yacutinga, nature and self-discovery

Explore the depths of the Argentinian jungle and also, the depths of your inner self at this exotic eco-lodge.

The Yacutinga project saw the light of day during a casual dinner when two friends talked about the idea of creating the first ecological lodge in the area of Iguazú Falls. From then on, it has grown to become the wildlife sanctuary that it is today.

At this lodge, you will find a variety of programs to connect with nature and learn about the local flora and fauna. There are different trekking paths, navigations and fauna watching. There is also a special program to release all stress through yoga and meditation and return to your daily routine filled with energy. The general idea is that guests can interact with the surrounding environment and live a unique experience. This original program is probably one of the bests that you can find at Yacutinga.

The meditation program was specially intended to encourage the relationship between man and nature, so it mixes the techniques of pranayama and meditation with interpretative nature activities. Guests will be able to enjoy a quiet sunrise meditation at the Palmetto tower, which offers a mind-blowing view of the jungle’s treetops, followed by a vital breakfast that involves strictly vegan or vegetarian food. Later, guests are invited to participate in a project that has been going on for several years, the native orchid rescue. Other activities in this program include yoga at the Hummingbirds Garden, meditation and Pranayama under the stars and herbal recollection, where we can learn about the healing properties of local plants.

Regarding the facilities, the lodge features all the conveniences to satisfy the guest’s needs.  Rooms are located in isolated houses- there are four rooms per house- and all of them have private bathrooms and a magnificent view of the jungle.

In terms of gastronomy, the menu proposes a tour through the local flavors, prepared and presented in a way that you will find at any international level restaurant. All ingredients come from local vegetable gardens and are organic. There are options available for vegetarians and gluten intolerant if needed. It is important to remark that, if you sign up for this incredible meditation program, all meals will be strictly vegan or vegetarian since the purpose of this is to help people to be conscious about good nutrition and self-care.

A lot more can be said about this place, but the truth is that you just have to experience it. At Yacutinga, you will find that special connection with nature but, more importantly, with yourself.  Regain that peace of mind that is so easy to lose in our busy city life and appreciate the simplicity and the greatness of nature.

If you wish more information on this lodge and its programs, please contact us at Kallpa Tour Operator.

 

BAHIA BUSTAMANTE: DREAM LODGE IN PATAGONIA

Bahía Bustamante is a small town located in Chubut. This remote place is a true wildlife sanctuary that has a unique richness in terms of biodiversity, hosting about four thousand sea lions, a colony of over fifty thousand penguins, more than 22 bird species and combines its white sand and blue ocean with an endless steppe and a petrified forest.

The Bahía Bustamante Lodge features six houses with views of the ocean and five other houses with views of the Patagonian steppe. The Lodge also offers different programs – subject to availability – that will allow you to explore the area and get familiar with its flora and fauna. Just to mention a few, there are different trekking paths, visiting the animal colonies along the coast, visiting the town and learning about the local industry: seaweed.

At Bahía Bustamante you will find a paradise cut off from the modern life leisure. This is the place to go if want to connect with yourself and feel that unique peace that can only come from nature.

 

Learning to cook empanadas at House of Jasmines

Today’s special: A private class from a master of traditional cooking and the secrets of the famous empanada Salteña

When visitors come to the Argentinian north, there is one dish that everybody loves, and that is the empanada. In this opportunity, you will be able to learn the secrets of this delicious and traditional meal and delight your guests when they come to dinner. The main idea is to provide not only a cooking class but a whole experience that you will enjoy to the fullest.

The appointment is at House of Jasmines, a Maison de Charme located in the outskirts of Salta. Now an inn, this place used to be the residence of actor Robert Duvall until it was purchased and turned into what it is today. The place itself is an invitation to all bon vivant lovers. Surrounded by green hills and eucalyptus trees, House of Jasmines is a true refuge just a few miles away from the city.

Once in the residence, the chef welcomes you in the kitchen and shows you the ingredients that will be used in the preparation, such as flour, grease, meat, potato, onion sprouts, and spices. Then, the action begins with the making of the dough; there are some that say that here is where the true secret of a good empanada lays. When the dough is ready, you will continue with the filling and then, the traditional `repulgue´ (the technique that consists in pinching the edge, crimping, and sealing it). Expert tip: the perfect empanada should have thirteen repulgues (crimps).


The class ends with the cooking of the empanadas and its degustation with a cup of wine from the Salta Valleys in the beautiful La Table (the restaurant of the Inn). Located next to the main house, La Table of House of Jasmines has a view to the hills and a warm atmosphere that invites friends to relax and enjoy good conversation.

If you want to make the best of this visit, you can combine the cooking class with some other activities, such as walking through the garden, horseback riding, or enjoy a massage in the SPA. The fees do not include transfer services. If you wish more information on this experience, please do not hesitate to contact us at  Kallpa Tour operator.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • The experience length is 1.30 to 2.00hs.
  • Private cooking class
  • Minimum 2 pax to max 10 pax.
  • Roundtrip Transfers to/from House of Jasmines are not included.
  • Difficulty: Low

INCLUDES

  • Cooking gear and materials.
  • English /Spanish speaking chef
  • Cup of Wine for the empanadas tasting

 

Casa Santa Ana: charming lodge in Iberá

Imagine being in a place where wildlife is the lead. Let yourself get surrounded by the fascinating animal species of the estuary and live nature to the fullest in this magical resort

Located in Carlos Pellegrini, on the banks of Iberá Lagoon, Santa Ana is a typical house from the estuaries. In this peculiar Inn, you will experience the wilderness of a natural environment, yet having the facilities of a luxury hotel.

The area itself is something unique: the variety of the local fauna, which is one of the kind, is as rich as the variety of the landscapes. You can appreciate rivers, lagoons, mounts filled with lapachos (local tree) with the most colorful blossoms, meadows, and beautiful palm trees.

Casa Santa Ana, as other houses in the area, used to belong to a rural family until it was purchased and turned into an ecological lodge. Still preserving its rustic spirit, it has been restored to fulfill the needs of the guests. Its unique location, between the town and the lagoon, offers the possibility to have direct contact with nature and at the same time, with the traditions of the Correntinian culture.

The Inn features comfortable and simple rooms decorated with tin lamps and antique pieces of furniture. It has three triple rooms with a double and a single bed, and one double room with twin beds. All the rooms have private bathrooms with a bathtub, direct access to the gallery and view to the lagoon. There is also a separated house with two bedrooms connected by a living room. This house has also a kitchen and a semi-private garden, ideal for families with children.

When not involved in some excursion, the guests may enjoy sitting in the living room of the main residence next to the fireplace and reading a nice book from the house’s library. For the hot days, you can swim in the pool or take a walk around the lagoon and its private dock. Don’t be surprised if a carpincho (capybara– typical animal of the area) joins you through your walk around the garden or while you are having tea at the gallery.

To delight your palate, the inn’s chef offers a tour through the most traditional flavors of the Guaraní cuisine. All the ingredients are produced locally and the menu is prepared according to the season’s products. There are also special menus for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten intolerant.

Casa Santa Ana is not only an inn but a complete experience in the wild that will allow you to live nature like you’ve never done before. Among the many activities that the inn offers, there is horseback riding, cultural walks joined by a local guide, bird watching, photographic safaris, kayak, trekking through different paths, nautical safaris, boat riding, and many others.

If there is a word to describe Iberá, that is intense. The uniqueness of the region is positively one of the most amazing in the planet. If you visit Argentina, Iberá is without a doubt an obliged stop for nature lovers. And at Casa Santa Ana, you have full nature contact guaranteed.

The fees cover a full board stay with excursions included. Transfers in/out have an additional cost.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact us at Kallpa Tour operator!

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Feasable all year
  • Transfers available from Mercedes or Posadas
  • Transfers in/out not included

INCLUDES

  • Full board
  • Excursions