PUNA: THE TREASURE IN THE NORTH

Adventure yourself into the heart of this northern jewel. From the harshness of its arid valleys to the colors and shapes of its mountains, volcanoes, and springs of water, this mind blowing environment captivates the eyes of visitors every year.

It is difficult to put the beauty of Puna into words. Certainly, this is one of Argentina’s favorites for travelers all over the world. And once you find yourself surrounded by the most colorful mountains, or standing in the middle of a white ocean that runs as far as the eye can see, you understand why it is so impressive.

The territory called Puna covers the north of Argentina, part of Bolivia, Chile, and Perú. In Argentina, it is crossed by mountain ranges and volcanoes up to 6.000 meters tall, as well as endorheic drainages that gave origin to a variety of lagoons and thousands of hectares of salines.

The vastness of this land allows as many landscapes, so the options for visitors are a lot. Just to mention a few, we recommend visiting the Arizaro Saline (Salar de Arizaro), The Labyrinth Desert (Desierto del laberinto), or the fascinating Laguna Grande Reserve, which hosts one of the biggest populations of pink flamingos.

Nevertheless, Puna is not only amazing views. The local communities offer a wide range of activities for all tastes and ages. For those looking for a challenge, there is an enormous amount of trekking routes, climbing volcanoes or mountains while traversing the most diverse scenery. If you prefer a more relaxed journey, you can take one-day visits along the circuit  that will take you to the main spots of the region and, by the end of the day, you can delight yourself walking through the narrow streets of the Andean villages and enjoy the richness of its culture; or you can also taste a typical dish in a family house and share their stories.

There is no doubt that Puna is not only an excellent place if you enjoy adventures but it is also a way to connect with an ancestral culture that has endured since before the conquest of America. The uniqueness of this land is something beyond imagination. It is a magical place that will refresh your mind and your spirit. You will end this journey with renewed energy and a feeling you will never forget.

For more information or detailed suggested program, do not hesitate to contact your Kallpa Tour operator at [email protected]

 

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.