MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE ANDES

The Andes provide multiple options for mountain bike lovers. Paved roads, tracks and dirt paths into the woods lure bikers visiting the region.

San Martin de los Andes, located southwest at the Neuquén province and set deep into the Andes on the coast of lake Lacar, offers exceptional biking circuits, both traditional and adventurous.

From the center of Lanín National Park, many roads or tracks spread with different difficulty levels, lengths and slopes. Riding on them you can enjoy the diverse regional flora, lush woods or Patagonian steppe areas, crystal clear rivers, streams and lakes, bird watching…a full contact with nature only a pedal away.

On a half day excursion we immerse ourselves into this beautiful scenery in San Martin. We start after getting our bikes in the town, jumping on a vehicle that takes us and the bikes through the first ascending kilometres.

Once at the top, depending on the riders preferences and characteristics, the guide will recommend the path to follow with our bikes. After the choice is made, we begin to ride following the guide into the Andean Patagonian forest, observing huge trees along the way and feeling the typical freshness of such environment.

Descending carefully through the selected path, we will stop by a few lookouts with views to the valley, rivers, lake beaches and lagoons. All picture perfect spots!

After 3 hours riding, we go back to town.

Pedaling through the winding tracks into the patagonian nature is definitely rewarding: breathing fresh air, riding at your own pace, hearing the sounds of this magical place and stopping by to appreciate the overwhelming vastness of the Andes scenery. Tired? Yes, but yet so happy and relaxed.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Service available year round except on July and August, due to snow.
  • Feasible any day of the week upon reservation. Time may vary depending on weather conditions. In summer it is recommended at 9 am or from 5 to 8 pm. On colder months, we recommend at 10 or 11 am.  
  • Included: mountain bike guide (authorized by the National Park), transfer in vehicle from the starting point to the beginning of the track, bikes with frontal suspension and helmet, first aid kit, intercom and bike repair kit.
  • Previous experience in mountain biking is not mandatory but it is required to know how to ride a bike and have a good balance.
  • Circuits may be modified to make them more accessible to people with less abilities, such as the case with 14-15 year old children.

AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE IN PATAGONIA

Nativo is the name for this voyage through man’s past in these remote corners. An experience that invites us to walk the steps of our ancestors and discover the traces they left for posterity.

Through the Nativo experience, we will re-discover the stories of the first expeditions in Patagonia and of those brave men who ventured themselves into the unknown. We will explore the cliffs and the coasts of Lago Argentino in search of evidence of contact between these pioneers and the natives, to then immerse completely in the Tehuelche world.

The adventure starts with a pick-up at the Hotel in Calafate in land rover overland vehicles.  We will be driven to the coasts of Lago Argentino for an interpretation of the ground and the flora, with help from the guides that will instruct us on glaciology and geology. Lago Argentino is the biggest of the Argentinian lakes. Its name was given by Perito Moreno himself, who was amazed by the deep blue color of its water and the pristine white in the peaks of the surrounding mountains.

After exploring the ground along the coasts of the lake, we will move forward to Punta Bonita’s cliff, the second stop in our itinerary. At Punta Bonita, we will appreciate the panoramic views of the lake, the Andes, and the city of Calafate, to then descend for the final lap of the tour.

At this point, we will visit the caves of Punta Walicho. In this outermost place, we will find the rupestrian register of men that came south during the last big glaciation. Punta Walichu is a Patagonian icon, the name comes from a Tehuelche god who was believed to inhabit these caves.  At punta Walicho, we will learn a lot about the hunting customs of this primitive ancestors as well as the perception that they had about themselves and the world around them.

To end an extraordinary day, we will enjoy a delicious meal in the most exotic location: a cave. The table will be already settled for our arrival and the atmosphere is cozy and warm.  The menu consists of a homemade soup entrance, followed by lamb stew or sautéed rice and vegetables for vegetarians and vegans, accompanied with wine or water. For dessert, you can enjoy a delicious chocolate mousse with almond praline.  After this magnificent delight for our palate, we will be driven back to our hotel.

This three-hour tour that will let you grasp al the spirit of Patagonia. It is ideal for those who arrive of for those who leave. There are also two different schedules, you can take it in the morning or in the afternoon, though we recommend taking the night tour if you wish to enjoy the starriest sky that you will ever see.
If you wish more information about this experience, please contact us at Kallpa Tour Operator!

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Pick up from hotels start at: 11:00 am and 06:00 pm
  • Difficulty: Low
  • Feasible all year.
  • Vegetarians menus must be required with anticipation.  

SERVICES INCLUDED:

  • Hotel Pickup and drop-off
  • Lunch/Dinner
  • Entrance fee to archaeological zone
  • Bilingual Guide

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

  • Tips

The Gaucho’s Trail: Areco town and Estancia

Discover the spirit and the roots of the Argentinian gaucho in the emblematic town of San Antonio de Areco, the national capital of traditions.

Located one hundred and thirteen kilometers away from Buenos Aires, San Antonio de Areco has kept its identity to the bone. Its picturesque streets are a living testimony of our national heritage, and with this full-day excursion, you can grasp its essence to the fullest.

We will start in Buenos Aires, where a car will pick us up and drive us to San Antonio de Areco´s center. During the drive, the guide will provide us with historical facts about the town and its origins. At arrival, we will walk the streets and visit the workshops of Areco’s most distinguished artisans and, of course,  the famous pulperías -old suppliance stores and meeting spots of the locals.

As we visit the different workshops, we will contemplate the finest of the gaucho’s traditional art. From creole leader and silverwork to vivid paintings that reflect the Pampa´s spirit in their vibrating colors. After this first encounter with Areco’s history and traditions, we will drive to Estancia El Ombú, an old ranch that remains active at the present and where we will spend the rest of the afternoon.  

At El Ombú, we will enjoy a reception of empanadas and drinks. Then, we can choose between a carriage or horseback ride around the estancia, the perfect opportunity to see the gauchos in their daily tasks. After our ride, the asado will be waiting for us. A delightful experience to taste the best of Argentinian meat, with vegetable options for vegetarians and vegans, joined by folklore music performed live by Areco’s paisans.

To end a splendid day, gauchos will give us a horseback demonstration, a traditional practice and an icon of the gaucho culture. It is also important to remark that, if you come from November to March, Estancia El Ombú has a swimming pool to refresh on the hot summer afternoons.

Finally, after the horseback demonstration, we will be driven back to Buenos Aires, arriving at approximately six pm. This experience is an excellent option for those who want to come to Argentina and get in contact with our roots and traditions. The uniqueness and simplicity of this town host within them the true essence of the gaucho spirit.

If you wish more information about this experience, please do not hesitate to contact us at Kallpa Tour.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Departure: 8:30 am
  • Arrival: 6:00 pm

SERVICES INCLUDED

  •  shared transportation round trip with hotel pick-up in cars or executive vans (capacity up to 7 pax),
  • All the activities and transfers within the town,
  • Bilingual local tour guide in all the activities (Town and Estancia)
  • Reception: Empanadas with drinks,
  • Lunch: Asado with variety of salads, wine/beer/sodas, dessert, coffee/tea,
  • Horseback ride or carriage ride, visit to the facilities, swimming pool nov/march.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

  • Tips.

WINE TASTING AND MOUNTAIN BIKE DOWNHILL THROUGH VINEYARDS IN CAFAYATE

Taste and live the best of Cafayate in an experience that merges history, culture, and flavor with a spark of adrenaline.

Cafayate unquestionably is one of the Northwest’s top destinations. Known for its world-class wines and its spectacular geography, this place is an invitation to travelers from all over the world. However, there is more to Cafayate than just wines and landscapes. Adventure also finds its place in the land of sun and wine, and we would like to invite you to discover it with this thrilling activity that combines a degustation experience with a mountain bike downhill.

Our adventure begins with a hotel pick-up in Cafayate, and drive up to Finca Domingo Molina, a family winery exclusively dedicated to the production of premium wines. With a privileged terroir that allows excellent grape growing conditions, the wines obtained from those grapes display intense aromas and flavors. At this cellar located in North Yacochuya, we will enjoy a degustation of the finest Domingo Molina’s wines, which include varieties such as Torrontés, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tannat.

After the visit and degustation and before getting too comfortable, we will prepare to start our downhill descent.  While we get ready and settle up the bikes and equipment, the guide will instruct us in regard to safety precautions, posture, and use of the bikes. He will also give us historical and geographical details of the area.

Once ready to pedal, we will start this enchanting descent through North Yacochuyas’ road. Along the road, we will pass by the iconic vineyards of Cafayate while contemplating a mind-blowing scenery. We will see how the green grape leafs merge with the hills in the horizon as we feel the wind in our faces.  And since the road is easy, we will be able to enjoy this magnificent scenery to the fullest.

As we move forward, we will take small pauses to hydrate and ask any questions we might have concerning the surroundings. During the descent, we will capture the magical spirit of the Valley and its peculiar geography. Finally, we will reach our destination: Cafayate’s central square, where this adventure finishes.  At Cafayate town, you can wander its streets and enjoy the rest of the afternoon in this charming town. This is an incredible experience and it is ideal if you are planning to stay in Cafayate for a short period.

If you wish more information on this experience, please do not hesitate to contact us at Kallpa Tour Operator.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Duration: 2.45hrs  
  • Downhill difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 9 km

SERVICES INCLUDED

  • Visit and premium wine tasting at Finca Domingo Molina
  • Bilingual guide
  • Bottle of water
  • MTB and equipment
  • Transfer in from Cafayate to Domingo Molina.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

  • Tips