PATAGONIAN RANCH EXPERIENCE IN EL CALAFATE

Experience the rural life of an authentic Patagonian estancia in the lands of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Far from mass tourism and 55 km from El Calafate, we find the historic ranch Estancia Nibepo Aike. Initially called La Jerónima, Nibepo Aike covers an area of ​​more than 12,000 hectares, delimited by the South Arm of Lake Argentino and the border with Chile, framed by the Andes Mountains. Dedicated to bovine and sheep production as livestock activities, it is an ideal place to immerse yourself in rural life.

Nowadays you may spend the day visiting the ranch, to experience the life of an authentic estancia located in one of the most impressive settings in Argentina.

Every morning and afternoon, it is possible to enjoy the traditional countryside day. Upon arrival, the host guide will receive and take you to the quincho for a hot drink (tea, coffee or mate) and homemade pastry.

Then, we will set forth on an easy walk to tour the facilities of the farm, which was formerly dedicated to sheep production only, and which today has been transformed into the most prestigious Hereford cabin of these latitudes that also maintains a sheep herd.

The hike will take us to excellent views of the South Arm of Lake Argentino, discovering various rocky outcrops eroded by glacial action and changes in lake levels. Through trails, we will discover a forest of lenga and ñir trees, where caranchos, cachañas, hares, woodpeckers, eagles and an abundant variety of native flora and fauna live.

We will arrive at the shearing shed and current historical museum of the stay. Here we will learn about this peculiar rural work, from the shearing of the animal to the assembly of the bundle of wool; the way in which the wool is stowed and transported.

Next, a “reins test” of riders will be carried out or, depending on the rural activities of the day, farm work will be done in the pens near the main house. In the morning, visitors can also participate in the milking and sheep grazing, concluding with a typical day of work in the ranch.

On the way back, the guide will reveal the history of the place, telling anecdotes and stories of the first settlers. Crossing through the orchard where most of the vegetables in the ranch come from, we will arrive to the quincho, where they will wait for us with an exquisite barbecue, ready to delight us with a delicious Patagonian lamb while enjoying the imposing view of the Cordillera.

For those who choose the extended countryside day option, after lunch or before dinner and rural activities, will take a three hour guided horseback ride on different paths that will allow you to learn more about the corners of Nibepo Aike.

And for those who do not have enough time for a full day experience, you may visit the estancia only for lunch or dinner at the quincho. Taste the homemade delicacies, a barbecue of Patagonian lamb, beef steaks and sausages, with various salads, homemade dessert and one drink per person. This culinary experience is ideal before or after the Perito Moreno Glacier excursion, if you rented a car. It is important to clarify that this option does not include other rural activities.

Another brief but more adventurous option to not miss this incredible Patagonian ranch is to only take a guided three-hour horseback ride, touring the coast of the lake and ascending to the Cerro de los Cristales hill. With its 1282 meters, despite not being the highest in the area, its privileged view allows you to appreciate Lake Argentino, the Perito Moreno Glacier and Torres del Paine, from a single point.

Returning to El Calafate, having experienced the life of a typical Patagonian estancia will give you a new perspective, finding more meaning in the immense Patagonian landscapes characterized by the infinite and the remote.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Countryside Day, morning or afternoon: Traditional option to visit the ranch. 

  • Schedule: AM Pick up 8.30 – Drop off 15:30 / PM Pick up 16.30 – Drop off 23.30. The schedules are estimates and subject to modification. 
  • Includes: Welcome reception with tea/coffee/mate and fried cakes/homemade puddings. Walk around the old main house. Stories of the first settlers of the Estancia and the cattle ranching. Brief historical review on the breakdowns of the Perito Moreno Glacier and their consequences in the area. Milking in the morning (depending on the time of calving of the animals), feeding of lambs or calves with a bottle and sheep herding. Demonstration of shearing and test of reins. Visit to the orchard. Lunch/Dinner: Roast Lamb with salads and dessert. A glass of wine or a non-alcoholic drink per person during meal. Bilingual English/Spanish guide during rural activities. 
  • Not included: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during the meal, outside the stipulated. Transfers. Tips. Horseback ride. Bilingual guide for the horseback ride.

Extended Countryside Day: a 3 hours horseback ride is added to the traditional Countryside day.

  • Schedule: AM Pick up 8.30 – Drop off 19:30 – Horseback ride after Countryside day and lunch /  PM Pick up 13.30 – Drop off 23.30 – Horseback ride before Countryside day and dinner. The schedules are estimates and subject to modification. 
  • Includes: Welcome reception with tea/coffee/mate and fried cakes/homemade puddings. Walk around the old main house. Stories of the first settlers of the Estancia and the cattle ranching. Brief historical review on the breakdowns of the Perito Moreno Glacier and their consequences in the area. Milking in the morning (depending on the time of calving of the animals), feeding of lambs or calves with a bottle and sheep herding. Demonstration of shearing and test of reins. Visit to the orchard. Lunch/Dinner: Roast Lamb with salads and dessert. A glass of wine or a non-alcoholic drink per person during meal. Bilingual English/Spanish guide during rural activities. Horseback riding of approximately 3 hours duration. 
  • Not included: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during the meal, outside the stipulated. Transfers. Tips. Bilingual guide for the ride

Patagonian barbecue: Lunch or dinner at the quincho. 

  • Schedules: Lunch at 12 pm. Dinner at 8 pm. 
  • Includes: Lunch/Dinner at the quincho: Roast Lamb with various salads and homemade dessert. A glass of wine or a non-alcoholic drink per person during the meal. Ask for alternative menu. 
  • Not included: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during the meal, outside the stipulated. Transfers. Tips.

Horseback ride: 3 hours to explore the corners of Nibepo Aike in more depth, crossing the coast of the lake and ascending to the Cerro de los Cristales. 

  • Schedules: From 3 to 6 pm. Please check in 30 minutes in advance. 
  • Includes: Horseback riding with guide authorized by National Parks. 
  • Not included: Transfers. Bilingual guide.

SOLAR ECLIPSE IN BARILOCHE DECEMBER 2020

The greatest astronomical phenomenon will take place again next year and can be observed in a wide line of totality in Patagonia, from the Cordillera to the Argentine sea.

The total solar eclipse of 2019 shone splendidly in Argentina, leaving unforgettable images in a lot of Argentines and foreigners who came to our country to be among the 20 million privileged people around the world who were able to see live the greatest astronomical phenomenon, according to scientists.

It takes more than 300 years for an eclipse to occur in the same place, but since our geography is so extensive from north to south, the next one will be visible in Patagonia in 2020.

 The entire strip will be relatively narrow. Passing through Argentina, it will be seen from San Martín de los Andes in the province of Neuquén, to Las Grutas in Río Negro. In the rest of the country and in South America it will be seen partially in different percentages.

In Kallpa, we have planned a special 3-day fixed departure to witness this celestial phenomenon. It is a unique opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Bariloche, experience the magical event of the solar eclipse joined by other interested travelers and an astronomer, and also enjoy a soft uphill hike on the Llao Llao peninsula to enjoy incredible Patagonian panoramic views. Without a doubt, an unforgettable photographic journey!

For more information, rates and the full program, please contact your Kallpa Tour coordinator.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Fixed departure from December 13th to 16th 2020:

  • Day 1 – Dec. 13th: Arrival in Bariloche. Briefing with tour leader and astronomer. Rest of the day at leisure.
  • Day 2 – Dec. 14th: Solar eclipse full day experience at Catan Lil ranch.
  • Day 3 – Dec. 15th: Full day short circuit and hike to the Llao Llao Peninsula.
  • Day 4 – Dec. 16th: Transfer to the airport.

Included

  • Tour leader for the whole tour.
  • Lodging for 3 nights at Las Marianas Hostería in standard room with breakfast.
  • Services and meals as detailed on the description.
  • Full day eclipse events arrangements, including round trip transportation and accompaniment of an astronomer. Lunch is not included.
  • Hike to Llao Llao Peninsula, including Bilingual Certified Mountain Guide / Box lunch + water + tea + snacks / First Aid Kit + VHF Radio + GPS / Insurance + Permits.

 Not included

  • International and/or domestic flights.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Taxes, personal expenses.
  • Meals not detailed on the description.

STUNNING EASY HIKE IN BARILOCHE

We bring you one of the most beautiful trekking circuits in Patagonia, to enjoy and explore without much effort, interpret the wet forest ecosystem and be surprised with an incredible panoramic view.

Throughout the year, this hike offers a relaxed alternative to explore the Llao Llao peninsula in Bariloche, and access very beautiful panoramic views without much effort. The ascent is smooth and does not require any special physical condition, except feeling like walking and enjoying the surroundings.

The trekking day begins near the famous Llao Llao Hotel. Here, we follow a system of well-marked and not very steep trails through the Natural Reserve of the Llao Llao Peninsula, an area designed to protect and preserve an ancient forest of Cypresses and Coihues, among other species of evergreen trees. We focus on enjoying nature by accessing different shores of the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes.

Combining several trails, we reach Villa Tacul, a set of crystal clear water bays. At this spot we find the ideal place to rest after having completed the first section and enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey and ascend to the top of Llao Llao Hill, with its beautiful views and captivating flora full of native orchids and lilies.

 At 1080 meters high, from the hill we can appreciate one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, the enchanting Victoria Island, the Millaqueo, Capilla and López hills, the Escondido lake and the Tristeza arm. The famous stunning postcard from Bariloche. Without a doubt, this place is unique.

After taking in so much natural beauty, we begin the descent by another path and we cross the Peninsula back to the starting point.

This is the perfect easy hike for people who enjoy long walks, but without too much physical effort. To enjoy the forest and nature in all its splendor. A must for those who are lucky enough to visit Bariloche!

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Recommended Season: yearlong
  • Duration of the activity: 4-6 hours
  • Length of the Trek:  10 kms
  • Starting Altitude: 780 msnsm
  • Max Altitude Climbed:  1005 msnsm
  • Elevation gained: 225 mts
  • Service includes: Bilingual Certified Mountain Guide / Box lunch + water + tea + snacks / First Aid Kit + VHF Radio + GPS / Insurance + Permits

TREASURE HUNT IN BUENOS AIRES

An original and fun way to learn secret facts and curiosities about this very European Latin city, perfect for families with children!

Buenos Aires is a curious city. From its foundation under the Viceroyalty of Peru of the Spanish Empire in 1536 and then again in 1580 (yes, twice), there is no doubt that it has accumulated many secrets during its almost 500 years of renown existence. What could be more fun than a scavenger hunt to discover what this beautiful city has been hiding for so long? 

Meeting at the iconic neighborhood of Recoleta, where the prosperous upper class lived during the 20th century, you will learn how to play the game. You will receive a map with a list of places to visit, clues to find and riddles to solve. 

The search will begin guiding you through some of the most famous areas of the city such as Alvear Avenue, the Recoleta Cemetery, Del Pilar Church and the Recoleta Cultural Centre.

Walk around and look out for details that can not be noticed at first sight. Buenos Aires hides corners often unknown to the porteños themselves; it is up to you to discover them. Find out fascinating stories and fun facts, solve the mystery within the time frame and you will receive a reward! Keep in mind to record or take pictures of your findings along the hunt.

Once you finish the hunt, you will have to return to the meeting point  to complete the adventure and try to be the first one to open the treasure chest and reveal the prize.

Do you want the experience to be even more fun? Try the evening hunt starting at sunset!

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Includes: Bilingual guide to instruct you / Mate / Map of the hunt.
  • For travelers from 8 years old.
  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • Private departures available  upon request in the morning, afternoon or evening.
  • Regular departures: Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm
  • Highlights: Avenida Alvear, Centro Cultural Recoleta, Avenida Figueroa Alcorta, Del Pilar Church, La Biela, Recoleta Cemetery, El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookshop.