Tierra de Leyendas – More than just a boutique hotel

Have you heard about Tierra de Leyendas? It is possible that you did because it is one of the nicest hotels in Ushuaia. Besides its confort, charm and great service, they are involved in different important sustainable projects that we would like to share and support.

Maia and Sebas (the owners of the hotel) have been working for years in the development of sustainable practices in the hotel, as well as in the community of Ushuaia. 

In the hotel they provide plastic solutions by recycling and removing the plastic track, conscious use of energy, use of compost as well as a vegetable garden, where they produce all that is served in the restaurant. 

Through “A limpiar Ushuaia ” the civil association created by Tierra de Leyendas owners  they carry out campaigns to clean the city as well as native forests of plastic waste and fagg-ends of cigarettes. Moreover,  they promoted environmental laws and education to different institutions and companies.

 

At the same time, they also are respectful of the historical and cultural patrimony of the region. In fact, the name “Tierra de Leyendas-Land of legends” arises from the decoration of the rooms as they are inspired by hidden local stories that happened “at the end of the world”. Every year, in April, the hotel holds a meeting called “Manos a la Tierra”. Through their foundation “A limpiar Ushuaia” local artists, neighbors of the community, are invited to educate and build consciousness about the protection of the natural and cultural patrimony of Tierra del Fuego.

We know that alliances with partners,hotels and guides who are committed to this kind of action and care about sustainability, will lead us to a much better future.

About O2 Hotel in Puerto Iguazu and Its Sustainable Practices

On this occasion, we are glad to present a recently opened 4* hotel in Puerto Iguazu. We are referring to the O2 Iguazu Hotel which understands the importance of establishing sustainable management in its operation.

All their processes are based on a balance between the business, socio-cultural and environmental dimensions, making some specific commitments based on their programs, action plans and protocols. To name a few:  respect and protection of human and labor rights, tourist accessibility, healthiness in food and beverages, sustainable shopping, conservation of biodiversity, responsible solid waste management, among others.

Some of the concrete sustainable actions the 02 hotel took are: 

  • O2 Iguazu hotel uses a sustainable process of waste separation. That allows them to stop the generation of 300kg of organic waste. In addition, all the food waste is donated to the local farms in the area to use to feed the pigs, generating compost. 
  • In order to reduce the environmental impact to the minimum, this year the hotel planted 344 trees in the Iryapú reservation, to compensate for their carbon footprint emission. 
  • They use two renewable energy systems for hot water heating: 1) a system of pellet boilers, which is obtained from the reconversion of the main by-product of the wood industry, sawdust.

2) Photovoltaic panels were installed on the rooftop of the hotel to use solar energy.  

For more information, please contact your Account Executive in Kallpa.

LLULLAILLACO VOLCANO BASE CAMP IN SALTA

LLULLAILLACO VOLCANO BASE CAMP IN SALTA

Ideal for adventurous travelers who want to live a unique experience in a special off the beaten track place, directly benefiting the local community. 

The Llullaillaco Volcano -with 6,739 masl- is the highest in the province of Salta and the second highest active volcano in the world after the Ojos del Salado, on the border between Argentina and Chile. 

Considered the Incas’ sacred volcano and the highest sanctuary of its empire, its fame grew even more after the Children of Llullaillaco were discovered: three mummified children were found in March 1999 close to the summit. They were perfectly preserved by cold and next to more than 150 objects that made up their funeral trousseau, consisting of miniature human and animal figures, utensils and food. Today they are exhibited at the Museum of High Mountain Archaeology (MAAM) in Salta and the ceremonial complex of Llullaillaco was declared a World Heritage Site. 

There are many reasons why mountaineers from all over the world venture to ascend to the summit of this Sacred Volcano. Being so, now we can find at its base the first Tourist Camp in the Argentine puna.

The Llullaillaco Base Camp project was created with the purpose of promoting the sustainable development of the local communities connected with active tourism in the region. Together with Tolar Grande community leaders, the “Puna Vision Foundation” was born with the aim of training local young people to continue the development of this activity in the area, being the ones who will welcome and assist guests at the camp.

Regarding the campsite amenities, it is prepared to provide quality personalized service and comfort for 24 people at the same time. For safety, there’s permanent connection to a base in Salta via satellite phone, allowing 24/7 communication regarding information about expeditions, weather conditions and efficiently coordinate potential evacuations. The service is also available for visitors to contact their families. 

Meals are carefully prepared in the kitchen tent, fully equipped to provide fresh food, complying with hygiene and safety standards. The in-camp chef offers a wide menu including red and white meat, pizza and pasta, cakes, fresh fruits and cereals among other options. All meals are served at the dining dome. 

There are 1200 liter drinking water supply for guests and solar energy provides power with low environmental impact, available to charge small electronic devices. There is also a toilet (with no showers) to avoid travelers’ impact in the area. 

The camp is located at 4500 masl, which is ideal for mountaineers’ good acclimatization willing to climb the volcano, as well as for those adventure travelers in 4×4 vehicles, motorbikes or MTB travelers passing by the area. 

Using it as a base also enables new trekking possibilities. Just to mention a couple of them, a 6 hour hike to Tambo -an Inca ruin at the foot of the volcano- which starts at 5000 meters and ascends to 5300 meters. And a one hour night walk ascending to the viewpoint in front of the camp to contemplate the starry sky (which may also be done during the day to get a completely different view).

Please, ask your executive about the Kallpa programs already available to get to know the Puna through different activities, visiting and staying at the camp from November to March. An unmissable experience for every adventurer!

Rafting in Salta

Just two hours away from the city, enjoy an unforgettable full-day adventure that combines an outdoor activity in full contact with nature and the adrenaline rush of sailing the rapids of the famous Juramento River. An aquatic adventure crossing a prehistoric canyon where fossil and geological tracks are in plain sight.

Only 100 km from Salta ́s capital city, the Juramento River canyon shows a rugged landscape, surrounded by geological formations, fossils and dinosaur tracks. A fun way to get to know it is to descend its twelve class II and III rapids by raft. 

The aquatic adventure begins at 10:30 in the morning at the operational base, with an instructional rafting and safety course. The equipment is delivered and the descent through the rapids of the Juramento River begins.

There are ten class III rapids, plus five class II ones, framed by the imposing landscape of the Canyon: a giant open pit between the mountains. 65 million years ago its walls were huge beaches inhabited by prehistoric animals. 

The descent ends 12 km later at the Los Lapachos area. The return to the base its a 20 minute ride. Afterwards, it is possible to stay for a barbecue.

The experience has an intermediate difficulty rating, with an approximate duration of 2 hours. Includes suitable raft guide.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Rafting starts every day at 10:30 am (with prior reservation).
  • Difficulty: intermediate
  • Duration: 2 hs
  • Includes: Raft guide. Safety kayak and necessary equipment (helmets, paddles, lifeguards, wetsuits, neoprene boots, jacket and waterproof pants).
  • Optional: Barbecue at the end of the rafting descent. Transportation from the Salta Rafting office to the Juramento River, departure 08:30 hs.
  • Bring a bathing suit, towel, repellent and sunscreen.
  • During rafting, high quality photographs are taken. Optional purchase.