YACHTING THROUGH THE BEAGLE CANAL

There are always memorable activities when traveling, and this is certainly one not to be missed.

This time we get the chance to go across the beautiful city of Ushuaia by sea, on board an enchanting petit yacht.

Setting sail from the local tourist dock along with the captain and a bilingual sailor and guide, we set course towards the Beagle Canal aboard Yate Tango, a cozy and very welcoming little yacht. We navigate in the direction of Alice Island to watch sea lions in their natural habitat.

Then, we continue to the Birds Island, where the king and imperial cormorants inhabit with seagulls and other bird species, typical of the landscape of these latitudes.

We begin to see the mythical Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, one of the most representative icons of Ushuaia, which was first operated on December 23rd, 1920, and that still works today. We get close enough to take beautiful pictures.

On the way back, we stop at Bridges Island for a short hike, discovering the flora and fauna of the surroundings thanks to our guide.

As we also see archeological rests, we learn about the Yamanas – the aborigines who settled here many years ago. We realize how difficult was for them to live on these hostile lands and it’s amazing to learn how they were able to adapt and survive for so long.

During the whole navigation, on board we share snacks, warm tea, hot chocolate and coffee, biscuits and -of course- mate.

Yate Tango offers an intimate navigation experience, where laughter and anecdotes will be shared between a small group of people. This is such a fun and special tour that we´ve been told that friendship emerges and that no one wants to get off in the end!

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • 4 hs regular excursion.
  • Two daily departures: 10 am and 3 pm.
  • From December to February, one more departure at 7 pm.
  • Transfer to the local dock are not included.

 

A HIDDEN TREASURE IN IGUAZÚ

In Misiones Province, you can find the ideal place for nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers and anyone willing to isolate themselves from everyday life: La Lorenza.

Emilio and Picu, a couple passionate about nature, share their private reserve with those who are willing to discover a different Iguazú. They define it as a secret spot beyond the famous waterfalls and off the beaten track.

La Lorenza is 50 minutes away from the city of Iguazú, immersed in a forest rich in biodiversity, medicinal plants, orchids, bromeliads, butterflies, and birds, many of them endemic to the ecoregion. Located on the Paraná River, the reservation is also a rural area where local families live and work the land.

It is possible to discover La Lorenza, through Half Day or Full Day discoveries which include a close encounter with nature within the reserve. We would like to recommend two of them.

LA LORENZA WALK & KAYAK, starts with a 30 min walk through the forest that will take you to the Urugua-i river bank where the kayaks will be waiting. Its calm waters are easy to paddle, an  invitation to observe the forest in a different perspective and to perceive with all your senses the surrounding nature.

You will have the chance to watch the second largest river in South America go by: the Paraná river. After 2.5 miles of kayaking, you will be back on land. A 45 minutes guided walk through the forest, immersed and surrounded by local flora and fauna to observe and learn, will take you to a deck overlooking the river with a privileged view. The visit ends at this unique place with a local appetizer. Although this activity i s suitable for beginners, it is required to be able to swim.

The other recommendation is LA LORENZA BY WATER. Upon arrival at La Lorenza a motor boat will be waiting for you to navigate up the Paraná River. After 15 minutes you will reach the Yasy cascade, a local hidden gem. In the intimacy of this breathtaking natural landscape, you can go for a swim and maybe even allow the waterfall to give you a massage. On the way back, you can enjoy a brief float down the Paraná River as we enjoy its calm waters. With a view of Paraguay on our private deck, by the bank of the Paraná River, a local appetizer will be offered. This is a good time to share endless local stories and curiosities.

A swim in the river or bathing under the Yasy cascade is possible and enjoyable as there are no aggressive animals in its waters.

If you would like to take part on any of these options at La Lorenza or learn more about other possible discoveries in this unique location, please contact us for more information.

GENERAL INFORMATION

LA LORENZA BY WATER

OUTINGS . It is offered 2 daily outings: 

AM: from 9.00am to 12.30 pm. PM: from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm. During the winter season, from May to August, it is suggested to depart 1 hour before.

INCLUDED IN THE EXCURSION : Private bilingual guide English/Spanish. Hand sanitizer, hand fans, poncho raincoat. Private motorboat ride. Simple local appetizer. Water, and natural juice with seasonal fruit. Transfers. 

NOT INCLUDED

Transfers to La Lorenza

“Picada de la Selva” -Heavy appetizer with drinks.

LA LORENZA WALK & KAYAK

OUTINGS . It is offered 2 daily outings: 

AM: from 9.00am to 12.30 pm. PM: from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm. During the winter season, from May to August, it is suggested to depart 1 hs before.

INCLUDED IN THE EXCURSION : 

Private bilingual guide English/Spanish. 

Simple local appetizer. Water, and natural juice with seasonal fruit. 

Hand sanitizer and poncho raincoat. 

Sit on top kayaks.

NOT INCLUDED

Transfers to La Lorenza

“Picada de la Selva” -Heavy appetizer with drinks. 

 Be aware that from Iguazu to La Lorenza are 45/50 min drive.

Unplugged Holidays in Patagonia

La Maipu Ranch. The mystic that surrounds this iconic Ranch located in the middle of nowhere will encourage you to ponder on your lifestyle and disconnect from your routine.

 This 45.000 Ha ranch in the Lake San Martin area, is completely off-the-grid. The nearest airport is El Calafate. Then a 4 hours drive through the mythic route 40  will get you there.

Besides the breathtaking views, this ranch is famous for its history. The Lively brothers were the first owners and also the first settlers of the area. Mr. Joseph Lively arrived in 1902, thanks to Francisco ”Perito” Moreno who conceded them the land right before the territorial dispute between Argentina and Chile. The current owners of La Maipú kept Joseph’s cabin as a museum that takes you back in time to the old -and even wilder- Patagonia, where just natives and a few adventurous foreigners lived.

New owners created the La Maipu concept: high quality service, relaxed experiences that show their passion for nature, outdoor life and the love for food and wine. The in-house chef creates his own signature dishes with fresh ingredients from the organic garden.

They have conservation in their minds so you have to be ready to enjoy a simpler way of life that takes into consideration a sustainable use of electricity (3 hours a day) and of satellite wi-fi connection ( 20 minutes a day per person)

Regarding activities, you will love exploring untouched wilderness in any of the eight trails organized with great care. The Ranch favourite is La Condorera. An eight hour trek , both ways, will take you to the peak of this beautiful mountain where the great Andean Condors nest. Other incredible adventures take you to go out and discover, watch and listen to more than forty bird species  or grab a mountain bike and explore the ranch’s ground on your own.

Another great experience is to realize your own smallness as you snuggle up in a warm blanket in the open at night to watch the countless stars and listen to the sound of the Patagonian silence. The immense Universe is there for you to admire.  

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • The main house can accommodate up to 16 people in its three triple and three double cozy rooms, all with private bathroom and heating. The stay includes full board and a glass of wine.
  • We suggest a minimum of 3 nights.
  • Rates are per pax per day.

Basic program includes:
– Accommodation
– Full board (breakfast, lunch, mid-afternoon snacks, dinner with up to 2 house wine glasses.
– Satellite WiFi.
– Activities: a guide will design the excursions that best suit your preferences and interests (horseback riding not included).

CLAY AND LIVING CULTURE IN THE NORTH

Learn about the secrets of artisanal pottery and get your hands dirty with the red-colored clay of this enchanting northern town.

Placed in the north-west and almost in the middle of Jujuy province, we find the colorful town of Purmamarca, embraced by the well-known Hill of the Seven Colors. In one of its many mud houses lives Maby, a local artisan that invites us to learn her pottery techniques.

Maby has been a clay artisan for many years and knows a lot about modeling and decoration with local pigments and materials. She is happy to share not only her craft knowledge but also her culture; believing that there is nothing more moving and rewarding than creating something with our own hands.

She warmly welcomes us to her home and workshop to teach us the whole artisanal pottery process, which -according to her- requires enthusiasm and patience.

First, we learn every step to prepare the material that we need to model with, from mud to clay. Then, Maby shows and helps us with the modeling technique to create a small original pottery piece by ourselves, such as bowls, plates, cups or decoration items. Once we’re done, she will take care of the final touches to dry and bake the piece for us.

You can take a piece of art that has been made by someone else and that is already finished. Yours will stay in Purmamarca until the whole process is complete and will be taken by another person that visits Maby some other time after you.

It is not a simple workshop, but the experience of sharing stories, knowledge and techniques of an art that has been alive from our cultural roots. In Maby’s own words: “you will take an indelible memory of my Purma; a space of living culture!”  

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Difficulty: intermediate. No previous experience required.
  • Duration: 2 hours.
  • Min. 2 pax required.
  • Indoor activity. No smoking allowed.
  • Includes materials, apron to protect your clothes, a piece made by someone else as a souvenir of this experience and a snack.
  • Recommendations: bring hands cream, comfortable clothes and shoes.