CULTURAL EXCHANGE IN MENDOZA

We bring you the latest tourism and cultural project in the province of Mendoza that has already captivated locals and foreigners for almost a year.

To the wide spectrum of experiences that take place in Mendoza in the mountain and wine tourism areas, an original alternative has been added: to visit the desert and to meet native people. This full day excursion allows you to meet and interact with descendants of the Huarpes, visit the Altos Limpios and the Bosques Teltecas reserve, as well as enjoy a lunch served in a typical rustic home of the community.

From our hotel, we will start our journey going east towards La Asunción, in the town of Lavalle. On the way, we will stop for a short hike through the Altos Limpios -with Sahara desert like dunes- and the Teltecas Reserve, crossing its native forests of carob trees and observing characteristic fauna while we appreciate the great desert that is Mendoza.

We will continue our trip to La Asunción; a town inhabited by descendants of native people who practice ancestral rites and traditional celebrations according to their culture, fused with the influence of Spanish religious missions.

The Huarpes were located in the provinces of San Juan, San Luis and Mendoza in the mid-sixteenth century. They were a polytheistic community; they worshiped the sun and the stars, the moon and the lightning, the hills and the river. Currently, in Mendoza there are eleven Huarpe communities that preserve and exhibit their culture, beliefs, traditions and productive and handicraft activities. Here in La Asunción, we will learn more about them.

We will visit a family from the community, who will be waiting for us with the lunch ready: homemade empanadas, bread and chivito (goat), all cooked in the external clay oven.

After lunch, those who want to be part of an interesting cultural exchange, will be able to participate in a small workshop of loom and leather crafts to learn the different techniques and go home with a souvenir made by themselves. 

The crafts of the Huarpes are characterized by not using chemicals. Artisanal spinning, leather goods, pottery and the manufacture of bovine or goat leather footwear, in addition to hand work such as knitting with sheep or rabbit wool.

This is a unique and authentic opportunity to get closer to the history and present of these original inhabitants and their traditions; to experience a different side of Mendoza.

For more information, please contact your Kallpa Tour coordinator.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • 9 hs private excursion.
  • Departure time at 8 am. Estimated arrival time at 5 pm.
  • Includes: Vehicle, bilingual guide, technical equipment, snack, regional lunch/gourmet tasting lunch.

 

4×4 EXPLORERS IN PENÍNSULA VALDÉS

Explore the coasts of Península Valdés in 4×4 vehicles, mountain bikes, and kayak canoes. Scout the recondite corners of this wildlife sanctuary with a new full day tour.

Península Valdés is one of Argentina’s top destinations for wildlife lovers. This important nature reserve that was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 hosts an immense variety of marine life, including the biggest population of baleen whales in the planet, that come to the shores every year for mating and giving birth. Among other marine species that choose this coasts, there are sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals, and a wide variety of bird species.

And what a better way to grasp all this wilderness than with this new experience? The excursion starts on 4×4 Overland vehicles that will drive up to Riacho San Jose to start the first mountain bike stage of the circuit, which traverses the marine inlet in Gulf San José. At this point, we will scout the Gulf and appreciate the richness of its biodiversity. It is important to remark that, during the mountain bike stages, half the passengers will use the bikes while the rest crosses the area on the overland vehicles, and later in the day they switch activities.

For the second mountain bike stage, we will visit the bird island, inhabited by ten different species, such as herons, ducks, seagulls and Magellanic penguins, just to mention a few.  Then, the tour continues at the Carlos Ameghino interpretation center, the perfect place to learn about the animals that we will find along our way. Leaving Ameghino, we reach our next destination: beaches Larralde and Villarino, where we will go kayaking along the coasts joined by the local marine life.

Kayaking along this surreal environment is the most intense moment in the whole itinerary, the connection that you will experience with the surrounding nature is something beyond words. After this mind-blowing experience, we will have time to enjoy a nice picnic on the beach while contemplating the beautiful scenery that spreads around us.

Last but not least, the final stage of this tour leads us to the sea lion rookery, where we will get the chance to observe and interpret the behavior of this amusing animals. From the rookery, we set back to Puerto Madryn, passing by the beach areas El Doradillo and Las Canteras. The views along the way are something spectacular.

This is definitely a complete experience that will allow you to know all there is to know of this virgin territory where wildlife has found its refuge. The scenery will leave you speechless, the quietness will ease your mind and soul. Let yourself be surprised by nature and connect with your wildest side in this Patagonian adventure.

If you wish to have more information on this or other programs, please contact us at Kallpa Tour!

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Feasible from September to march
  • Duration: 8/9 hours
  • Distance: 220 km
  • Not indicated for: overweight people, people with heart conditions, pregnant women, people with mental or physical disabilities affecting their coordination, and people with respiratory conditions.
  • Minimum and maximum ages: 15 to 60
  • Note: In case of bad weather at San José Gulf, the activities might be changed to Nuevo Gulf.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

  • Transfer on a 2015 Mercedes Benz Atego 1725 4WD vehicle
  • Bilingual nature tour guide
  • Mountain bike expert guide
  • Sea-kayak expert guide
  • All guides have a WFR certificate (Wilderness First Responder)
  • Visit to fishing settlements
  • All activities described above
  • Country lunch, including Cold cuts and seafood starter, Pan-fried steak in bread, Layer cake dessert (Alfajor), Cereal bars, Mineral water + sugarless flavored water, Afternoon Tea/Coffee

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

  • Entrance to wildlife reserve Peninsula Valdes
  • Sunset whale watching tour not included

Andean Flavours & Refined Wines in Cafayate

Salta´s wines are a true reflection of the colorful andean scenery, history and ancestral traditions. Such are the ones produced by Finca Quara in Cafayate. This is their story.

It is well known that Cafayate is one of the most important wine production areas in Argentina, where the special weather conditions and terroir originate high quality and refined wines. Warm sunny days, cool nights, dry climate and low rainfall make of this town the home to 70% of the vineyards in the Calchaqui Valleys.

José Fortunato Lavaque arrived from Lebanon towards the end of the 19th century and decided to settle in Cafayate, the most prosperous town in Salta at that time. Attracted by the Valley’s´ unique landscape, he begun his new life here and started his own winery, which was kept on going during the next century.

In the 80s, Rodolfo Lavaque (4th family generation) took over the family business and a few years later acquired a piece of land from another winery, where he established Finca Quara. Rodolfo is known for being one of the main characters in the reactivation of the wine industry in the North of Argentina in the 90s and the years to come.

Nowadays, inspired by their father’s example and vision, the 5th family generation makes world famous high quality wines: Alpaca, Quara Single Vineyard and Quara Reserva.

Finca Quara is open to visitors to enjoy different activities to learn about wine production, the winery and vineyards and the Finca’s history. In their own words, Quara designs experiences to combine rural tourism, culture, regional cuisine and wine.

The winery itself is a genuine architectural monument worth of visiting; one of the oldest and best preserved building in the region and inspired by the Renaissance style developed by Andrea Palladio in the Cinquecento.

The wine cellar, surrounded by French oak barrels, creates a unique and mysterious environment with toasted aromas, which makes the perfect place to know and taste Quara’s refined wines.

Under the Glorieta (arbor), it is possible to explore regional flavours paired with the perfect selection of wines, whilst enjoying the delightful mountain scenery.

Wine tasting is always present at any of Quara’s proposals. Even if it is just the guided tour around the finca or including the “Picoteo Salteño” with empanadas or the special Finca Quara Lunch. There are options for every palate!

To find out more about Finca Quara and its visiting and wine tasting alternatives, please contact us. Cheers!

 

Cooking Class in a Chef’s Private House

Share your travel experience back home delighting your loved-ones with traditional Argentine dishes learnt at a professional Chef’s house.

In the porteño neighborhood of Palermo, a Chef and his girlfriend -a young couple specialized in culinary tourism- open their own home’s doors to tell you all about Argentina’s cooking & eating culture and teach you some traditional recipes that you will be able to recreate back home.

The class is pleasant and relaxed, in a private and intimate environment. The idea is to have a good time whilst drinking wine, learning about our country’s culinary customs, cooking and eating.

The cooking class begins!
The cooking class begins!

On this experience, you will meet other travelers and cooking apprentices and have fun exchanging facts and personal impressions of your visit to Buenos Aires. Sharing with the home´s local owners and also with other people will enrich your stay.

Learn how to prepare the dishes using the freshest ingredients and, after the class, enjoy them paired with specially selected Argentine fine wines. The menu includes: traditional empanadas from scratch -dough and all- with two different fillings and cooking techniques. Llajua, a typical northern spicy sauce used for empanadas. Flan, a classic inherited dessert traditionally served with dulce de leche, a sticky, sweet, caramelized milk and sugar sauce that you will also learn to prepare. During the class, you will try three different wines from three different wine-making regions of our country: Salta, Mendoza and Patagonia.

FIlling and finished Empanadas.
FIlling and finished Empanadas.

Once the class is finished and the food is ready, buen provecho (bon appetite) and let’s eat!

Bon appetit!
Bon appetit!

FACT SHEET

  • Half day regular shared excursion.
  • When: Tuesday & Thursday 6:00 to 9:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
  • Where: Palermo, Buenos Aires.
  • Pax requirements: from 2 up to 9 people.
  • Private lessons available upon request.
  • Classes are given in English.
  • Any dietary restrictions should be previously advised.

INCLUDED

  • Cooking class, ingredients and cookware.
  • Three course dinner after class.
  • Wine tasting during the class.

NOT INCLUDED

  • Transfers from and to hotel.