Trekking of the Glacier –
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty Grade: Medium
Geolocation: Inside the peninsula
Maximum size of the group: 16 people
Method: Guided Activity (English & Spanish)
Departing from the Eco camp, this trekking proposes to cover the south section of the Peninsula de las Colonias. The footpath has more than 12 kilometers long, allowing to the Perito Moreno Glacier to hide between lakes and nothofagu’s forests, thanks to the slopes of the area, result of the glacier area. The presence of indigenous fauna, like the Magellanic woodpecker, Austral parakeet parrot, and Magellanic inland goose complete the landscape. After a few kilometers of walking, you will be able to arrive to the “ravine of the trunks”, where will be able to see hundreds of specimens washed by the rises of the lake, being able to see some of 2 meters in diameter. Further on the trail, we’ll get to the “beach of icebergs”, from where you can appreciate the majestic glacier in its closest point (12 km). During the way back to the camp we’ll walk close to the “angostura” of the Roca Lake, enjoying great views of Estancia Cerro Moreno and Estancia Nibepo Aike – just in the other shore of the lake.
Trekking of the Lakes –
Duration: 7-8 hours
Geolocation: Inside the peninsula
Difficulty Grade: Medium
Maximum size of the group: 16 people
Method: Guided Activity (English & Spanish)
Departing from the Eco camp, this trekking proposes to cover the north section of the Peninsula de las Colonias. The trail runs just over 22 kilometers, shifting from the shores of Roca Lake, the Brazo Rico and the lower sections of the peninsula. During the tour, it is common to cross some guanacos, black-faced ibis, lesser rhea and if we are lucky, a group of condors. Getting close to the “puesto” of the estancia Two Lakes, the path covers the lowest section of the peninsula, where ponds are formed according to the rainfall. These ponds are ideal places for the birdwatching, being possible to spot black neck swans, great bustard, and ruddy ducks. The end of the trekking offers great views of Cerro Buenos Aires, the Moreno Glacier, and the Cerro Glass.
Estancia Cerro Moreno: The Pioneer’s World –
Duration: 2 hours
Geolocation: Inside the peninsula
Difficulty Grade: None
Maximum size of the group: 16 people
Method: Guided Activity (English & Spanish)
Just five kilometers away from the Eco Camp, we’ll find the Estancia Cerro Moreno, an “endangered place” to this globalized and immediate world. There, lives Don Jorge, a strange kind of man: a mixture of the gaucho, mechanical, businessman and wild spirit of Patagonia. During his youth, he lived thousands of adventures in Patagonia, to finally establish in this piece of heaven. Jorge has chosen to spend his life here, free as the wind. His days go by raising Hereford cattle, others labors of the Estancia and the company of his two sons: Martin and Gustavo. We have the chance to visit the estancia and the stables of work, sharing a little bit of the daily life of these pioneers. It doesn’t matter if we can share a “mate” or just sightseeing the estancia, this experience is something that is going to last in his memories.
Day 8 – San Carlos De Bariloche: After breakfast, you will be transferred to El Calafate airport (Spanish-speaking driver only) for your scheduled flight to Bariloche. Upon arrival, you will be privately transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Day 9 – San Carlos De Bariloche: After breakfast, enjoy a half-day Bariloche welcome hike. A short walk through majestic coigue (bamboo) woodlands, surrounded by native vegetation and the occasional exotic plant makes this tour a colorful one. A medium-intensity (30 minutes) walk, a 40-minute ascent through mountain cypress woodlands leads you to the impressive viewpoint overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi. Return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Day 10 – San Carlos De Bariloche: After breakfast, enjoy a full day in the Bariloche Andes with wine and picnic lunch. An array of activities and breathtaking panoramic views create a perfect day in the Andes. Depart in the morning for Bahía López. An easy 30-minute walk takes you deep into the woodland and to the natural balconies at Brazo Tristeza on Lake Nahuel Huapi. The journey itself provides magnificent views across nearby mountains and the ravishing lake. A short ascent leads to another balcony perfect for soaking up stunning Cerro Tronador mountain and its seven glaciers. Push the adrenaline boundaries and make a 40-meter rappel descent. At the base, enjoy a mountain lunch with Patagonian delicacies and wine. After lunch, walk back to the starting point and choose to either clamber into double adventure kayaks and paddle across one of the lakes in the area or return to your hotel. Difficulty level for this activity is medium (40-minute walk with mild altitude gain, 20-minute ascent) and it requires a basic fitness level.
EXPERT TIPS – What you would need to bring:
Wear sports footwear (running shoes-type), sandals, bathing suit for kayaking, synthetic warm clothing, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen.
Day 11 – Mendoza Wine Region: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bariloche airport for your scheduled flight to Mendoza. Upon arrival at Mendoza airport, you are welcomed to wine country by your local guide and transferred to the hotel.
Day 12 – Mendoza Wine Region: After breakfast, enjoy a full-day visit to some of the top wineries in the Areglo district. The wineries you will visit are as follows:
Bodega Catena Zapata – Catena Alta Tasting –
The family winery led by revolutionary Argentine vintner Nicolas Catena, Bodega Catena Zapata is widely recognized as the pioneering winery which has shown the international wine community the true quality potential of the Mendoza terroir. International wine guru Robert Parker named Bodega Catena Zapata as the only South American winery in his book, The World’s Greatest Wine Estates.
Finca Decero Winery –
Once a patch of dirt in the foothills of the Andes, Finca Decero is a one-of-a-kind vineyard, where each vine is nurtured by hand and the winemaking is without compromise. Free from restraint and tradition, the creators of the winery developed an a mano or ‘by hand’ approach that is human, sustainable and sensitive to natural differences. A gourmet lunch is included at the winery and is paired with wines.
Benegas Winery –
This traditional winery belonged to Gladys Alurralde Norton’s family, mother of current owner Federico J. Benegas Lynch. Federico was born at the property’s main house, where he still lives to. Throughout childhood he worked every step of the way, helping his father in the winemaking process. Benegas is focused on quality and celebrating its Finca Libertad terroir. They believe in the judicious use of oak, maintaining it as a background component in the wine, while tannins are balanced and the finish long. Total production is only 30,000 cases. Consultant winemaker Michel Rolland says: “Benegas wines have a strong personality, the result of a unique terroir for its quality and the combination of French and Argentine traditions. The wines are a reflection of Federico Benegas Lynch’s passion and his constant search for excellence.”
Included in your tour: Lunch, top-shelf wine tastings, chilled water, snacks. Wine and restaurant tips included.
Day 13 – Mendoza Wine Region: After breakfast, enjoy a hike in the Pre-Andes. Hikes are usually from 4-to-5 hours, stopping to admire the scenery and re-fuelling. Expert guides, with several successful climbs of the Aconcagua, will accompany you on this journey. All places chosen will be off the beaten path and undiscovered by tourists. Some of the possible hikes: Chorro de la Vieja, Veguitas, Quebrada del Durazno, etc. The guide will carry an on-the-go lunch, chilled waters, and cereal bars.
Day 14 – Puerto Iguazu: Today, you will fly to Iguazu Falls and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 15 – Puerto Iguazu: You will be staying just a 15-minute walk from the falls. Spend the day exploring the area and relaxing at the resort.
Day 16 – End Of Itinerary: After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to Ministro Pistarini International Airport for your departing international flights home.
Interested in this trip? Give us a call or drop us an email.
