Bike into the forest along the Jaguar Trail
It’s early in the morning. After two days of visiting the Iguazu Falls in the Argentine and Brazilian sides we wanted to explore the jungle in a new and exciting way. Away from the crowds and regular excursions we decided to get on a bike and pedal into the forest along the Jaguar Trail. Our experience was awesome!
At 6 am Alejandro came to pick us up. The sun is rising over Iguazu. There were dew-drops sprayed all over the ground and the vegetation. The scent of the jungle and the fresh air is something to be remembered and taken with us on our way back home. We drive along the road to the Iguazu National Park till we reach a remote location where we stop for breakfast.
The table is set and we enjoy a regional breakfast picnic-style with fruits, cereals, coffee, tea and mate, Meanwhile Alejandro gets the bikes ready for the ride. We are going to take a distant road into the Iguazu National Park which protected by the National Border Police to dive into the jungle. The excursion is great fun and relaxed. Alejandro is an excellent guide with a good knowledge of the area.
We ride our mountain bikes on the red soil which is characteristic in Misiones Province. As we are pedaling, sometimes we stop for birdwatching. Alejandro is a professional birdwatcher and he guides us with his book of birds to show us every specie that we meet along the way.
There are several species of mammals in the area. We can see footprints of Jaguars, Tapirs and some wild cats, We can also be witnesses to the interaction among animals in the forest. For example we could see the trail left by a Tapir on the trail we were riding.
We reached the coast of the Iguazú river. One of the highlights on this excursion is being able to watch the “Devil’s throat” waterfall from the back. The scenery is beautiful, We stayed for a little watching the falls. We then continued on our journey and went back along the same trail.
This half-day excursion is great for those who like to get to know more about the jungle and its life. It is for active travelers who are not afraid of pedaling and having a good time. If you are one of them you have to get on this tour and many other active experiences in Puerto Iguazu. Ask your Kallpa Account Executive and they will help you find the one that´s best for each traveller.
FACT SHEET
- Minimum pax requirements: 1
- In the summer the excursion starts at 5:30 or 6am.
- In the winter the recommended start time is 8am.
INCLUDED
- Breakfast
- Transfers
- Bike with helmet
- Water
Trekking at Mount Bella Vista in Bariloche
We are ready, carrying a bottle of water, a small backpack, we check our shoelaces and start hiking to Mount Bella Vista at Bariloche. It isn’t a renowned name in Bariloche such as the Tronador, Cerro Negro, Catedral, Cerro Lopez, and Cerro Otto, but it can be seen from all those well-known peaks and many parts of town, especially Avenida Bustillos.
The climb is fairly easy, and quite popular, with a well-kept trail leading to the summit. The views are spectacular. In addition to the peaks above mentioned, you can see Cerro Navidad, Cerro Campanario, Cerro Ventana, and Cerro Ñireco, as well as Lago Nahuel Huapi, Lago Moreno, Isla Victoria, and Península Llao Llao.
This day´s hike is perfect for those who like gaining elevation quickly and are not afraid of a steady 2 hour uphill trek. Beginning at “Refugio Jacob” trailhead, also called “El Tambo” a slowly climb to the Southeast ridge of Bella Vista Mount. The climb starts in an old “Coihues” grove with a dense undergrowth which offers plenty of flowers and bird watching opportunities. The landscape is amazing and we were enthralled by the colours and the work of nature during the Hike.
A couple of beautiful viewpoints are waiting for us up the road where, like us, you will take water breaks and rest for a few minutes. We keep hiking gaining more elevation, a few minutes later we enter the deciduous “Lenga” tree forest, where it is common to see some Magellanic Giant Woodpeckers.
It is impossible not to be amazed at the views of Lago Moreno that catches our eyes while continuing climbing the mountain and gaining the alpine terrain and appreciating the immensity of the Andes and the complex lake systems characteristic of this region.
At the summit ridge, we found a comfortable area where we had lunch enjoying some delicious sandwiches with some traditional Mate tea. From this point, people who want to continue the climb to the summit of Bella Vista Mount will climb for one more hour.
The summit offers a 360 degrees view of the mountain ranges and valleys around Bariloche, appreciating the changes of environment of the Andes; from the rainforest at the West to the steppe toward the East with its reddish brown hues. After resting and taking pictures at the summit you will begin the descent following the same route downwards.
Once at the base of the mountain, we decided that the best way to end the day is to head towards “Berlina” a craft brewery for a well Patagonian beer sharing our impressions about this amazing hike which gave us one of the most beautiful views of the region.
FACT SHEET
Level of Challenge: Medium
Recommended Season: Spring – Summer – Autumn
Considerations: During the Spring, the top of the mountains are still covered in snow.. Good hiking boots and gaiters recommended.
Duration of the activity: 6-8 hours
Length of the Trek: 7,6 kms
Starting Altitude: 860 msnsm
Max Altitude Climbed: 1770 msnsm
Elevation gained: 750mts till the skyline (at 1610 msnsm) and 890 mts if you reach the summit (at 1770 msnsm)
Service includes:
Bilingual Certified Mountain Guide (we add an Assistant Guide during Spring season for groups larger than 7 hikers)
Box Lunch + water + tea + snacks
First Aid Kit + VHF Radio + GPS
Insurance
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