as sometimes with a protest, parts of the city are blocked. But Argentines are used to these things.

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