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Ibera wetlands and mocona waterfalls

Driving your car along these roads surrounded by Ibera wetlands and mocona waterfalls is a trip that will keep coming back into our minds.

The reason for this is that the Fly & drive Iberá wetlands and Moconá Tour will get you closer to the most beautiful destinations in Argentina.

Everything starts when we arrive at our first destination Posadas, where we are given a GPS with all the roads that we should take already loaded. We begin our trip along a route that will take us to the San Ignacio Ruins before arriving in Puerto Valle where we’ll put up for the first three nights.

San Ignacio Ruins are some of the best preserved ruins,among others,in a territory today known as Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. And the most visited because they are within easy reach. Built in the middle of a dense vegetation,the remains of these “Guaraní Baroque Style Construction” were discovered in 1897,although the restoration didn´t begin until 1940.

The public square was surrounded by the Church, the Cabildo(former town hall),the Cemetery,the Monastery and a bunch of houses. The magnificent Church was built by the Italian priest Juan Brasanelli,who used in the construction local red sandstone. The walls 70 meters tall and 24 meters wide are still standing after more than two centuries.

In 1984 the UNESCO declared the ruins as a “World Heritage Site”. Today the ruins hold the “Museo Jesuitico San Ignacio Miní”. After driving for over 120 kilometers we´ll get to Iberá Wetlands and stay in Puerto Valle.

Iberá Wetlands are the second largest in South America. These “Esteros” are a mixture of swamps,bogs,stagnant lakes and lagoons. Natural wet areas(sloughs) and courses of water of fluvial origins cover an area of 15.000 to 20.000 square kilometers.

The Natural Reserve is host to a large biodiversity,including four species of animals that have been declared “Provincial Natural Monuments”: the neotropical otter, the maned-wolf, the Pampas deer and the marsh deer. It is also home to two Argentinian species of alligator: the yacaré caiman(or black yacaré) and the broad-snouted caiman(or yacare overo), as well as the capybara(world´s largest rodent)and about 350 species of birds.

There are a lot of activities to be done in Puerto Valle, such as visiting a caymans´farm,going for a ride on a boat made of plastic bottles or going for a horseback ride or a bike ride to stay in touch with nature.

We go on our trip driving towards El Soberbio in Oberá(Misiones Province) very close to the Moconá waterfalls. Because of its near location a visit to this place is highly recommended, besides the activities in the Lodge.

The waterfalls,10 meters in height,interrupt for about 3 kilometers the course of the Uruguay River,southwest of San Pedro county,in Misiones Province.

A peculiar characteristic about these waterfalls is that they fall perpendicularly and not transversally to the course of the waters. The canal where the water falls is a geological fault and in some places reaches the height of 170 meters. Not every season is good for visiting them. They are at their best when the volume of water is low. A curious fact: the guaraní word Moconá means: “it swallows everything”.

FACT SHEET

Minimun pax requirements: 1

Prices include:

2 nights in Esteros del Iberá.
2 nights in El Soberbio área.
Special fly & drive kit with road maps & tourist information.

Not included:

Flights & airport taxes.
Optional excursions.
Early check-in & late check-out at hotels.
Tips & personal expenses.
Drinks and meals except when mentioned.
Medical insurance.

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Triassic Discovery in an amazing Road Trip

We invite you to discover an amazing self drive trip starting in Mendoza, visiting San Juan and La Rioja Provinces, framed by the majesty of the Andes peaks.

Be amazed by the Cuyo region, which in native language means:”Country of deserts”.

This is a region where the high peaks, the snow capped volcanoes and the meandering roads through the Andes pre-mountain range and the steppes stand out. A region where nature astonishes visitors in its parks and natural reserves, where condors fly over as local guardians.

The trip starts in Mendoza where you’ll spend the first night. Amongst grape leaves, country houses and wineries we travel back in history around one of the most important wine-making regions in Argentina.You will take the well-trodden 40th route and we head towards Uspallata, but first you´ll take a detour to get to know the highest mountain in South America: The Aconcagua with its 6908 meters above sea-level, where you´ll have the chance to take a short walk to get one of the most spectacular views of this mountain.

You will take the well-trodden 40th route and we head towards Uspallata, but first you´ll take a detour to get to know the highest mountain in South America: The Aconcagua with its 6908 meters above sea-level, where you´ll have the chance to take a short walk to get one of the most spectacular views of this mountain.

The next stop will be Barreal. On this spot you can visit the Astronomical Complex El Leoncito (the visit should be booked in advance). The complex is located 40 km from Barreal in the Argentine province of San Juan, in the municipality of Calingasta. Inside the park and taking advantage of the characteristics of the sky – more than 250 cloudless nights, without wind and pollution – “El Leoncito” Astronomical Complex is visited every year by astronomers from all parts of the world who attend the place to observe the sky with its powerful telescopes.

You have been travelling for four days now and you will find yourself at the Agricultural Valley of Calingasta crisscrossed by the Rio de los Patos. Here you´ll find plantations of pumpkins and lavender and where you´ll be able to see some of Andean highest peaks such as the Mount Mercedario.

During the next few days, and after having left behind us Barreal, you will drive along the RN150 that will take you straight to the Parque Provincial Ischigualasto,a real voyage into the dinosaur era. Ischigualasto or “Valley of the moon” with the amazing shapes and colours with its landscape carved by erosion, is one of the most important Paleontological Sites in the world.

The discovery continues towards San Agustin del Valle Fertil where you’ll spend two nights and where you’ll visit the National Park Talampaya.

Talampaya National Park was created to protect important archaeological and paleontological sites in the region and it is included in “World Heritage sites”, declared by UNESCO. The great beauty of its landscape was the result of tectonic movements helped by the water and wind erosion. The great temperature difference: intense heat during the day and low temperatures at night also helps to create this magnificent landscape.

It is possible to do some trekking in the park to be able to appreciate the wonderful views it has to offer.

The last part of the trip, road trip back to Mendoza driving through San Juan. The city is surrounded by rivers, hills and valleys and there you´ll have the chance to visit historical, religious, scientific and cultural places related to Argentine history.

Some of the highlights that will wake your senses on this new adventure:

To Taste the famous Malbec Wine
To breath and be disheveled by the Andes fresh air
To be dazzled by the wind erosion on this breathtaking landscape

A real voyage to discover these hidden gems of Argentina.

Suggested Accommodation:

1 night in Mendoza
1 night in Uspallata
1 night in Barreal
1 night in Rodeo
2 night in San Agustín de Valle Fértil

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Whales and lakes district fly and drive

Whales and lakes district fly and drive takes you to visit the two extremes of the Argentine Patagonia is a unique and worthy experience for those travelers who love culture and landscapes of the destinations they visit, as it is our case. During this trip we venture to cross the Patagonia from Valdés Peninsula up to San Martín de los Andes, in the lake region and we designed this original Self Drive journey.

When we arrived to the City of Trelew we were received by our guide who came with us to the car rental to pick up our car and we started our journey to Peninsula Valdés, one of the most relevant natural destinations of the Patagonian Coast. Our stay there took two nights. From that location we could go whale-watching in a semi-submersible boat to observe these species from a different perspective or to venture on a kayak trip to be closer to the whales. We also visited the town of Gaiman, which stands out for keeping customs and traditions of the Welsh settlers and where it is possible to treat yourself to a tea with delicious cakes.

Our next destination was the city of Esquel in the Andean Patagonia. After leaving very early in the morning we drove approximately 599 km on a paved road through several landscapes. One of the most important attractions of this destination is the “Parque Nacional los Alerces” (National Park of Larch Trees) created for protecting the wood forest of Larches -one of the trees with the longest longevity of the planet- that reached the danger of extinction.

Our journey took us to the north of the province of Río Negro. 286-km paved road heading the city of Bariloche, located by the impressive Nahuel Huapi Lake. We have profited the opportunity in our trip to visit el “Parque Nacional Lago Puelo” (Puelo Lake National Park) and the town of Bolson. These are two must-see attractions that have left their footprint in the culture of the region. It is our suggestion to stay for at least three nights in Bariloche since the destination has many different activities to offer. For example, one of the options is visiting the “Cerro Catedral”, with a trekking for half a day or a whole day to enjoy the impressive regional landscapes or even to go to “Puerto Pañuelo” and embark and visit Victoria Island and the Myrtle wood forest “Arrayanes”. Our next destination: Villa la Angostura.

We continued our trip to the north in order to reach that villa surrounded by wood forests and snowy peaks. We stayed there for two nights. We have profited from the second day to visit the Arrayanes National Park (Myrtle. It is possible to visit this attractive wood forest following a 12-km path from Villa La Angostura or in an excursion by boat.

The Villa La Angostura is the starting point of the Road of the Seven Lakes, which is now part of the 40 Road, which connects the Villa with San Martín de los Andes. We have initiated our journey to this Mountain Villa in the Province of Neuquén not without crossing through Villa Traful and enjoying the impressive views offered.

The Road of the Seven Lakes offers a variety of incredible landscapes. The people who had the chance of visiting it on the different seasons have been amazed by a variety of colors offered by the forests contrasting the intense colors of their lakes.

San Martín de los Andes also hosted us for two nights. From this location we could visit different places. The journey may continue towards the Huilo Huilo natural reserve or visit Villa Pehuenia. On the second day there we visited the Lanín National Park which was created in 1937, where the majestic Lanín Volcano is located. The latter dominates the horizon and attracts the looks of all visitors with its astounding beauty. We have also visited, another must-see of the area, the Huechulafquen lake.

During the whole trip we have counted with the assistance of the Self Drive map and kit with a GPS supplied by Kallpa. This is a journey that undoubtedly fascinates travelers no matter where they are from.

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Sustainable fly and drive tour including huilo huilo

This month we’ve decided to innovate in all aspects. We designed a fly & drive itinerary visiting destinations in the Argentine and Chilean Patagonia that are not the most visited but are amazing in the context of nature and landscape. In Kallpa we are always looking for those products in which to combine creative itineraries and sustainable projects. This is the reason for this sustainable fly and drive tour including Huilo Huilo.

Conservation is a constant challenge and a long-term task. That is why we decided, in this May Edition of our newsletter to include Huilo Huilo. Chile encloses an important geography and natural values, especially in the the Andes and the Patagonian region where Huilo Huilo is located in Panguipulli area. It is important to understand that conservation is everyone’s job, and without the support and commitment of the community and the authorities any task would be pointless and would not be possible.

Huilo Huilo Reserve is an extensive territory with natural limits and pristine water fountains, that has sheltered until recent decades, the survival of varied species, the Southern Huemul being one of them. Its disappearance from the region has been recent, and in Aysén, it already is in a stage of great vulnerability. That is why we consider of great importance to count again with the presence of spaces that were once its natural shelter.

Arriving from San Martín de los Andes after crossing the border with Chile you will get to Panguipulli and there you will find Nothofagus Hotel & Spa in Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve. Going into the forest, following a water course, appears the Nothofagus, a structure that rises among treetops, to emerge and discover the magnificence of the cold forest, its mountains, volcano and the immensity of the Patagonian Andes environment.

Huilo Huilo is a set of immersed hotels located in Chilean Patagonia rainforest. These hotels are connected by walkways and gardens. They attached a relaxed spa with heated pools, a spectacular lobby made entirely of wood and living trees, and rich restaurants. There are trails and walks that are truly spectacular. The rooms are spacious and the view to the forests of the intermediate floors is great.

Nothofagus Hotel and Spa, the one we are talking about has 55 rooms, distributed among 7 floors, where spectacular views dominate, in order to give an unforgettable experience. In adittion, it has 2 dining rooms, living rooms, an exquisite gastronomic service and an excellet attention. To get to the rooms, you can use a panoramic elevator or a ramp with a smooth slope that circulates through all the interior.

Its unique architecture using wood gives Nothofagus its magic and sensation of being part of nature. Great for couples or families.

The fact that this hotel is immersed in the Valdivian rainforest and has no TV is perfect for the “perfect rest”. The staff is very helpful and there is plenty to do. Breakfast is super rich and varied, well prepared.

The hotel is decorated respecting nature where its inserted. Forces you to disconnect for a while for daily news and worries. Activities include hiking in the park, like Huilo huilo waterfall.

The year 2010 was awarded a “Green Seal” for Huilo Huilo with distinguished work in conservation and restoration of biodiversity in the temperate rain forest. Environmental and energy program that seeks to expose initiatives that brings a sustainable country. This recognition also points out the task of further emphasizes of Huilo Huilo Foundation for its successful breeding and reintroduction project of the Huemul of the south.

Continue your trip from Huilo Huilo to Pucon in Chile, and then to a hidden secret in Argentinian Patagonia which will captivate your eyes.

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As you see, there are a lot of alternatives for Fly & Drive tours in a new and awesome way. If you need further assistance about this sustainable fly and drive tour including huilo huilo you can contact your personal Kallpa Executive or simply leave a message in our contact form. We’ll be happy to assist you!.