GOURMET LUNCH & GLACIERS IN EL CALAFATE

An exclusive full day visit to Los Glaciares National Park including sights of the three main glaciers, a hike into the woods and a gourmet meal on board.

This experience proposes not only plowing through the Lago Argentino cool turquoise waters sailing in front of 50 meter high ice walls, millenary deep blue ices and majestic icebergs; but also enjoying a delicious gourmet lunch, hiking into the woods inside the Spegazzini Canal and visiting Upsala, Spegazzini and Perito Moreno glaciers in just one day.

In the morning, the elegant cruise María Turquesa greets us on board to cross the Lago Argentino. Personalized attention and excellent service is guaranteed while enjoying the landscapes from any of its two interior decks or four exterior ones.

Leaving a private port in Puerto Bandera, the cruise heads northwest towards Punta Avellaneda and Boca del Diablo. Crossing the icebergs barrier, we get really close to the Spegazzini glacier, the highest in the national park with 135 meters ice walls. We disembark at Las Vacas station for a guided interpretive hike with a view of the old Settlers’ Station.

Back on board, we visit the Upsala Canal and navigate to Herminita Peninsula, enjoying panoramic views of the namesake Glacier. During this stretch of the navigation we have our gourmet lunch. On both levels, an exquisite meal is served:  a four-step tasting menu for passengers on the Premium deck, and a gourmet box lunch at the Classic tier (see general information below for detailed menus).

In the afternoon we navigate to Canal de los Témpanos on to the last glacial visit of the day: the world famous Perito Moreno; the perfect ending for this memorable journey before getting back to port.

We recommend this full day adventure as a complement to the traditional mini-trekking or Perito Moreno walkways, as it provides a different view of this colossal glacier.

For more information, please contact your Kallpa Executive.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Full day shared service.
  • Daily departures at 9 am. Return at 6 pm.
  • Bilingual English Spanish guide and air-conditioned environments.
  • Maria Turquesa Cruise: Main deck with capacity for 180 people + space specially designed for children. 4 exterior decks and 1 Premium deck on the upper level with a maximum capacity for 20 people.
  • Lunch menus may vary.

Premium 4-step gourmet lunch tasting menu:

  • Amuse Bouche: Brioche bread, trout pâté and seasonal pickles.
  • First Course: Corn and pumpkin cream, olives focaccia, tomato pesto and roasted garlic cream.
  • Main Dish: Lamb terrine with grain mustard, smoked eggplant, figs and onion syrup, garlic and carrot mayonnaise.
  • Dessert: Apple and quince puff pastry, burned caramel cream, yerba mate mousse and white chocolate.
  • chocolate mousse.
  • Includes wine during lunch and non-alcoholic beverages.

Classic gourmet lunch box:

  • Lunch: Lamb sandwich with homemade mustard, criollo cheese and caramelized onions. Baked potatoes and smoked cheese sauce.
  • Dessert: Caramel mousse, brownie and preserved red fruits.
  • Includes one non-alcoholic beverage (soda drink or water).
  • Optional (additional charge): open bar with wine, sparkling wine, whiskey, liqueurs, coffee and tea.

Navigation Route (*)

8:30 am – Boarding at La Soledad Private Port

9:00 am – Set sail. Visit Escuadra Bay and Muralla de Condoreras (Condor Nesting Wall). Seco, Heim and Spegazzini Glaciers. Disembark at “Puesto Las Vacas” station for a walk. Visit Upsala Canal, panoramic view of the Upsala and Bertracchi Glaciers. Lunch onboard.

Navigation along Canal de los Témpanos towards the Northern face of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

OPTIONAL: end the excursion at Moreno Port approximately at 03:45 pm (only booking in advance).

5:00 pm – Arrival at La Soledad Port.

(*) Route and disembark subject to modifications according to the captain’s criteria and / or weather conditions.

SNORKELING WITH SEA LIONS IN PUERTO MADRYN

Snorkel surrounded by curious and playful sea lions, who willingly take photos, hug and even smother you with kisses.

Puerto Madryn is the mecca of Argentinian diving activities and only 15 km from Punta Loma, a rookery of Southern Sea Lions. There are not many places in the world where it is possible to snorkel with these marine mammals, but this is one of them. That is why this experience is one of the highlights in the city.

From the service provider office on the coast in Puerto Madryn, we board speedboats and navigate for 25 minutes towards Punta Loma Provincial Reserve, a protected natural area that restricts the permanence time and allows 18 people at the same time. 

On the way, we enjoy a maritime scenario of beaches, cliffs, shipwrecks, whales, dolphins, cormorants and seagulls. Also we receive a briefing including an explanation about the animal’s behaviour, how we must conduct ourselves within the protected area and an introduction to the snorkeling activity and equipment. The neoprene suit we wear maintains body heat and also provides positive buoyancy, therefore, it is not a requirement to know how to swim (although advisable).

As we get closer to the spot, the sea lion noises get louder and louder. Soon, hundreds of them are all around! Adults and cubs. It’s time to get ready and dive in.

If you never snorkeled before, it might be a little uncomfortable at first to get used to the sensation and trying to breathe through the tube, but just try to relax and remember the instructions. Enjoy the experience, look around, paddle softly and when you feel more at ease, you’re good to go.

It’s a surreal feeling to be up close with these creatures, touching and playing with them, going underwater and see them swim so gracefully. Everywhere we turn, there are more sea lion cubs playfully swimming around us. It’s clear that they are used to divers and comfy enough to even kiss us and take selfies.

We remain in the water with the sea lions for 40 minutes, always joined by the instructor. We guarantee that in the end you will wish that the experience lasted longer, even if at first you thought that snorkeling isn’t your thing. To be able to have such an intense and close-up encounter, to observe and play with these curious marine mammals is a fantastic and cherished experience.

After the diving ends, we go back onboard and return to the office, where we return the equipment and change our clothes.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Duration: 3½ hs
  • This activity operates daily in the morning. Depending on the time of the year, departure time is adjusted according to high tide.
  • Difficulty: Moderate The passenger must be able to move with the diving fins for 40 minutes, taking into account that it is within a medium in constant motion.
  • Age restrictions: Minimum 7 years old – Maximum suggested 60 to 65 years old.
  • Min. 2 pax required.
  • The current regulations allow visits of no more than one hour and fifteen minutes in the area. The contact activity with the sea lions takes maximum 40-45 minutes.
  • Included: Neoprene suit, two pieces, helmet, boots and gloves. Coat jacket for round trip transportation on the boat. Snack service on board: water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, alfajores and pastries. Instructor and necessary briefing according to the activity.
  • Not included: Transfers to the service supplier office in Puerto Madryn. Dry suit. DVD with HD photos and videos.
  • The program may be modified or suspended depending on weather conditions, in which case the amount paid will be refunded if it’s not possible to reschedule. Sighting and interaction with the fauna depends on uncontrollable factors, such as climatic changes or reproductive time.

 

Bike ride & wine tasting in the vineyards of Mendoza

 

A visit to Maipú,one of Mendoza’s most renowned wine regions. The proposal is to ride a bicycle through the vineyards and facilities of Familia Zuccardi, one of the main wineries in the province.

The itinerary includes three stops to taste the local varieties of Chardonnay, Syrah and Malbec, with an expert’s explanation of the characteristics, irrigation systems and vineyard management.

The visit ends with a regional/gourmet lunch, paired with outstanding wines.

Contact us for more information and rates.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Departure time: 09:30hs.
  • Estimated arrival time: 16:00hs.
  • Includes: private transfer service, bilingual guide, wine tasting, insurance, technical equipment, snack, regional lunch/gourmet tasting lunch, snack, mineral water.
  • Does not include: tips, extras.
  • Please wear cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable clothes and suitable shoes, coat. Also please bring additional mineral water.
  • Safety tips: Report to the guide/driver about any special illness, allergy or Physical Restriction.

Tropical Baroque Party in Buenos Aires

The New Year’s Eve fete at Faena Hotel on December 31st is a nod to the drama and glamour of Europe’s Baroque period, infused with South American romance. 

The fabulous party begins at the hotel’s gilded Cathedral as guests are greeted with champagne and cocktails, along with passionate live performances. Then continues to the terrace of the lively Library Lounge.

Dinner offers guests a choice of venue in buffet style. El Mercado provides traditional Argentinian cuisine while the contemporary palates will be delighted at Bistro Sur, a whimsical space with Philippe Starck décor.

Throughout the evening, while enjoying the open bar serving the best Argentinian wines and crafted cocktails, guests are immersed in this glamorous Tropical Ball with themed live entertainment.

As the clock counts down to midnight, meet at the Pool Bar for exciting live musical performances and a few more surprises.

The venue takes place at Faena Hotel in Puerto Madero on Tuesday December 31st, starting at 8 pm. Please contact us to make your reservation.

General information

  • You may book for dinner and celebration, or for the after midnight party only.
  • Children from 2 to 12 years old pay 50% of the rate.
  • There’s a special rate for Faena Hotel guests.