snowshoeing bariloche at Cerro Lopez
We reach the base of Cerro Lopez, where the activity begins. This hill is situated about 30 km from the city of Bariloche, off the road known as “Circuito Chico”.
Once there, we get on 4WD jeep and drive uphill along steeper and steeper mountain roads. The scenery is second to no other in the world. We have just reached 1260m above the sea level and we already feel immersed in the snow-white landscape.
At this point we arrive at the shelter, with a spectacular view of Nahuel Huapi National Park. This is where the best part begins. The guides help us put the snow rackets on and talk to us about the activity and safety measures.
We start the walk from the shelter following the East slope of Cerro Lopez through a beautiful “lenga” tree forest. The way up takes approximately 2 hours with several stops to enjoy the view and to learn about the original flora and fauna thanks to the tips given by the guides.
What has called our attention is a curious rocky outcrop, known by the locals as “Asterix Rock”, from where we have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Andes in winter.
When we stop talking, the acoustics generated by the snow create a silence only broken by the noise of our stomachs asking for food. There we have lunch, and if we are lucky we will see condors and other birds flying in the sky above us.
During the way down we find footprints revealing the animals that dwell in the area in winter. The gentle slopes near the shelter are ideal for having fun doing “culi-patín” (sliding down the slope without a sledge).
We finish our adventure by the fireplace, tasting a cup of delicious hot cocoa to relax from the strain of the walk. With the remainder of our forces, we get on the jeeps and start our triumphant return.
Time of the activity: from 11 am to 5.30 pm, approximately at the base of Cerro Lopez
Difficulty level and physical demand: Medium
Suggested personal equipment:
- warm waterproof shoes
- trekking or warm regular pants
- a warm thermal T-shirt
- a warm polar sweatshirt
- a warm jacket
- a waterproof jacket
- ski-gloves or similar
- ski- or warm regular socks
- a wool or polar beanie
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- a small backpack for the hike
As you see, there are a lot of things to do in Bariloche. If you need further assistance about Snowshoeing Bariloche at Cerro Lopez you can contact your personal Kallpa Executive or simply leave a message in our contact form. We’ll be happy to assist you!.
A new way to enjoy Iguazu Falls
This month we provide tips to show you a new way to enjoy Iguazu Falls
Recently selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, since 2011, we fell in love with its 275 jumps, its red soils jungle and the “mix” of people due to its location in the Triple Border Area (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay).
Iguazú Falls were discovered in 1542 by Spaniard Alvaro Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca. The word “Iguazú” in the Guarani language means “Lots of Water” and it might probably refer to its biggest jump of about 80 meters, Garganta del Diablo.
As the Niagara Falls, these falls are protected under two National Parks, from Brazil and Argentina, there is a certain rivalry defined in the phrase: “Argentina has the best waterfalls and landscapes, but Brazil has the best view.” The truth for us is that both sides have their particular beauty and a special way to enjoy them.
There are several modalities to visit this extraordinary gift of nature, from helicopter rides to sailing and shore excursions.
The first day of the cruise we recommend touring the Iguazú National Park this is on the Argentine side. It was one of the best experiences we had. The tour took most of the day since you can do some or all of its routes: Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit, Greenway, Macuco Path; and even the Ecological Jungle Train.
We also chose to do the “Nautical Adventure”. If you are a water lover you got to do the incredible baptism at the foot of the San Martin waterfall, the largest waterfall any motor-boat can approach safely, where one can enjoy a spectacular and clear view of both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides, as well as the “Garganta del Diablo” Devil’s Throat Fall. We got completely soaked but the experience was awesome!
For the second day Brazil was waiting for us. There are many activities available at Foz Do Iguaçu National Park. We took the opportunity to fly over the Falls on a helicopter. The view we had from the air is unmatched. The “Garganta del Diablo3 can be seen as if it were a long chimney throwing smoke. The tour of the gateways is very active too and if you like the adventure the Macuco Safari is a mustdo. There is a first stage of rapel descent with the view of the Argentinean Falls as a main landscape at your back and then a rafting trip on the Iguazú River, including diving in the water.
Apart from visiting the Iguaçu National Park, you can visit “Parque das Aves”. It is the Park where we all can get the famous photo with the toucan on the arm, in which half of our mouth outlines a smile for the feat, but at the same time our eyes reflect the fear. Ours was no exception.
There you can see more than 150 bird species from around the world, living in this beautiful recreated environment.
The accommodation is of very good quality and suits all tastes.
So protect yourself against water, and visit this beautiful natural wonder!
As you see, there are a lot of things to do in Puerto Iguazu and Foz do Iguaçu. If you need further assistance about this new way to enjoy Iguazu Falls you can contact your personal Kallpa Executive or simply leave a message in our contact form. We’ll be happy to assist you!.
Bike tour Buenos Aires
Ride a bike and explore the best neighborhoods in this fun and varied Bike Tour Buenos Aires. It’s an experience we love and it has become an excellent alternative to enjoy our city!
We got on the comfortable beach cruiser bikes provided by the organizers of the tour, put our helmets on, and felt reassured by the fact that medical assistance, a bottle of mineral water and expert multilingual guides, all were included. We only had to start pedaling and enjoy a different morning. There is also an option at 2 pm for those who have trouble getting up early. Luckily, it didn’t rain that day, as we love the sun. All the same, rain gear is available for the tour, which is canceled only if it rains very heavily. These tours are carefully designed for all ages, taking into account the different situations that might arise.
The meeting point is Plaza San Martin located in the area of Retiro and close to the well-known Florida Street where most tourists walk around and buy leather goods and clothes, among many other products.
Our first tour took us to Puerto Madero, the neighborhood that is the most recent, expensive and visited by tourists and locals. Its old Docks have been renovated into first class restaurants, offices and lofts, with the best view of the city and the River Plate. At this point we are close to the ecological reserve, an area near the city where the environment and nature are protected. From there we continue to La Boca, a traditional port district which is the home of the most famous Argentine Football team, Boca Juniors. The great immigration wave that made Buenos Aires the city that it is today left its footprint there. It is the birthplace of tango and of traditional cafés. “Caminito” is a must see.
We continued our ride to San Telmo for its proximity to La Boca. It is the first neighborhood of Buenos Aires, inhabited by aristocratic families until the outbreak of the yellow fever in 1871, which obliged them to move to the north of the province of Buenos Aires. It is the quintessential neighborhood to learn about the historical heritage of the city.
Then we reached Plaza de Mayo, the site of all major political events in the country since the foundation of Buenos Aires. There we can see the Government House (Casa Rosada), the Cabildo, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the most important public buildings. A meeting point for demonstrations and the birthplace of the Group of Mothers and Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, who peacefully claim for justice for their children and grandchildren who disappeared during the dictatorship.
The itinerary also includes The Immigrants’’ Hotel, Women’s Fountain, South Promenade, the Fountain of the Nereids, Catalinas Sur Towers in Retiro, Avellaneda Bridge, Curve of Rocha, Quinquela Martin Museum, Caminito street, and La Bombonera (Boca Juniors’ football arena), among others.
As you see, there are a lot of things to do in Buenos Aires in a new and awesome way. If you need further assistance about this Bike Tour Buenos Aires you can contact your personal Kallpa Executive or simply leave a message in our contact form. We’ll be happy to assist you!.