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Nature & Relax at the Iberá Wetlands

Right by the mysterious Iberá Wetlands, find a colonial and cozy natural environment, home-made meals and daily activities in the first touristic estancia in Corrientes, with the personalized attention of its owners.

Located northeast of Corrientes province, on the banks of the Iberá Wetlands and close to the San Ignacio Jesuit ruins, the Estancia San Juan Poriahú is a traditional ranch, nowadays dedicated to breeding cattle.

Estancia San Juan de Poriahu, a farm in the Ibera Wetlands, Corrientes Province, Argentina — Estancia San Juan de Poriahu, Iberá Wetlands, Corrientes Province.

Once upon a time a Jesuit residence itself, its origins date back to the 17th century when the Society of Jesus founded its famous townships in Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. Today, Ana María is the current owner of the estancia and Marcos -her son- is the one who takes care of it. The story goes that Marcos’ grandfather, Don Ernesto, surprisingly inherited the colonial farmhouse and 5.000 hectares from a friend that passed away. In time, more land was acquired to reach the final 13.000 hectares that the estancia occupies now.

Marcos used to spend his summer vacations here when he was a child and today he has become a renowned naturalist and expert of the area. Also he may be one of the guides that take you on a boat ride, drive or hike through this ecosystem and tell you everything he knows about it.

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) at Estancia San Juan de Poriahu, Ibera Wetlands (Esteros del Ibera), Corrientes Province, Argentina — Capibara at the Wetlands

Visiting and staying at Poriahú is to travel back to colonial times. The aged Jesuit farmhouse has thick adobe walls, a palm roof (typical of this region), a gallery and an outdoor pool to relax and contemplate nature. There are also nine wide and simple twin rooms with private or shared bathroom. The family keeps an eye on the details and makes an effort to create a homey atmosphere in the rooms and common areas, such as the shared dining room and the living room. Meals are always homemade and include regional dishes. You may even taste our traditional asado!

Cattle at Estancia San Juan de Poriahu, a cattle farm in the Ibera Wetlands, Corrientes Province, Argentina — Cattle at Estancia San Juan de Poriahu

Surrounded by an ancient and exuberant grove and the characteristic humidity of the marshlands, Poriahú is the best alternative to not only visit the historic ruins nearby but to take part on any ecotourism activity available at the region.

Among the activities that the estancia has to chose from, you can´t miss the boat ride through the wetlands. Jump onto a canoe conducted by a guide and navigate this magic aquatic environment girdled by colorful vegetation and rich native wildlife that you will be able to see and listen everywhere. You may spot roseate spoonbills, maguari storks, whistling herons, yacarés (caymans), marsh deers, aguará guazú (maned wolves), river otters and the cute capibaras or carpinchos.

Boat at Estancia San Juan de Poriahu, Ibera Wetlands, a marshland in Corrientes Province, Argentina — Boat at Estancia San Juan de Poriahu

Other daily options include horseback riding joined by the resident gauchos, photographic safari, guided hikes for bird and fauna watching, night tour for yacaré watching, off-road 4×4 ride within the ranch and rural activities such as cattle branding and bath, among others. Keep in mind that the activities are subject to weather conditions.

Gauchos on a traditional Argentinian cattle farm, Estancia San Juan de Poriahu, Ibera Wetlands, Corrientes Province, Argentina — Gauchos riding through the Wetlands

After an active day you will certainly enjoy to relax by the pool and share a mate while the sun sets in this enchanting place, where nature and wildlife have open access at anytime.

Swimming Pool at Estancia San Juan de Poriahu, Ibera Wetlands, Corrientes Province, Argentina — Swimming Pool at Estancia San Juan de Poriahu

Please, contact your Kallpa Tour executive for more information about the 4 days / 3 nights program with accommodation and activities at Estancia San Juan Poriahú in Esteros del Iberá.

When Wildlife is in Danger

When wildlife is in danger and luckily someone is around to do something about it, the incident becomes an anecdote that certainly deserves to be told.

Last month, one of our groups from Germany traveling through the National Road 40 saw a guanaco trapped on a wire fence. We invited Claudio Allende, Kallpa’s Tour Leader assigned to this group (and one of the heroes of the day!) to write about the episode and share it with all of you:

Guanaco Ricky’s second birthday by Claudio M. Allende

Lands in Patagonia are surrounded by thousands of kilometers of wire fence. This is how man decided to civilize and settle on these beautiful grounds, still wild and adventurous.

Crossing through the Route 40 towards El Chaltén, one of the largest and fairest roads by the side of the Andes, we saw a guanaco trapped on a wire fence. Many guanaco carcasses hung from the wire showed us his probable fate. But today, his destiny was about to change.

While Sergio -the driver- drove through a constant fight against the wind, 14 German travelers enjoyed the Patagonian natural beauties: mountains and hills, guanacos, rheas, foxes, sheeps and gauchos, all holding hands under the Patagonian skies.

That is how we found the poor guanaco with his legs tangled on a fence. When I asked if we should stop and try to help him, Sergio slammed on the breaks, we looked at each other and it was clear that we would do everything possible to liberate the animal.

“Please don’t anyone get off, stay on the bus so we don’t scare him more than he already is” were my words to our travelers and we walked towards the poor guanaco, that nervously watched us getting closer and closer. An adult specimen-such like this one- might weigh up to 90 kilos. The mix of fright when he saw us, believing us to be a menace and the desperation for not being able to escape gave the animal an incredible strength. Every movement of his head and every kick could hurt Sergio or me, and also endanger the travelers.

But at the moment you don’t think about any of that: we saw a few wounds that he had on his groin and how the wire was hurting his long legs. Without any doubt, we begun to separate the wires and try to release one of the legs. Once he had one free, the scared animal started kicking. I hung from his neck trying to cover his eyes, to disorient him so he could soothe a bit while Sergio fought with the last leg. We had just two wires left. With all our strength combined, finally we set him free. “Our” guanaco ran away immediately. The wounds weren’t that deep and surely he would survive. As a token of his appreciation, we got a few kicks and bruises…but also the satisfaction of giving this animal a new life.

The travelers rejoiced: we heard the cries of joy in the bus and when we returned, a big and loud applause. We celebrated toasting with water and baptized “our” guanaco on his second birthday. Somewhere in Patagonia, now we have a guanaco son named Ricky and I hope to see him again sometime.

Ricky finally free!

The pictures are courtesy of one of the travelers.

editorial fauna featured TC wildlife

El Calafate Pioneers Domes Adventure

If the eco-friendly idea of falling asleep under the stars with views to the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier and sitting around a campfire appeals to you, but the reality of pitching a tent and sleeping on a bumpy ground does not, this is your ideal green vacation.

This time we bring you a different way of adventure travelling in Patagonia, in a comfortable accommodation with minimal environment impact and surrounded by unspoiled nature.

The Adventure Domes eco camp in El Calafate is located in the middle of the forest on Las Colonias Peninsula, between Roca and Rico lakes, facing the Perito Moreno Glacier in the distance. The peninsula is named in honor of the first inhabitants of the area and it is inhabited only by the owners of the Estancia; who remain the sole inhabitants for 5 km around.

Staying at the domes is a memorable adventure itself. Compromised with the preservation of the environment and sustainability, the idea of the eco camp is to allow its guests a full immersion in the unspoilt Patagonian landscape leaving the smallest footprint: sleeping in a comfy bed in one of the cosy domes as close to nature as possible, tasting homemade meals by candlelight in a shared dining tent and enjoying guided excursions and activities.

We know that the main attraction that brings anyone to this remote region is hard not only to forget but to overcome, and usually nobody can’t get enough of this ice giant. If you wish to get closer to the fascinating ice walls of different shades of blue, then the Pioneers adventure is the right way to go from the steppe to the glacier. This is an exclusive and unique experience; only few people can make it!

The adventure begins just as you leave El Calafate town; you will be driven along the old route of estancias towards ranch Nibepo Aike for a rural day. Here, the local estancieros will provide lectures and demonstrations of shearing and equestrian so you get an idea about life and work at a typical estancia. Here you will also have lunch: taste a Patagonian barbecued lamb like you never did before.

In the afternoon, the next step of this pioneers adventure takes you navigating for about an hour on the South and Rico arms of the Argentino Lake, enjoying the views of the Adriana and Moreno Mountain ranges. Arriving at Playa de las Monedas, you will disembark and take a peaceful 20 minute walk into the lenga tree forest, where you will notice a change in the landscape. The hike will take you to a lookout spot to appreciate the view of the southern side of the Perito Moreno Glacier.

After a while, you will go back to the boat in order to continue sailing as close as possible to Perito Moreno Glacier, right along this side of it. The final encounter with this natural wonder will be after disembarking at the Bajo de las Sombras port, where you will have the chance to move around the glaciers´s walkways at a time where most of visitors are already gone. There will be plenty of time to take lots of pictures, relax and be moved by this imposing and silent scenery. After a great day, the crew will leave you at last at the peninsula near by the eco camp, where Adventure Domes hosts will be waiting for you.

Among other activities that the Domes have to offer for the rest of the stay, trekking is the star. It is possible to explore the northern and southern region of the Colonias Peninsula and still revel in the views of the glacier.

The Lakes Trekking takes you north through a long and picturesque trail including -of course- lakes, lagoons and lowlands, promising sightings of intriguing birdlife and endemic plant species. On the way back, the path provides views of three of the peninsula’s most distinctive natural icons: Mts. Buenos Aires and Cristal, and the Perito Moreno Glacier itself.

The Peninsula Trekking also offers native birdlife watching along the way. Through a trail in the middle of a lush Nathofagus forest with lakes, the hike reaches the Perito Moreno Glacier in the southern Colonias Peninsula.

No matter what you choose to do, you will be always followed by the views you were expecting to have on this kind of trip, a breathtaking backdrop for your stay in Patagonia.

Please, contact your Kallpa Tour executive for more information about accommodation and activities at Adventure Domes and the detailed itinerary for the 4 day program in El Calafate.

SERVICES INCLUDED

1 night of accommodation in El Calafate downtown, breakfast included.
2 nights of accommodation at Adventure Domes, with full board & drinks.
Transfers & excursions as detailed in the program.
Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

Flights & airport taxes.
Transfers and excursions not detailed in the program.
Alcoholic drinks out of meals.
Tips & Personal expenses.
Medical Insurance.

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Birdwatching in El Calafate

Only 1 km away from El Calafate´s downtown and really close to the Argentino Lake lies the Laguna Nimez Ecological Reserve. Being one of the best urban reserves in Patagonia, this is an ideal place for birdwatching.

Laguna Nimez hides beautiful natural treasures: almost 80 bird species -permanent and migratory- show off at this lagoon, bragging on their beauty, diverse colors and flair. Besides the bird life, the reserve presents typical patagonic steppe vegetation, characterised for different short bushes, reed beds and meadows that blend perfectly with the fauna.

At dawn we met our guide at this patagonic bird sanctuary for a relaxed and instructive walk. For anyone curious about exploring a natural environment, this is certainly a contemplative stroll to appreciate, learn and get closer to nature,

Along the trail, we moved slowly and stopped at the panoramic spots to observe quietly the birds´ different feeding and nesting habits and also to discover the scrubs and reed beds where they rest around the lagoon. Learning about their behavior and characteristics helps to understand their relationship with the ecosystem.

Around the reserve, there are several explanatory signs about the flora and fauna that can be spotted in the area. Also, the guide helps to interpret and understand this natural environment using all the senses and paying attention to details all around.

This is how we were able to spot black-necked swans, groups of flamingos, upland geese, ducks, sparrowhawks, silvery grebes, lapwings, red-gartered coots, black-faced ibis and chimangos. But don’t forget that there almost 80 species all around!

Through the path we got to several panoramic viewpoints. At Argentino Lake´s lookout, the most amazing 360 degrees view showed us not only the lake itself but the whole reserve, the Isla Solitaria, the Andes and El Calafate city surrounded by mounts Huiliche and Calafate. A scene to remember!

The interpretive walk of the wetlands is about 3 km long and it takes approximately 2 hours. There is enough time for taking lots of pictures, observing the specimens, receiving the guide’s complete explanations and even to have a snack whilst enjoying the view of this delightful lagoon.

For anyone willing to make an incursion into the birding world or simply relax and enjoy the nature and its wonders, this experience sharpens the senses to discover scents, sounds and pictures in the environment, so that nothing is left unnoticed.

Don’t forget to contact your Kallpa Tour Executive for more information and exact rates for this birdwatching excursion.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Half day excursion.
Regular daily operation at 5:30 pm, starting at the Reserve.
For private excursion, min. 3 pax required and max. 10 pax (suggested).
No age limit.
No cancellation upon bad weather.
Occasionally, exceptional floods may difficult the access to the trails. If this should happen, the condition and accessibility to the reserve will be previously notified. If the excursion must be cancelled, 100% of the paid fee will be refunded or we may suggest to do it another day, as long as the passenger is available to do so and the if paths are in the right conditions.
Recommendations: dress in layers and wear comfortable and warm clothes, preferably a windbreaker or waterproof jacket for the exterior layer. Wear shoes suitable for walking and preferably waterproof. Bring sunglasses, sun lotion and a hat or cap, extra warming clothes just in case and a bottle of water.

SERVICES INCLUDED

Bilingual English/Spanish specialized guide at the Reserve.
Binoculars and telescope for borrowing.
Snack (tea, coffee or mate with some cookies).
Entrance fee to the reserve.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

International/domestic flights.
Travel insurance.
Personal expenses.
Transfer from and to hotel (upon request).

CANCELLATION POLICY

48 hs in advance, free of charge.
24 hs in advance, 50% of the fee will be refunded per person.
Less than 24 hs in advance, 100% of the fee will be charged.

featured nature

Right by the mysterious Iberá Wetlands, find a colonial and cozy natural environment, home-made meals and daily activities in the first touristic estancia in Corrientes, with the personalized attention of its owners.

When wildlife is in danger and luckily someone is around to do something about it, the incident becomes an anecdote that certainly deserves to be told.

If the eco-friendly idea of falling asleep under the stars with views to the imposing Perito Moreno Glacier and sitting around a campfire appeals to you, but the reality of pitching a tent and sleeping on a bumpy ground does not, this is your ideal green vacation.

Only 1 km away from El Calafate´s downtown and really close to the Argentino Lake lies the Laguna Nimez Ecological Reserve. Being one of the best urban reserves in Patagonia, this is an ideal place for birdwatching.

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