W Trekking Circuit in Winter

Summer is not the only time to hike in Patagonia! Kallpa took part of a trip to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, to walk the W Circuit in winter time. We want to share this different trekking experience with you.

From May to August it is possible to experience a rare trekking adventure in Torres del Paine: a 6 days hiking wintry version of the famous W Circuit in the cold, through an inhospitable and deserted environment, snow-covered mountains, crowdless sceneries and surrounded by nature. Also, enjoy delicious meals and drinks, spend unforgettable moments and rest the nights in comfy mountain lodges.

Felipe, our Kallpa member that took part on this adventure, describes the ambience: “Such a wild and unique environment allows you a close encounter with guanacos, condors and -of course- with the spirit of the puma, that is present in each and every moment of this great wintertime trekking. At the feet of the bicolored Horns and at the top of the white and blue Grey glacier, in the depth of Ascencio Valley and in the face of Francés Valley, the Andes are overwhelming.”

The journey takes you to the three exceptional spots in the park: the base of the Towers, the French Valley and the Grey Glacier; always in the company of a specialized and expert mountain guide. The last day and for the final picture, a ferry boat ride across Pehoé Lake.

Overall, this unique adventure provides a defiant winter trekking challenge on ascending and descending mountain trails towards impressive lookouts with fantastic views of the amazing Paine Towers, glaciers, lakes and icebergs. Full contact with nature when the park is nearly empty.

Despite the cold, the weather and the fatigue, according to Felipe nothing could make you quit this challenge: “No glacier ice could freeze your sensations. No weather conditions, rain or snow would stop your intentions. On the contrary, they will most probably bring up to the top your physical capacity, internal feelings and strength to walk and fulfill the W Circuit”.

Don’t miss the chance to feel the power of nature along the intense and crowdless W trekking in winter at the southern side of the Torres del Paine Massif, one of the most beautiful natural environments of the World!

 

El Calafate Pioneers Domes Adventure

If the eco-friendly idea of falling asleep under the stars with views to the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier and sitting around a campfire appeals to you, but the reality of pitching a tent and sleeping on a bumpy ground does not, this is your ideal green vacation.

This time we bring you a different way of adventure travelling in Patagonia, in a comfortable accommodation with minimal environment impact and surrounded by unspoiled nature.

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The Adventure Domes eco camp in El Calafate is located in the middle of the forest on Las Colonias Peninsula, between Roca and Rico lakes, facing the Perito Moreno Glacier in the distance. The peninsula is named in honor of the first inhabitants of the area and it is inhabited only by the owners of the Estancia; who remain the sole inhabitants for 5 km around. 

Staying at the domes is a memorable adventure itself. Compromised with the preservation of the environment and sustainability, the idea of the eco camp is to allow its guests a full immersion in the unspoilt Patagonian landscape leaving the smallest footprint: sleeping in a comfy bed in one of the cosy domes as close to nature as possible, tasting homemade meals by candlelight in a shared dining tent and enjoying guided excursions and activities.

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We know that the main attraction that brings anyone to this remote region is hard not only to forget but to overcome, and usually nobody can’t get enough of this ice giant. If you wish to get closer to the fascinating ice walls of different shades of blue, then the Pioneers adventure is the right way to go from the steppe to the glacier. This is an exclusive and unique experience; only few people can make it!

The adventure begins just as you leave El Calafate town; you will be driven along the old route of estancias towards ranch Nibepo Aike for a rural day. Here, the local estancieros will provide lectures and demonstrations of shearing and equestrian so you get an idea about life and work at a typical estancia. Here you will also have lunch: taste a Patagonian barbecued lamb like you never did before.

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In the afternoon, the next step of this pioneers adventure takes you navigating for about an hour on the South and Rico arms of the Argentino Lake, enjoying the views of the Adriana and Moreno Mountain ranges. Arriving at Playa de las Monedas, you will disembark and take a peaceful 20 minute walk into the lenga tree forest, where you will notice a change in the landscape. The hike will take you to a lookout spot to appreciate the view of the southern side of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

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After a while, you will go back to the boat in order to continue sailing as close as possible to Perito Moreno Glacier, right along this side of it. The final encounter with this natural wonder will be after disembarking at the Bajo de las Sombras port, where you will have the chance to move around the glaciers´s walkways at a time where most of visitors are already gone. There will be plenty of time to take lots of pictures, relax and be moved by this imposing and silent scenery. After a great day, the crew will leave you at last at the peninsula near by the eco camp, where Adventure Domes hosts will be waiting for you.

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Among other activities that the Domes have to offer for the rest of the stay, trekking is the star. It is possible to explore the northern and southern region of the Colonias Peninsula and still revel in the views of the glacier.

The Lakes Trekking takes you north through a long and picturesque trail including -of course- lakes, lagoons and lowlands, promising sightings of intriguing birdlife and endemic plant species. On the way back, the path provides views of three of the peninsula’s most distinctive natural icons: Mts. Buenos Aires and Cristal, and the Perito Moreno Glacier itself.

The Peninsula Trekking also offers native birdlife watching along the way. Through a trail in the middle of a lush Nathofagus forest with lakes, the hike reaches the Perito Moreno Glacier in the southern Colonias Peninsula.

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No matter what you choose to do, you will be always followed by the views you were expecting to have on this kind of trip, a breathtaking backdrop for your stay in Patagonia.

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Please, contact your Kallpa Tour executive for more information about accommodation and activities at Adventure Domes and the detailed itinerary for the 4 day program in El Calafate.

SERVICES INCLUDED

  • 1 night of accommodation in El Calafate downtown, breakfast included.
  • 2 nights of accommodation at Adventure Domes, with full board & drinks.
  • Transfers & excursions as detailed in the program.
  • Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights & airport taxes.
  • Transfers and excursions not detailed in the program.
  • Alcoholic drinks out of meals.
  • Tips & Personal expenses.
  • Medical Insurance.

 

Full day trekking in Cuesta del Obispo

A hike where nature, culture and history combine for those active and adventurous travellers looking for an unforgettable experience in Northern Argentina.

Almost 100 km from the city of Salta you will find the Cuesta del Obispo, a zig-zag and steep stretch of the provincial route 33. The slope ascends from Chicoana and ends at Piedra del Molino.

13304998_1136079386412083_8083225599731586320_oThe adventure begins anyday at 7 am and takes the whole day. Leaving Salta in southern direction, you will pass by Cerrillos and El Carril towns, turning West towards Chicoana until Quebrada de Escoipe. On the way, you will be able to see diverse species of cacti and a colorful and rocky landscape.

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After the two-hour trip, at paraje Margarita the group will take a local bus ascending through Cuesta del Obispo,  reaching the access to the National Park Los Cardones. The hike begins here, descending through Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley), a natural sanctuary for the Salteños. Following a red dirt path surrounded by exuberant vegetation and multicolor rocks, the walk will provide an extraordinary scenery of natural colours and strange shapes sculpted on the rock through the years by rain and wind. It is said that walking through this path is like walking on the clouds, since there is a pond between high meadows and red rock formations where the clouds almost touch the ground.

13243814_1136079183078770_1918898142597125966_oOne of the main attractions of this descent are the cave paintings that you will see entering a private plot, ancient traces of the Incaic culture that will remind you that this was once an Inca trail. On the way, you might also spot majestic Condors flying in their natural habitat.

Nature, history and culture combine in this hike. The highlights are definitely the incredible and colorful scenery above the clouds and the breathtaking views of Cuesta del Obispo whilst exploring Los Cardones.

index04_obispoThe hike is about 17,4 km long, mainly descending, and takes up to 6 hours. It is advisable for people in good health, with minimal ability to walk on rocky and irregular paths.

FACT SHEET

  • Min. 2 Pax required. Bookings with one week of anticipation.
  • When: Everyday at 7 am (transfer from hotel)
  • Level of Challenge: Medium/High
  • Recommended Season: All year long, except during summer rains.
  • Duration of the activity: Full day, 11 hours including transfer and hike (4-6 hours).
  • Length of the Trek:  17,4 km
  • Starting Altitude: 2270 msnsm
  • Max Altitude Climbed:  3100 msnsm

INCLUDED

  • Transfers from and to hotel.
  • Trekking poles.
  • Snacks and picnic lunch.
  • English speaking guide.
  • Insurance.