Kayaking in Mascardi Lake and Hike-Bariloche

If you stay in Bariloche it is possible to combine in one day a semi-private multi-activity. A perfect option for those active travelers seeking adventure and finding special hidden beaches at the lake and be amazed by the impressive views at Nahuel Huapi National Park.

This is a very complete experience that combines coastal kayaking at Mascardi Lake and a hike on the shore of the Manso River.

We will drive south along Ruta 40, then enter into the National Park and continue up to our base at Mascardi lake. The guide will be waiting for you to start with an introduction on basic kayaking techniques  before starting to explore this beautiful lake. The turquoise waters and the amazing views of the Andes mountains, create a unique and dramatic landscape.

We will stop for a gourmet pic-nick lunch in a remote beach and after a relaxing time we take our kayaks to paddle back to the starting point.

Afterwards, enjoy a nature oriented walk to enjoy this amazing environment of evergreen forest and blue lakes. 

Mascardi  Lake  is the place to be delighted by the incredible natural surroundings and be touched by the quietness of the  unique atmosphere.

An Adventure not to be missed in your next Patagonia visit! 

 

*** The guide will decide the kayaking route according to weather conditions and also the group physical conditions. Paddling prior experience is not required but good physical condition is needed to better enjoy this activity ***

KAYAKING IN THE RIO DE LAS VUELTAS IN EL CHALTÉN

This is a unique and unforgettable experience, sailing on Patagonian lakes and rivers by kayak for an enriching visit of the El Chaltén area.

The Rio de las Vueltas is born in the Lago del Desierto lake and, as the name implies (literally, river of turns) descends towards Lago Viedma lake, making numerous curves through leafy forests of lenga trees and vertical walls. It is one of the most important rivers in the area as it transports the meltwater from glaciers in the region.

This experience provides a privileged position aboard a sit on top kayak, for about  20 kilometers enjoying the best views of Mount Fitz Roy and its satellite needles, with a totally different point of view from the one that you get from a trail. This is an excellent complement to the traditional trekking trip to El Chaltén!

In the morning, the adventure begins at a local tourism office in town, where we take a transfer to Laguna Cóndor. After a 17 km drive, we arrive at the mountain refuge where we meet Loli, our expert guide for the day. While we drink a hot cup of coffee or tea, he introduces us to the activity; a full briefing including the itinerary, paddling instructions and safety techniques to keep in mind during our kayaking excursion. 

We try out the equipment and put on the full outfit (neoprene wetsuit, boots and gloves, safety vest and helmet) and we’re ready to rehearse the paddling movements before boarding the river.  

Finally, we get on the kayaks and properly practice our recently acquired paddling skills in the Laguna Cóndor (Condor Lagoon). If you never paddled before, it might take a couple of minutes to get used to, but overall it’s an easy task.

We follow a unique descend through the river and, if the weather allows it, we’ll get breathtaking views from the Fitz Roy Massif along the sail. Nature all around and the subtle sound of our gentle paddling is all we hear and observe, feeling really small at this environment surrounded by giants. 

Wind may blow and make the adventure more fun trying to keep the kayak on track. Don’t worry, Loli is there at all times to help and guide you! The kayaking route is 20 km but the paddling is really easy going. There’s no time pressure as the activity’s duration is adapted on the way according to the group’s size and skills.

The descent and paddling end at El Chaltén, where after a short walk we reach the office where we change our clothes, enjoy a deserved snack to recharge our energy and continue our friendly chat, joking around and remembering the experience that now has become a trip anecdote of an amazing day. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Included services: Transfers El Chaltén – Laguna Cóndor mountain refuge. Enabled expert kayak guide with basic technical English. Full neoprene-suit, gloves and boots. Jacket. Personal safety gear (life vest and helmet). Snacks, tea and coffee  in El Chalten. Radio contact with El Chaltén.
  • Not included: Transfers not detailed specifically. Tips. Box lunch (travelers have to take their own box lunch or book it through Kallpa in advance!). Services not specified in the program.
  • Please make sure to bring: Small backpack 20 lts. Extra clothes and shoes. Sunglasses. Sunscreen. Cap or hat. Jacket. Waterproof camera or protection. Box Lunch.
  • Level of difficulty: Moderate. Activity for people with good physical condition but not necessarily with rowing experience. Both beginners and experienced rowers can enjoy it. Requirement: ability to Swim.

 

 

A KAYAK DAY AT NAHUEL HUAPI LAKE

Join us for a kayak ride in the Argentinian Lake District, an experience to train the body and the senses.

Touring the Lake District in the summer certainly is a favorite for those who visit Patagonia. In this opportunity, we had the chance to spend an amazing kayaking day at the coasts of Lake Nahuel Huapi and we want to share that experience with you.

We started early in the morning with a pick-up from our hotel in Bariloche and went straight to lake Nahuel Huapi. Once at the lake, we were provided with all the equipment and the kayaks. After a brief instruction by a certified guide, we were ready to go into the water. Kayaking in that crystalline water is an experience that you can’t miss, it will let you be closer to the fauna of the area and appreciate it from a whole different perspective

A few hours after we started to row, we found a calm and beautiful beach, the ideal spot to stop for lunch. At that coast, we enjoyed some pies accompanied by a glass of wine and water, we relaxed under the sun and got ready for the second lap of our itinerary. As we rowed, we could delight ourselves with the astonishing views of Mounts Tronador, López, and Capilla, though the landscape is amazing all the way! After having spent a day within the immensity of this natural environment, we went driven back to our Hotel.

The experience was incredible, the best thing about kayaking in this lake is that it is really easy and doesn’t require previous experience nor big physical effort. It is important though to consider the temperature and weather conditions so we can enjoy the water, which is really cold with the mellow weather. Nevertheless, the kayak can be also done in Lago Moreno or Lago Moreno Este. About this last matter, it is important to remark that the lake in which the kayak is done, will be determined at the moment of the pickup and will depend on the weather conditions and on the physical conditions of the passengers.

As a final tip, if not too tired, you can end this magnificent day enjoying a cold draft artisan beer in downtown Bariloche.

If you wish to obtain more information about this tour, please contact us at Kallpa Tour.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  •         Duration: 6-8 hrs.
  •         Length: 10- 18 kilometers
  •         Difficulty: Easy
  •         Feasible from October to May
  •         The exigency level of the kayak crossing is adjusted to passenger’s experience.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

  • Certified kayak guide
  •   Kayaks and equipment
  • Lunch (picnic style)
  • Snacks (fruit, cereal bars), Water + hot tea
  •  First Aid kit
  • Safety equipment (VHF Radio, maps, gps)
  • Insurance for guide and passengers
  • Entrance fee for park

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

  •  Tips and extra expenses

 

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