Total Solar Eclipse in the Andes

Viewing an eclipse is a unique mystical experience. And even more special it is while being surrounded by the northern Andes mountain range.

Once a fearful and unpredictable event, nowadays observing an eclipse is an emotional and powerful experience. The day becomes night, nature stands still, oddly quiet and the temperature drops abruptly. A gradual twilight dance between the moon and the sun that wraps you slowly in an incredible surrounding.

Eclipse in Rapa Nui, Easter Island, 2010

The next total solar eclipse will take place on July 2, 2019. Lucky for us, it will be fully seen west to east in our country, right over a few locations in the provinces of San Juan, La Rioja, San Luis, Córdoba, Santa Fe and Buenos Aires. This is a great excuse to plan a trip to Argentina! Take advantage of the opportunity and enjoy touring around.

Eclipse in Rapa Nui, Easter Island, 2010

We invite you to the northwest to witness this rare natural phenomena when the moon gets between the sun and the earth. It provides many beautiful landscapes to set a special context to experience this unique event. A trip across Mendoza, San Juan and La Rioja, passing by Ischigualasto, Talampaya and El Leoncito National Parks…enjoying local culture, traditional food and wine tasting…the perfect northwest destination combination.

You may be asking yourself where to watch the eclipse. For us, one of the best places is Valle Fértil in San Juan. A quien city that dazzles visitors from all over with its abundant vegetation and mountain landscape filled with cacti.

Eclipse in Rapa Nui, Easter Island, 2010

If you would like to have an experience of a lifetime and have the chance to watch one of nature’s most incredible spectacles, contact us to organize your trip for 2019.

Eclipse in Rapa Nui, Easter Island, 2010

 

 

Wetland wildlife & tradition at Iberá

Visiting the tropical Iberá Wetlands in Corrientes is a must. But even more is staying at Estancia San Juan Poriahú and enjoying its activities and homemade meals.

Almost a year ago we introduced this traditional estancia located northeast of Corrientes province, on the banks of the Iberá Wetlands and close to the San Ignacio Jesuit ruins.

Still dedicated to stockbreeding, San Juan Poriahú provides accommodation, full board and outdoor activities for anyone willing to immerse into this mysterious ecosystem. 13.000 hectares, including its own fauna reserve, surrounded by an ancient and exuberant grove and the characteristic humidity of the wetlands.

Although the estancia is one of the oldest in the region (it was founded by the Jesuits in the 17th century), it keeps its colonial charm and has been preserved and adapted to receive tourists from everywhere.

The ancient farmhouse is warm in the winter and refreshing in the summer, thanks to its thick adobe walls, palm roof (typical of this region) and outside gallery. Also, it has nine wide and simple twin rooms with private or shared bathroom, all of them very homey and comfortable, decorated with antique furniture and country details.

A huge park and the swimming pool invite you to relax on summer afternoons, while contemplating the natural surroundings.

Homemade delicious meals are served daily in the shared dining room. You will try regional dishes and the traditional asado.

During your stay you will take part of some outdoor activities to get to know the wetlands. You can’t miss the boat ride! Jump onto a canoe conducted by a guide and navigate this aquatic environment girdled by colorful vegetation and an incredible array of wildlife all around. You may spot roseate spoonbills, maguari storks, whistling herons, yacarés (caymans), marsh deers, aguará guazú (maned wolves), river otters and the cute capibaras or carpinchos.

Other daily options include horseback riding joined by the resident gauchos, photographic safari, guided hikes for bird and fauna watching, night tour for yacaré watching, off-road 4×4 ride within the ranch and rural activities such as cattle branding. Keep in mind that the activities are subject to weather conditions.

The estancia fully operates year round, except on Holy Week holidays and July. You may visit the Esteros whenever you like. Due to its tropical weather, there‘s no dry season. For birdwatchers, the best time to visit is on August or September.

Don‘t forget that the stay at San Juan Poriahú includes full board with drinks and excursions. Please contact us for more information and rates.

 

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.

 

PUNA: THE TREASURE IN THE NORTH

Adventure yourself into the heart of this northern jewel. From the harshness of its arid valleys to the colors and shapes of its mountains, volcanoes, and springs of water, this mind blowing environment captivates the eyes of visitors every year.

It is difficult to put the beauty of Puna into words. Certainly, this is one of Argentina’s favorites for travelers all over the world. And once you find yourself surrounded by the most colorful mountains, or standing in the middle of a white ocean that runs as far as the eye can see, you understand why it is so impressive.

The territory called Puna covers the north of Argentina, part of Bolivia, Chile, and Perú. In Argentina, it is crossed by mountain ranges and volcanoes up to 6.000 meters tall, as well as endorheic drainages that gave origin to a variety of lagoons and thousands of hectares of salines.

The vastness of this land allows as many landscapes, so the options for visitors are a lot. Just to mention a few, we recommend visiting the Arizaro Saline (Salar de Arizaro), The Labyrinth Desert (Desierto del laberinto), or the fascinating Laguna Grande Reserve, which hosts one of the biggest populations of pink flamingos.

Nevertheless, Puna is not only amazing views. The local communities offer a wide range of activities for all tastes and ages. For those looking for a challenge, there is an enormous amount of trekking routes, climbing volcanoes or mountains while traversing the most diverse scenery. If you prefer a more relaxed journey, you can take one-day visits along the circuit  that will take you to the main spots of the region and, by the end of the day, you can delight yourself walking through the narrow streets of the Andean villages and enjoy the richness of its culture; or you can also taste a typical dish in a family house and share their stories.

There is no doubt that Puna is not only an excellent place if you enjoy adventures but it is also a way to connect with an ancestral culture that has endured since before the conquest of America. The uniqueness of this land is something beyond imagination. It is a magical place that will refresh your mind and your spirit. You will end this journey with renewed energy and a feeling you will never forget.

For more information or detailed suggested program, do not hesitate to contact your Kallpa Tour operator at [email protected]