EXPERIENCES

Characterized by a nostalgic, old-world beauty, the city that is referred to as the “Paris of the South” boasts marvelous architectural jewels. We shall explore the elegant Recoleta and Retiro quarters with treed sidewalks, turn-of-the-century palaces and handsome apartment buildings. We shall visit the masterpieces that surround the sprawling Plaza San Martín, a Beaux Arts Palace built as residence for the Anchorena family; an imposing mansion inspired by the Louvre Palace, and a ground-breaking Art Deco skyscraper, a landmark that was at the time of construction, 1936, the highest concrete building in the world. The Museum of Decorative Arts decorated in eclectic style including neo-Classical; Circulo Militar, designed in Paris and built in Buenos Aires for the Paz family; the French Embassy and the Brazilian Embassy; San Martin palace —today the Foreign Affairs Ministry— among other beautiful buildings.

Departure to reach the full Patagonian steppe: 130 km northeast of Esquel and in the middle of the Chubut River valley - passing before by Gualjaina town- we arrive at Piedra Parada Nature Reserve, where an imposing volcanic stone stands 210 meters high. From there we begin a trekking entering the Cañadón de la Buitrera, flanked by 150-meter-high walls, which gradually decrease as we advance into the area. This place was the “caldera” of an ancient volcano, whose chimney solidified and gave rise to very peculiar geoforms. The ancient walls with traces of the incandescent material also treasure cave paintings that left the ancient populations of the area. Climbers from all over the world come to the Protected Natural Area.

Puerto Madryn is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. The morphology of Patagonia offers calm and protected waters, where this giant mammals has chosen to get birth to their calves and for mating (as other species also do), turning this World Heritage in a huge nursery. Puerto Piramides becomes the undisputed place to watch the curious and friendly behavior of these animals aboard special boats. This village is located on Valdes Peninsula and it is the only location where whale watching boat trips are available. The boat ride has duration of 1.5 hour; visitors used to take a full day tour to Valdes Peninsula (departing from Puerto Madryn) and add a stop at Puerto Piramides for this optional boat trip. Lunch is optional.