Península Valdés Adventure

A thrilling close encounter with Patagonian nature and marine wildlife.

Península Valdés is a natural reserve in the Patagonia, located on the Atlantic coastline. It is renowned for the marine fauna that inhabits its beaches and surrounding waters, such as whales, penguins and many other seabird species, sea lions and elephant seals. Few places offer the possibility to observe so many animals in their natural habitat; this is a true and unique wildlife reservoir in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For the chance to appreciate the abundant local fauna, we recommend our featured product “Peninsula Valdés Adventure”, tour that stands out from others because of the variety and quality of experiences included.

The first adventure of the day takes us to Estancia San Lorenzo, a pioneer sheep ranch located on the coastline of the San Matias gulf and 160 km away from Puerto Madryn.

This working ranch not only produces Australian merino sheep wool but it is also the home of a 600.000 Magellanic penguin colony, which brings us to this spot. On a 4×4 Overland truck we will reach the reserve and then trek towards the rookery, guided by naturalist guides. This may be the closest you will ever be of a penguin. Without altering their habitat, we will pass by and observe them.

Then, we will hop back on the 4×4 truck and go through the Cañadón de Fósiles, a fossil canyon witness of a million year history.

After the active part of the tour, we will get back to the estancia and enjoy an exquisite lamb on the spit in the old shearing barn, which was reconditioned to serve as a country restaurant, visitor centre and mini shop for local products and ranch souvenirs.

To finish the day, a 2 hour boat ride at sunset in Puerto Pirámides to watch Southern Right whales jumping and swimming around for the best pictures you could ever take. If we´re lucky, maybe these huge and majestic cetaceans will just pass us by so close to almost reach them. As close a you can be of wildlife itself.

For nature lovers, discover Patagonian marine fauna and fossil history as in no other place in Argentina.  

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Operates from September 15th to November 30th on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Full day tour, 12 hs. From 7:30-8 am to 8 pm.
  • Book in advance; only 20 paxes allowed per day.
  • Basic service includes only 4×4 ride.
  • With additional cost: Access to Peninsula Valdés, visit to San Lorenzo and penguin rookery, lunch at San Lorenzo without beverages, whale watching boat ride.

 

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE ANDES

The Andes provide multiple options for mountain bike lovers. Paved roads, tracks and dirt paths into the woods lure bikers visiting the region.

San Martin de los Andes, located southwest at the Neuquén province and set deep into the Andes on the coast of lake Lacar, offers exceptional biking circuits, both traditional and adventurous.

From the center of Lanín National Park, many roads or tracks spread with different difficulty levels, lengths and slopes. Riding on them you can enjoy the diverse regional flora, lush woods or Patagonian steppe areas, crystal clear rivers, streams and lakes, bird watching…a full contact with nature only a pedal away.

On a half day excursion we immerse ourselves into this beautiful scenery in San Martin. We start after getting our bikes in the town, jumping on a vehicle that takes us and the bikes through the first ascending kilometres.

Once at the top, depending on the riders preferences and characteristics, the guide will recommend the path to follow with our bikes. After the choice is made, we begin to ride following the guide into the Andean Patagonian forest, observing huge trees along the way and feeling the typical freshness of such environment.

Descending carefully through the selected path, we will stop by a few lookouts with views to the valley, rivers, lake beaches and lagoons. All picture perfect spots!

After 3 hours riding, we go back to town.

Pedaling through the winding tracks into the patagonian nature is definitely rewarding: breathing fresh air, riding at your own pace, hearing the sounds of this magical place and stopping by to appreciate the overwhelming vastness of the Andes scenery. Tired? Yes, but yet so happy and relaxed.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Service available year round except on July and August, due to snow.
  • Feasible any day of the week upon reservation. Time may vary depending on weather conditions. In summer it is recommended at 9 am or from 5 to 8 pm. On colder months, we recommend at 10 or 11 am.  
  • Included: mountain bike guide (authorized by the National Park), transfer in vehicle from the starting point to the beginning of the track, bikes with frontal suspension and helmet, first aid kit, intercom and bike repair kit.
  • Previous experience in mountain biking is not mandatory but it is required to know how to ride a bike and have a good balance.
  • Circuits may be modified to make them more accessible to people with less abilities, such as the case with 14-15 year old children.

AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE IN PATAGONIA

Nativo is the name for this voyage through man’s past in these remote corners. An experience that invites us to walk the steps of our ancestors and discover the traces they left for posterity.

Through the Nativo experience, we will re-discover the stories of the first expeditions in Patagonia and of those brave men who ventured themselves into the unknown. We will explore the cliffs and the coasts of Lago Argentino in search of evidence of contact between these pioneers and the natives, to then immerse completely in the Tehuelche world.

The adventure starts with a pick-up at the Hotel in Calafate in land rover overland vehicles.  We will be driven to the coasts of Lago Argentino for an interpretation of the ground and the flora, with help from the guides that will instruct us on glaciology and geology. Lago Argentino is the biggest of the Argentinian lakes. Its name was given by Perito Moreno himself, who was amazed by the deep blue color of its water and the pristine white in the peaks of the surrounding mountains.

After exploring the ground along the coasts of the lake, we will move forward to Punta Bonita’s cliff, the second stop in our itinerary. At Punta Bonita, we will appreciate the panoramic views of the lake, the Andes, and the city of Calafate, to then descend for the final lap of the tour.

At this point, we will visit the caves of Punta Walicho. In this outermost place, we will find the rupestrian register of men that came south during the last big glaciation. Punta Walichu is a Patagonian icon, the name comes from a Tehuelche god who was believed to inhabit these caves.  At punta Walicho, we will learn a lot about the hunting customs of this primitive ancestors as well as the perception that they had about themselves and the world around them.

To end an extraordinary day, we will enjoy a delicious meal in the most exotic location: a cave. The table will be already settled for our arrival and the atmosphere is cozy and warm.  The menu consists of a homemade soup entrance, followed by lamb stew or sautéed rice and vegetables for vegetarians and vegans, accompanied with wine or water. For dessert, you can enjoy a delicious chocolate mousse with almond praline.  After this magnificent delight for our palate, we will be driven back to our hotel.

This three-hour tour that will let you grasp al the spirit of Patagonia. It is ideal for those who arrive of for those who leave. There are also two different schedules, you can take it in the morning or in the afternoon, though we recommend taking the night tour if you wish to enjoy the starriest sky that you will ever see.
If you wish more information about this experience, please contact us at Kallpa Tour Operator!

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Pick up from hotels start at: 11:00 am and 06:00 pm
  • Difficulty: Low
  • Feasible all year.
  • Vegetarians menus must be required with anticipation.  

SERVICES INCLUDED:

  • Hotel Pickup and drop-off
  • Lunch/Dinner
  • Entrance fee to archaeological zone
  • Bilingual Guide

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

  • Tips

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