EXPERIENCES

Pozo Colorado is a beautiful place with a small village located in the East border of Salinas Grandes. Its 200 inhabitants (native community) base their production activity mainly in extracting salt and breeding the most famous animal in our province: “the llamas”. The native community is currently working to recover its cultural heritage: spinning and weaving llama wool; carving laja stones; manufacturing salt stones crafts; and, recently, along with Caravana de Llamas, using the llama as pack animal. During the car trip towards the town of Pozo Colorado we can enjoy the spectacular landscape of “Cuesta de Lipán”, observing vicuñas and guanacos (south American wild camelids). When we arrive to Pozo Colorado we prepare the llamas for the expedition and we begin the llama trekking that lasts about and hour and a half. We penetrate the salt surface, we visit the salt extraction spots and then we have lunch. After a well-deserved rest, we return to the community to end the journey. Season: all year round (in January and February it migth rain) Difficulty: medium exigency Highest altitude: 3500 meters a.s.l. Duration: 4 hs. (Trekking time: about 3 hs.) Departure hour: 11.30 am Departure place: Pozo Colorado (the journey by car from Tilcara to Pozo takes around 2 hours). Departure location: Pozo Colorado (near Salinas Grandes) Includes: Guide from the community; full lunch with wine (regional picnic); water during the walk. We recommend bringing hat, jacket, trekking shoes and sun block.

Departure from a downtown office in Ushuaia (very close to the port), towards the glacial valleys near the city. A few kilometers from Ushuaia, the Tierra Mayor Valley and the primitive forest begin to open up to welcome us for a walk to reach one of the gems in Tierra del Fuego. We begin a walk through the primitive forest, which for at least 7000 years made life possible for the first inhabitants in these latitudes. Leaving the forest, surrounded by mountains, we find ourselves in a dreamlike landscape: an imposing valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The glacial water of the Esmeralda River encounters the engineering feats of the beavers, which found some sort of a paradise here: Surrounded by plenty of food, and despite of the absence of predators, they still apply themselves to their favorite entertainment: the construction of dams. Then we start the ascent towards the Esmeralda lagoon (due to the peat -spongy mass of wet organic material- we suggest the use of rubber boots or perhaps bring spare shoes). The walk to Emerald Lagoon does not present much of a challenge to exercise-loving travelers: with the appropriate clothing, this walk is quite easy and very panoramic. After crossing the valley, we leave behind the lenga forest and begin a sustained ascent along a slightly steep slope. Emerald Lagoon is located at the foot of the Ojo de Albino glacier, between Cerro Bonete and Cordón Toribio in an area of wonderful chromatic amplitude. This is one of the most impressive landscapes in this region! The way back becomes shorter, in a little steep descent, with new panoramic views. We reach the refuge to enjoy dinner (with drinks included, before returning Ushuaia. Attractives: Tierra Mayor Valley, Emerald Lagoon.

The Blue Safari is designed for those who, in addition to sailing in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier, dream of touching it and enjoying it up close. In this new excursion we will get to touch the glacier with our hands! The tour begins in El Calafate when the bus leaves for Los Glaciares National Park. Once in Puerto Bajo de las Sombras, just 7 km from the footbridges, we will take a boat to cross Lago Rico and, after sailing 20 minutes, we will disembark on the opposite coast. We will walk for 30 minutes always with a view of the southern wall of the Glacier, in case we are surprised by some thunderous landslide and once next to the ice it will be time for an unforgettable experience... touching the Perito Moreno Glacier itself! There we will fully enjoy its intense and varied blues, whites and its capricious shapes. We will have time to take many photos and then we will return to the embarkation point always accompanied by an experienced guide. The total walk is approximately 1.30 hours through a natural terrain of sand and stones with some slopes and stairs. The route, one and a half kilometers long, will be along the shore of the lake and through a lush forest with a view of the Glacier. Finally, we will take the boat to appreciate from the water, and a few meters away, the entire southern face of the glacier and be able to see every detail of the marbled icy wall. Once in the port, we will take the bus to the footbridges, where we will have 2 hours to enjoy the incredible panoramic view. In addition, we will be able to take advantage of this time and have a box-lunch (not included). Restrictions: Not suitable for pregnant women, children under 6, or adults over 70. Good physical condition is required, the level of difficulty is moderate as the terrain includes rocks, gentle slopes, and stairs.