Love Archivos | Kallpa I Tour Operator

Wine, romantic dinner and relax in the Uco Valley

We believe that Mendoza is one of the most romantic places in Argentina. From its picturesque city to the backdrop of the Andes mountains and the vineyards, Mendoza charms with its beauty.

An ideal spot for couples in Mendoza is the Uco Valley in Tunuyán, where we find the Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort right beside the mighty Andes Mountains, a boutique winery set on 320 hectares of lush green land.

The essence of the hotel, an impressive structure inspired by the geography of the land and its natural surroundings, strives to provide the utmost level of comfort while still blending with the mountains, vineyards, and clear blue skies.

Year round, the resort offers different programs and activities to enjoy the valley to its fullest; the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.

For a romantic 3-night getaway, we recommend the Wine & Relax Special Program, to experience life on the vineyard trying the best wines and gastronomy of the Uco Valley, and indulging in relaxing spa and massage treatments, overlooking breathtaking mountain and vineyard views. Along the stay, the program includes breakfast à la carte, wine tastings and vineyard visits, a barbecue and a picnic, a cocktail class, a visit to some wineries in the surrounding and a massage service followed by a romantic dinner.

Besides, the hotel has designed a range of exciting activities that center around the incredible landscape. Guests can bask alongside the infinity pool, play tennis, horseback ride through the vineyard, go on bike or trekking excursions, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or explore the ecological reserve and mountains. Also available for the adrenaline fans: paragliding, rafting and mountain biking in the Andes.

There are also a range of indoor activities like Argentine cooking classes taught by their award-winning kitchen staff, olive oil tastings, and wine tastings led by the house sommelier who gives an insider’s look into some of the best wines of Mendoza.

The Uco Valley is the most sought out wine region in all of Argentina, and Casa de Uco Vineyards and Wine Resort makes for the ideal home base to discover the wonders of the area and Mendoza wine country. Couples leave not only knowing much more about wine but also super relaxed and more in love than ever!

SNORKELING WITH SEA LIONS IN PUERTO MADRYN

Snorkel surrounded by curious and playful sea lions, who willingly take photos, hug and even smother you with kisses.

Puerto Madryn is the mecca of Argentinian diving activities and only 15 km from Punta Loma, a rookery of Southern Sea Lions. There are not many places in the world where it is possible to snorkel with these marine mammals, but this is one of them. That is why this experience is one of the highlights in the city.

From the service provider office on the coast in Puerto Madryn, we board speedboats and navigate for 25 minutes towards Punta Loma Provincial Reserve, a protected natural area that restricts the permanence time and allows 18 people at the same time.

On the way, we enjoy a maritime scenario of beaches, cliffs, shipwrecks, whales, dolphins, cormorants and seagulls. Also we receive a briefing including an explanation about the animal’s behaviour, how we must conduct ourselves within the protected area and an introduction to the snorkeling activity and equipment. The neoprene suit we wear maintains body heat and also provides positive buoyancy, therefore, it is not a requirement to know how to swim (although advisable).

As we get closer to the spot, the sea lion noises get louder and louder. Soon, hundreds of them are all around! Adults and cubs. It’s time to get ready and dive in.

If you never snorkeled before, it might be a little uncomfortable at first to get used to the sensation and trying to breathe through the tube, but just try to relax and remember the instructions. Enjoy the experience, look around, paddle softly and when you feel more at ease, you’re good to go.

It’s a surreal feeling to be up close with these creatures, touching and playing with them, going underwater and see them swim so gracefully. Everywhere we turn, there are more sea lion cubs playfully swimming around us. It’s clear that they are used to divers and comfy enough to even kiss us and take selfies.

We remain in the water with the sea lions for 40 minutes, always joined by the instructor. We guarantee that in the end you will wish that the experience lasted longer, even if at first you thought that snorkeling isn’t your thing. To be able to have such an intense and close-up encounter, to observe and play with these curious marine mammals is a fantastic and cherished experience.

After the diving ends, we go back onboard and return to the office, where we return the equipment and change our clothes.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Duration: 3½ hs
This activity operates daily in the morning. Depending on the time of the year, departure time is adjusted according to high tide.
Difficulty: Moderate The passenger must be able to move with the diving fins for 40 minutes, taking into account that it is within a medium in constant motion.
Age restrictions: Minimum 7 years old – Maximum suggested 60 to 65 years old.
Min. 2 pax required.
The current regulations allow visits of no more than one hour and fifteen minutes in the area. The contact activity with the sea lions takes maximum 40-45 minutes.
Included: Neoprene suit, two pieces, helmet, boots and gloves. Coat jacket for round trip transportation on the boat. Snack service on board: water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, alfajores and pastries. Instructor and necessary briefing according to the activity.
Not included: Transfers to the service supplier office in Puerto Madryn. Dry suit. DVD with HD photos and videos.
The program may be modified or suspended depending on weather conditions, in which case the amount paid will be refunded if it’s not possible to reschedule. Sighting and interaction with the fauna depends on uncontrollable factors, such as climatic changes or reproductive time.

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yacutinga, nature and self-discovery

Explore the depths of the Argentinian jungle and also, the depths of your inner self at this exotic eco-lodge.

The Yacutinga project saw the light of day during a casual dinner when two friends talked about the idea of creating the first ecological lodge in the area of Iguazú Falls. From then on, it has grown to become the wildlife sanctuary that it is today.

At this lodge, you will find a variety of programs to connect with nature and learn about the local flora and fauna. There are different trekking paths, navigations and fauna watching. There is also a special program to release all stress through yoga and meditation and return to your daily routine filled with energy. The general idea is that guests can interact with the surrounding environment and live a unique experience. This original program is probably one of the bests that you can find at Yacutinga.

The meditation program was specially intended to encourage the relationship between man and nature, so it mixes the techniques of pranayama and meditation with interpretative nature activities. Guests will be able to enjoy a quiet sunrise meditation at the Palmetto tower, which offers a mind-blowing view of the jungle’s treetops, followed by a vital breakfast that involves strictly vegan or vegetarian food. Later, guests are invited to participate in a project that has been going on for several years, the native orchid rescue. Other activities in this program include yoga at the Hummingbirds Garden, meditation and Pranayama under the stars and herbal recollection, where we can learn about the healing properties of local plants.

Regarding the facilities, the lodge features all the conveniences to satisfy the guest’s needs. Rooms are located in isolated houses- there are four rooms per house- and all of them have private bathrooms and a magnificent view of the jungle.

In terms of gastronomy, the menu proposes a tour through the local flavors, prepared and presented in a way that you will find at any international level restaurant. All ingredients come from local vegetable gardens and are organic. There are options available for vegetarians and gluten intolerant if needed. It is important to remark that, if you sign up for this incredible meditation program, all meals will be strictly vegan or vegetarian since the purpose of this is to help people to be conscious about good nutrition and self-care.

A lot more can be said about this place, but the truth is that you just have to experience it. At Yacutinga, you will find that special connection with nature but, more importantly, with yourself. Regain that peace of mind that is so easy to lose in our busy city life and appreciate the simplicity and the greatness of nature.

If you wish more information on this lodge and its programs, please contact us at Kallpa Tour Operator.

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Living in the Jungle in Misiones

Living in the jungle provides unexpected and unique experiences. Animals wandering free in the wild, picking up groceries and medicines from diverse plants and trees, coexisting with a humid climate all year round. Life in the rainforest is lively, colorful and tough.

Yacutinga was the first jungle lodge in Argentina, created almost 20 years ago as a project for biodiversity conservation and protection in the northeast of Misiones province, one of the richest natural regions in the country.

Today it has become an ecotourism attraction itself for anyone who enjoys raw nature and who is willing to take part on this environmental and sustainable project. At Yacutinga, guests discover not only the unique curiosities of these magical and vast surroundings but also the deep bond between man and nature. Whilst visiting Yacutinga, guests contribute to a new conservation and sustainability concept in Argentina.

The Origins program, besides providing a complete jungle interpretation and understanding, promises an unexpected journey to find out about the lifestyle and social reality of the Kagui Pora Guarani community. The idea is to complement this experience reaching native flora and fauna and also getting to know day by day life in the jungle.

This is a 4 days / 3 nights program, starting at the Raices Argentinas inn (only minutes away from the Puerto Iguazú airport) where a special truck picks you up and gets into the subtropical rainforest to take you to the Yacutinga protected area.

On the way, the red dirt soil combines with many shades of green, diverse and lush vegetation and jungle noises and aromas that awaken your senses. Signs by the road warn about the presence of many wildlife species that may come your way.

After a few hours, you will finally reach Yacutinga Lodge and probably be greeted with homemade warm chipa (baked rolls made from manioc flour and cheese) and fresh drinks.

During the stay, a set of planned activities provide the opportunity to understand life at the rainforest from an environmental and social point of view.

Kayaking through the jungle waters and hiking into the forest joined by expert ecologist guides. A tour to the yerba mate plantation including an explanation about the mate ritual. Learning about how locals use medicinal native plants for homeopathic medicine; an ancient tradition that allowed the settling of the pioneer families in this rural environment. And, of course, the visit to the Kagui Pora Guarani community and meet its people and learn about their lifestyle in the jungle; comprehending their nature, traditions, habits, myths and legends.

Yacutinga Origins proffers a unique experience for the adventurous traveller. A close encounter with nature and local people at a place where past and future meet to create a curious present. An eye-opening experience for any visitor.

Please contact us for more information about this special program.