SELF HIKE KIT UPDATE FOR EL CHALTÉN & NORTHWEST

Because staying on track is important, add value to your customers’ trekking experiences with our Self Hike Kit.

Argentina offers quite a few destinations for adventurous travelers and nature lovers. Trekking is, without a doubt, one of the main activities selected by this audience to fulfill a one of a kind trip.

The Self Hike Kit is a Kallpa product designed to support two or more independent travelers who want to combine their trip with hikes and discover nature at their own pace, but with a digital support that guides them through the right path.

 The product is available in El Chaltén and in the Argentine Northwest, with different features:

Self Hike Kit Northwest Argentina includes: 

  • Safety tips briefing and operation instructions for GPS preloaded trekking maps.
  • Trekking GPS device with preloaded main trekking tracks (in case of lack of GPS equipment, we deliver the trails on maps for smartphones).
  • Printed document with general information about the treks preloaded on the GPS for the hiker to decide.
Self Hike Kit for Northwest

 Self Hike Kit El Chaltén includes:

  • Safety tips briefing and operation instructions for preloaded trekking maps for smartphones. (IMPORTANT: please read below the requirements).
  • Trekking trails preload on Google Maps for smartphones.
  • Printed document with general information about the treks preloaded on Google Maps for the hiker to decide.
  • El Chaltén trekking map.
Self Hike Kit for El Chaltén

Requirements for travelers hiking in El Chaltén

In order to smooth the briefing process, before their arrival please:

  1. Provide the Kallpa Staff with the passengers’ Gmail address, or we will create one for them to use.
  2. Make sure that the travelers’ smartphone has enough capacity (at least 50 MB).
  3. Make sure that the travelers have installed properly the Google Maps app, and that it works fine.
  4. In Google Maps, travelers must download the area’s trail map to have it available offline. A good internet connection or wifi is required for this step. So, please make sure they download it before their arrival to El Chaltén due to poor or lack of connectivity in the zone.

If you wish to book this product for your customers, please inform our Kallpa Executives.

 

 

STUNNING EASY HIKE IN BARILOCHE

We bring you one of the most beautiful trekking circuits in Patagonia, to enjoy and explore without much effort, interpret the wet forest ecosystem and be surprised with an incredible panoramic view.

Throughout the year, this hike offers a relaxed alternative to explore the Llao Llao peninsula in Bariloche, and access very beautiful panoramic views without much effort. The ascent is smooth and does not require any special physical condition, except feeling like walking and enjoying the surroundings.

The trekking day begins near the famous Llao Llao Hotel. Here, we follow a system of well-marked and not very steep trails through the Natural Reserve of the Llao Llao Peninsula, an area designed to protect and preserve an ancient forest of Cypresses and Coihues, among other species of evergreen trees. We focus on enjoying nature by accessing different shores of the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes.

Combining several trails, we reach Villa Tacul, a set of crystal clear water bays. At this spot we find the ideal place to rest after having completed the first section and enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey and ascend to the top of Llao Llao Hill, with its beautiful views and captivating flora full of native orchids and lilies.

 At 1080 meters high, from the hill we can appreciate one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, the enchanting Victoria Island, the Millaqueo, Capilla and López hills, the Escondido lake and the Tristeza arm. The famous stunning postcard from Bariloche. Without a doubt, this place is unique.

After taking in so much natural beauty, we begin the descent by another path and we cross the Peninsula back to the starting point.

This is the perfect easy hike for people who enjoy long walks, but without too much physical effort. To enjoy the forest and nature in all its splendor. A must for those who are lucky enough to visit Bariloche!

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Recommended Season: yearlong
  • Duration of the activity: 4-6 hours
  • Length of the Trek:  10 kms
  • Starting Altitude: 780 msnsm
  • Max Altitude Climbed:  1005 msnsm
  • Elevation gained: 225 mts
  • Service includes: Bilingual Certified Mountain Guide / Box lunch + water + tea + snacks / First Aid Kit + VHF Radio + GPS / Insurance + Permits

FULL PATAGONIAN EXPERIENCE

A natural reserve that combines comfort, hospitality and domes in the middle of the forest.

Huemules Mountain Reserve is located on the Rivadavia Mountain Range, 22 km from Esquel, Chubut province. 6100 hectares of natural reserve, next to Los Alerces National Park, with snowy mountain summits, streams and forests of original species. 

This project aims not only to offer accommodation, but a full experience to embrace Patagonian nature like nowhere else; including local cuisine, the kindest service, as well as a variety of adventurous activities, four daily meals and a daily guided tour.

At Huemules you will stay at a private dome with great panoramic view, amenities and services that provide the utmost comfort while maintaining that special feeling of living in nature. In total, there are 10 double and triple domes of 28m2 each, with private bathroom, hot water, electricity, wood stove, deck and private balcony. 

Between November and April, Huemules provides recreational outdoor half or full day activities to enjoy the reserve’s natural environment and landscapes. Horseback riding, trekking and mountain biking circuits with different levels of difficulty, altitudes and breathtaking scenery just in the company of the Patagonian immensity. 

For this summer, there will be six daytime trekking paths, and a special night time one, when there’s a full moon. Hiking through forests, valleys and creeks while enjoying mountain views and learning about local flora and fauna is a great way to get to know the Patagonia.

As for horseback riding, there will be three circuits, one of each level of difficulty. Vidal and El Cruce are also two of the trekking paths, so this is an option for a more relaxed journey through the reserve’s surroundings. 

For more adventurous people, mountain biking is your choice! Three half day circuits and one full day, all of them offer a thrilling experience up and down slopes, zigzagging across the woods. Adrenaline rush guaranteed going downhill traversing the lenga forest on Downhill Norte circuit. 

Gastronomy is a very important part of this experience. Meals are included with your stay, so be prepared to enjoy Patagonian flavors all the way.

To start the day, a typical buffet breakfast with hot infusions and freshly squeezed seasonal fruits juices. Also, a selection of eggs a la carte and croissants, freshly baked breads and homemade marmalades in addition to cereals, yoghurts and an assortment of regional fruits.

Lunch at Huemules is an invitation to learn and enjoy typical Patagonian cooking techniques where fire is the main character. Cordero a la cruz (upright charcoal grilled lamb) and a typical Argentinian barbecue all served with grilled seasonal vegetables and salads prepared with herbs are just an example of what they offer to renew energies for the next mountain adventure.

Upon arrival from the tours, in the warm atmosphere of the restaurant, hot infusions, delicious pastries, chocolate and fruits will be served while waiting for the sunset.

For dinner, the finest local dishes, regional products, Patagonian beef, lamb, trout and game meats prepared according to traditional recipes, paired with the best Patagonian wines and beers.

Delight yourself with great meals, fun activities and an enchanting environment where snowy mountains, forests and streams provide the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Included in the rate: Accommodation in the dome – Four daily meals – A daily tour – Natural water.
  • Not included: Soft and alcoholic drinks – Additional tours – Transfers.
  • Huemules will open in November 2019. Summer season will be extended until Easter Sunday 2020.

 

 

W Trekking Circuit in Winter

Summer is not the only time to hike in Patagonia! Kallpa took part of a trip to Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, to walk the W Circuit in winter time. We want to share this different trekking experience with you.

From May to August it is possible to experience a rare trekking adventure in Torres del Paine: a 6 days hiking wintry version of the famous W Circuit in the cold, through an inhospitable and deserted environment, snow-covered mountains, crowdless sceneries and surrounded by nature. Also, enjoy delicious meals and drinks, spend unforgettable moments and rest the nights in comfy mountain lodges.

Felipe, our Kallpa member that took part on this adventure, describes the ambience: “Such a wild and unique environment allows you a close encounter with guanacos, condors and -of course- with the spirit of the puma, that is present in each and every moment of this great wintertime trekking. At the feet of the bicolored Horns and at the top of the white and blue Grey glacier, in the depth of Ascencio Valley and in the face of Francés Valley, the Andes are overwhelming.”

The journey takes you to the three exceptional spots in the park: the base of the Towers, the French Valley and the Grey Glacier; always in the company of a specialized and expert mountain guide. The last day and for the final picture, a ferry boat ride across Pehoé Lake.

Overall, this unique adventure provides a defiant winter trekking challenge on ascending and descending mountain trails towards impressive lookouts with fantastic views of the amazing Paine Towers, glaciers, lakes and icebergs. Full contact with nature when the park is nearly empty.

Despite the cold, the weather and the fatigue, according to Felipe nothing could make you quit this challenge: “No glacier ice could freeze your sensations. No weather conditions, rain or snow would stop your intentions. On the contrary, they will most probably bring up to the top your physical capacity, internal feelings and strength to walk and fulfill the W Circuit”.

Don’t miss the chance to feel the power of nature along the intense and crowdless W trekking in winter at the southern side of the Torres del Paine Massif, one of the most beautiful natural environments of the World!