ICE AND ADVENTURE IN PATAGONIA

In the heart of chaltén, ice and rock merge into this extraordinary Patagonian experience to make you live an authentic mountain adventure.

We invite those wanderlust spirits to traverse the outermost places of Chaltén, to climb rock and ice, to cross thick forests, and to spend the night at a mountain refuge. Certainly, this is a program that promises an unforgettable experience.

This fresh proposal consists of a two-day experience that includes a guided trekking that starts at Estancia Los Huemules and leads to the impressive Cagliero glacier. The Trekking offers a variety of landscapes, including the possibility to walk the immense Cagliero’s ice cap.

Our adventure begins early in the morning at Los Huemules visitor’s center. From this meeting spot, we start a 2-hour walk through a thick lenga’s forest crossed by a well-maintained trail up to the first lookout point: Laguna Diablo (Devil’s Lagoon). This stretch of the trail is smooth therefore it doesn’t require too much physical effort. From Laguna Diablo, we can appreciate the Cagliero Refuge, where we will spend the night, and part of Valle del Diablo (Devil’s Valley), named after the lagoon.

As we skirt Laguna Diablo’s northern margin and leave Estancia Los Huemules’ property to access Campo Gorra Blanca (a private property), the path gets irregular and a bit more demanding up to Via Ferrata where the second instance of this activity takes place. Vía Ferrata is a one-kilometer rock stretch with a two hundred meter slope. Nevertheless, it was adapted with iron rungs and steel cables to ensure a secure and comfortable climbing, though it demands physical effort since the rocky and icy paths are irregular. At this stage, the guides will provide us will all the necessary equipment for the climbing and instruct us on its use.

After an hour climbing Vía Ferrata, we reach the second lookout point: Mirador del Glaciar, where we will be able to contemplate Cagliero’s unexplored southern side, the immensity of the valley and the walls of Treinta Aniversario and its attendant peaks, especially Diente Del Diablo (Devil’s tooth). A short walk later, the third instance of our experience takes place: the trekking through the glacier itself. This stretch will last approximately two hours and, if the weather conditions are favorable, there is the possibility to have lunch at the glacier’s surface and enjoy its unique scenery.

Lunch finished, we take the same path to return to Puesto Cagliero, arriving approximately at 16:00 pm. Puesto Cagliero is an authentic mountain refuge that offers the possibility to spend the night in its compact yet cozy rooms. At the refuge, we will enjoy a simple and tasty dinner that can be either pasta, homemade pizzas or a warm vegetable soup.

The second day of our excursion starts with breakfast at the refuge, where the guides also provide the box lunch for the day. Then, we have free time to explore by ourselves and take one (or more) of the different self-guided paths that cross  Estancia Los Huemules, perfect opportunity to get familiar with the beauty of this natural environment and its fauna.

As a final observation, it is important to mention that the ice trekking requires great physical demand, therefore, it is important to check your physical conditions before signing up for this program. If Chaltén is your next destination, this is an extraordinary opportunity to make the most of this icy region and feel like a true explorer!

For more information on this program, please contact us at Kallpa Tour Operator.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Feasible from November to March Duration: 2 days
  • Does not operate on Sundays
  • Difficulty: Moderate

SERVICES INCLUDED:

  • Bilingual high mountain guides.
  • Climbing equipment
  • Night at Puesto Cagliero
  • Dinner, breakfast and lunch box for day 2
  • Round trip shared transfers from meeting point in El Chalten town to Estancia Los Huemules

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

  • Box Lunch for day 1
  • Entrance fee to Estancia los Huemules

 

BAHIA BUSTAMANTE: DREAM LODGE IN PATAGONIA

Bahía Bustamante is a small town located in Chubut. This remote place is a true wildlife sanctuary that has a unique richness in terms of biodiversity, hosting about four thousand sea lions, a colony of over fifty thousand penguins, more than 22 bird species and combines its white sand and blue ocean with an endless steppe and a petrified forest.

The Bahía Bustamante Lodge features six houses with views of the ocean and five other houses with views of the Patagonian steppe. The Lodge also offers different programs – subject to availability – that will allow you to explore the area and get familiar with its flora and fauna. Just to mention a few, there are different trekking paths, visiting the animal colonies along the coast, visiting the town and learning about the local industry: seaweed.

At Bahía Bustamante you will find a paradise cut off from the modern life leisure. This is the place to go if want to connect with yourself and feel that unique peace that can only come from nature.

 

AUSTRALIS launches the ventus at the end of the world

When it comes to exploring the most remote corners of the earth, Australis gets the job done better than anyone else. With over twenty-five years in the market, the cruise company has built a reputation as the ultimate Patagonian experience. 

The Australis cruises literary sail to the end of the world, formally known as Cape Horn. Through this southernmost itinerary, which allows disembarkments with Zodiac boats, the passengers will be able to scout all the important sites of these virgin lands. From the Magellan Narrow to the Beagle Channel, Australis offers different excursions that cover all the wonders of Patagonia.

But, leaving generalities aside, the big news is that the Australis fleet has a new member:  the Ventus Australis, which will be setting sails for the first time this January. The Ventus was built at Asenav, internationally known Chilean shipyard. It has one hundred cabins, each one with a private bathroom and a panoramic view of the ocean. Passengers will be able to choose between three different cabin categories, nonetheless, the only difference lays in the space and not in comfort.

But, even though the rooms are really comfortable and have a magnificent view, most people prefer to relax outside. Among the many conveniences that the Ventus offers, there is a bar, a restaurant, and several lounges and relaxation areas where passengers can get to know each other, yet enjoying comfort and space. Australis also provides several on board entertainment options, such as a library filled with material on the flora and fauna of the region, as well as different board games. The crew is also in charge of organizing lectures for those interested in learning more about the characteristics of the area.

The service also includes international level gastronomy with thematic buffet lunches. You can take a tour through the flavors of Italy one day, and visit Japan on the next, just to give an example. For dinner, there is a la carte menu that will provide delicious options each day.

To guarantee that passengers enjoy this trip to the fullest, the Ventus, as well as the other Australis cruises, has a permanent crew of sixty-six members, including a special team of Patagonia experts that will lead passengers through the different expeditions providing details of the flora, fauna, and geological conditions of the area.

A lot more can be said about the conveniences of this cruise, but there is no doubt that the star here is the journey itself. This experience will allow you to grasp this mysterious sanctuary in the most profound way. Let yourself be surprised by the wilderness and get on board for an adventure that will stay with you for life.

If you wish to know more about Australis Cruises, please do not hesitate to contact your Account Executive at  Kallpa tour operator.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Feasible from September to April
  • Restrictions: None
  • Diverse itineraries may be chosen

INCLUDES

  • Full board
  • Excursions in Zodiac boats
  • Bilingual specialized guides

Country Hotel & Penguins at El Pedral

Posada Los Juncos is a classic alpine house fully restored. Located in one of the most peaceful corners of Bariloche, surrounded by an ancient forest, facing Lake Nahuel Huapi. We offer a unique concept in accommodation in the town of San Carlos de Bariloche combining comfort with contents such as film festivals, cultural and gastronomic events, to make your stay in this part of the world, an unforgettable experience.

Ideal for couples, families, friends and travelers looking for different experiences and connection with nature and culture. We have five rooms with place for twelve people. This allows us to offer a personalized service and excellence. Feel welcome to come and enjoy what makes you feel better! Rediscover your favourite place in Patagonia!