Gourmet experience among Glaciers

Those of us who are world travellers know how to combine sensations, aromas and blend the 5 senses to live unique experiences. Being a traveller is not about collecting destinations but to treasure experiences and to share them with other generations. One of those is the Gourmet Experience among Glaciers.

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gourmet-experience-among-glaciers-5We´ll live the experience on the Leal Cruise Ship that offers the best Full Day option for those travellers that wish to see the Glaciers Spegazzini and Upsala (momentarily with its Ice floes Barrier) or the Perito Moreno Glacier  at a closer range.

With the Gourmet Glaciers Experience we suggest navigating the waters of the Lago Argentino in search of the Spirit of the Glaciers. Ice walls higher than 50 meters, thousand years ices of a deep blue colour and majestic icebergs are some of the sights we´ll contemplate during our trip. To see the wide range of colours shown by these landscapes is something very special. Nature at its best. The particular colours of the water in the lake, the breaking of the ice or the rotation of the icebergs that we´ll be able to watch.

This itinerary leads us to the most inhospitable places in the National Park Los Glaciares:

gourmet-experience-among-glaciers-2We start our trip heading Northwest, sailing past Punta Avellaneda and Boca del Diablo (the narrowest pass on this lake, with an approximate width of 800 meters). After sailing for two hours, the succession of ice floes in the most varied colours and shapes heralds the proximity of the Upsala Glacier.

gourmet-experience-among-glaciers-1We go on sailing southbound through the Lago Argentino  and then we turn onto the Spegazzini Channel to reach the Glacier with the same name. The navigation let us get very close to the Glacier giving us a stunning view  of the 80 and 135 meters high ice walls over the lake level.

Lunch is served while we marvel at  these wonderful views and at sunset the Cruise Ship Leal reaches Puesto de las Vacas, a very quiet bay inside the Spegazzini Channel, where the motors are silenced and where the guests can go for  an interesting walk coordinated by a team of Guides. During this stop it´s possible to appreciate different views of the Spegazzini Glacier. The return is along the Brazo Norte and we  dock at the Private Pier La Soledad between 06 or 06:30 PM.  gourmet-experience-among-glaciers

The  Glaciares Gourmet Experience is an ideal programme for those travellers that wish to visit the National Park Los Glaciares in an exclusive way. On board the Cruise Ship Leal services are  personalized to suit the needs and interests of each guest.

Included in the programme:

  • Navigation on Lago Argentino, visiting the Upsala Channel Ice floes barrier(momentarily hampering the approach to the Upsala Glacier), and the spectacular Spegazzini Glacier.
  • Gourmet lunch on board with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
  • Disembarkation at  Puesto de las Vacas.
  • Coffee, tea and non-alcoholic beverages included during the whole trip.
  • Activities on board with English/Spanish speaking Guides.

Technical file card:

  • Length: 20 meters.
  • Beam: 5.80 meters.
  • Draught: 1.50 meters.
  • Hull material and  superstructure: Naval steel.
  • Motors: 2 x 460 HP Detroit diesel.
  • Cruising speed: 13 knots.
  • Electricity: 12, 24 y 220 volts (Lombardini auxiliary diesel 22 kva)
  • Main Dining-room: 4 tables seating 6 people and a table for 4 people.
  • Deck on the prow and stern and Main deck on higher level.
  • Maximum capacity: 28 guests.

Tasting Menu:

Our Gourmet lunch is made on board by our own Chef.

A luxury experience in Aguas Arriba Lodge

a-luxury-experience-in-aguas-arriba-lodge-5A luxury experience in Aguas Arriba Lodge starts at El Chalten when we set off on our transfer to Lago del Desierto, not included in the price, to get the transfer to Aguas Arriba Lodge.

a-luxury-experience-in-aguas-arriba-lodge-1A ride that shouldn’t be missed skirting the Rio de las Vueltas and surrounded by mountains such as the Fitz Roy Mount behind us standing like a proud watchman over the natural paradise we are driving through.

At Lago del Desierto Mr. Igor and his troop are waiting for us on the boat that will take us to his house at the shores  of the lake to share with us a unique experience in the region. The thing is that Aguas Arriba Lodge is the only one of its kind in this place. It is located on the banks of Lago del Desierto just 15 minutes away from the pier where we’ll board our motor boat. It is in a Provincial Natural Reserve bordering with Los Glaciares National Park.

a-luxury-experience-in-aguas-arriba-lodge-7During the boat trip Igor tell us that it took him four years to build his house because the materials had to be transported on motorboats and many times the winds or the climate slowed the progress of the construction.

a-luxury-experience-in-aguas-arriba-lodge-2The Lodge is a mountain cabin, rustic, partially made of wood that he got from a burnt forest in Patagonia. When we say that the house is rustic we mean that this is a talking house, full of imperfections, marks; a house that shows her heart, its  beamed framework with virgin columns, its wild and natural streaks that in a very respectful manner fuses together with the environment so as to have the very same essence.

a-luxury-experience-in-aguas-arriba-lodge-4Within its rusticity it offers great warmth, every nook was designed to be enjoyed very comfortably and quietly. There is no need for internet. The days go by in a natural atmosphere. Relaxing in our armchairs, listening to the soothing music, some us read others idly chat and some other guests spend their time touring the many trails that leave from Aguas Arriba Lodge in the company of an expert Mountain Guide. Luminous and open vistas filter through the windows into the house.

That´s what all this is about. Everyone of us enjoy the trip in its own personal way, like a family of travellers that do not know each other but get together in a  time and space determined by life to share some days with Igor and his family where peace is the guest of honor.

a-luxury-experience-in-aguas-arriba-lodge-3Fresh, natural, local. Granny´s recipes. That would be the best way of referring to Aguas Arriba´s table. Trouts from the lake, vegetables from their own orchard, home-made jams. All home-made, everything that let us live in total isolation. Customize each meal as much as we can. To know our guests personal tastes is a premise. This and many things more, that you’ll have to discover by yourself, is what makes Aguas Arriba Lodge a true  exclusive experience in El Chalten.

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If you are interested in getting to know about some of the activities in Lago del Desierto you can find  them in our “Trekking on Huemul Glacier” article. For more information on Aguas Arriba Lodge you can contact your Kallpa´s Account Executive that will inform you about this and other custom-made products.

Thank you for reading and traveling with us.

FACT SHEET

Included:

  • IN/OUT pre-scheduled transfers over water from Punta Sur Lago del Desierto (a 15 minutes navigation skirting the Eastern bank of the Lake).
  • Full board with non-alcoholic beverages during the meals. Coffee and tea included throughout the day.
  • Scheduled activities by Aguas Arriba according to daily timetable.

Not included:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Ground transfers to or from El Chalten or El Calafate
  • Activities non-scheduled by the Lodge
  • IN/OUT navigations to Punta Sur  required by the guests outside the specified times in accordance with the pre-defined terms arranged by Aguas Arriba.
  • Medical insurance
  • Bar, tips and extras
  • Fishing permits
  • Fishing guides & equipment rental.
  • Subcontracted local excursions such as horseback riding, Patagonia Adventure navigation, bicycles, Chinook salmon fishing, expeditions with Mountain Guides, baggage carriers and/or nights in a tent, etc.

Important notes: We suggest taking the evening flights on your flight out just in case there is any delay when leaving the Lodge due to climate conditions. In this case leaving the Lodge in the morning should be foreseen so as to provide a more operational margin.

 

Sea Kayak through the Beagle Channel

sea-kayak-through-the-beagle-channel-5We go deep into the Beagle Channel, the emblematic channel that separates Argentina from Chile in Tierra del Fuego, to go and visit some of the places walked by the Yámanas that we will experience on the Sea Kayak through the Beagle Channel.

 

sea-kayak-through-the-beagle-channel-1To get a little soaked on the subject about the Yámanas and the Channel we´d like to tell you that the Yámanas were the first to inhabit the coasts of the Beagle Channel. The name of Beagle was given to this channel in honor of a British ship the HMS Beagle that did some hydrographical research along the southern coasts of South América between the years of 1826 and 1830 and commanded by Captain Phillip Parker King. In April 1830 while being docked at Orange Bay, her commander sent the navy officer Lieutenant M. Murray to inspect the northern area of Nassau Bay. This officer discovered a narrow pass (which was later named after him: Murray Channel) that flowed into a straight channel, of approximately 2 miles wide that stretched from east to west till it got lost in the horizon. That Channel was called Beagle.

sea-kayak-through-the-beagle-channel-4This piece of information works well as an introduction to appreciate the environment through which we will be navigating once this experience starts and presents itself in a great option.

We set off at 08AM and come back at around 2 or 3 PM spending 4 hours in the kayaks. The sailing is through a more isolated and virgin area. We leave from Bahia Golondrina rowing along the coast of the Beagle Channel west direction where we’ll have the chance of watching flocks of birds and other inhabitants of Ushuaia´s natural world. We’ll make a stop at Redonda Island to have lunch and then we’ll continue rowing through the Beagle Channel. eventually we’ll be finishing our trip 15 minutes away from the downtown Ushuaia where we’ll arrive to Cauquenes Bay near to the hotels so the time for resting will be closer than you think .

sea-kayak-through-the-beagle-channel-3It is very important, no matter which option you choose, to be in good physical condition, to know how to swim, to have a positive attitude or to borrow the tour guides´ and most importantly to love nature above all. Ask about these options to your Kallpa´s Account Executive. We have plenty of good experiences to share with you.

FACT SHEET

  • Minimun pax requirements: 2
  • Ages from 15 to 70 with a good physical condition.

SCHEDULE:

  • 8:00 hs Pick up at hotel.
  • 8:30 hs Arrival at  Golondrina Bay. Training and briefing of kayaks.
  • 9:30 hs Beginning of the rowing trip towards the West along the coast of the Beagle Channel
  • 12:00 hs Arrival at  Redonda Island for lunch.
  • 13:00 hs We continue the rowing through Beagle Channel
  • 14:00 hs Arrival at a Cauquenes Bay, Ushuaia.

Time duration: 6 hours

Meals: Snacks + lunch box + dessert. Drinks Included: wine, sodas, mineral water.

Season: 1 August / 1 May.

Main attractions: Beagle Channel, Redonda Island, Zaratiegui Cove

Included: Transportation, lunch, Introduction to Kayaking and Safety at Sea briefings, specialised guides. We provide you with gear necessary: fiberglass double Sea Kayak, neoprene boots, suit and gloves, spray-skirt and lifejacket.

Requirements: Being capable to swim, good health and adecquate fitness, “team player” attitude, positive mentality, respect for Nature, strict compliance to the guide’s directions.

Important Information: This tour is only recommended for people who have a good physical condition.

Taste our wines and feel the Tango at La Ventana

wine-tasting-and-feel-the-tango-at-la-ventana-2At La Ventana Barrio de Tango (La Ventana Tango neighbourhood) the Avant-garde movement makes itself at home. Two options to experience the Tango and also our Wine Culture.

La Ventana Tango is located right in the heart of San Telmo, in a historic “conventillo” (tenement house) that was brought back to life and is a classic in porteño culture. This is a voyage throughout time. The interior of the building, that preserves the old style in its purest way, is the ideal ambience for a unique experience: 35 performers among dancers, musicians (two tango orchestras), singers and a Folklore group; a menu based on local and international cuisine and an exquisite list of Argentine wines.

taste-our-wines-and-feel-the-tango-at-la-ventana-3

True to the tango spirit, turning into a more intimate experience while enjoying the most traditional aspects of Argentina’s culture, we present these two options: The first one has been designed for those who enjoy wine tasting. La Ventana Barrio de Tango has its own brand of wines made by Vicentin Winery, such as Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. You’ll be part of the experience tasting a champagne, three different red wines and a white one, while having some gourmet appetizers in perfect combination with them. Sometimes, three Premium wines are tasted. The tasting is performed by an expert sommelier that leads us through the appreciation of the different flavours and aromas to identify each vine. Not only wines from La Ventana are tasted but also from other Bodegas (wineries).

taste-our-wines-and-feel-the-tango-at-la-ventana-1

For those guests who want to leave Buenos Aires with a little bit of Tango running through their veins, they will give you a 1 hour Tango lesson before the beginning of the dinner and show. The class enlightens the 8 basic steps to tango. The teacher, who is one of the dancers at the show, will give a demonstration and then will ask the brave ones to try it on the dancefloor.  Everything takes place in a nice and relaxed ambience that will give you the chance to meet other guests and at the same time share the experience of Tango in Buenos Aires.

Either of these options have to be booked in advance along with the Tango dinner and show at La Ventana. This is an extra value that guests cannot miss. Get in contact and book it with your Account Executive at Kallpa.

FACT SHEET

  • Minimun Pax Requirements: 1
  • Transfers are not included.
  • Not included with the Tango dinner and show.