EXPERIENCES

Cape Froward - the southernmost point of the continental world - glaciers, humpback whales, Sei whales, southern dolphins, toninas overas, Magellanic penguins... are part of the natural wonders of this southern area of the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego. In one of the most remote and pristine places on the planet, this full-day trip will make us feel nature in its most natural state. Leaving very early from the offices, we will travel 50 km south of Punta Arenas by bus, and then embark and sail for around 10 hours. We will enjoy a unique landscape surrounded by mountains, glaciers and lenga and coihue forests. The marine life present in the area will never cease to surprise us with its proximity and abundance: sea lions, petrels, cormorants, southern dolphins, etc. They will make us feel that nature is felt and lived here!

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.

An entire experience that combines a 4x4 expedition, a photographic safari and the possibility of a moment of relaxation in an authentic Patagonian estancia “post”. Leaving from El Calafate, a short route takes us to the entrance to Estancia Huyliche; after passing through its main house, we enter "Estancia 25 de Mayo" natural reserve. The first stop is an old stone post where the first family of the ranch used to live and we will have a brief explanation about these first settlers and the beginnings of El Calafate. We continue the tour in the vehicle until reaching the "section", an authentic ranch located in the immensity of Patagonia, where we will make the second stop, to begin to spot native fauna. We make this third stop front of the exuberant fauna after leaving the vehicle and walking towards the herds of guanacos, with a fantastic interaction with nature. Later, we travel about 4 km in the vehicle until we reach a fossilized oyster deposit -which is 23 million years old-, and we will learn about the paleontology and geology of the place, discovering that the desert where we are was once covered by the sea. Immediately we continue the trail south to the Mirador del Centinela -hill of 1,500 meters above sea level- from where we get a stunning panoramic view of endless basalt walls. Here the fifth stop is made, where the moment of relaxation arrives to feel the wind and the Patagonian immensity. Finally, we return to the "section" where lunch or dinner is served in an authentic ranch post, before returning to El Calafate. The house has a spacious living room with a beautiful view of the 25 de Mayo hill.