EXPERIENCES

The first strategic point when travelling by the Los Alerces National Park is Villa Futalaufquen, located 50 km away from Esquel and bounded on the west by the majestic Andes Mountain Range. It occupies a total area of 263,000 hectares that place it fourth in size among the national parks of Argentina. Its proximity to the mountain range allows the development of a dense Andean Patagonian forest and in the area of higher rainfall a Valdivian forest grows where the Alerce or Lahuan stands out. This millennial tree is slow growing and its specimens can live between 3000 and 4000 years of age and measure more than 70 meters high. We also visit the Museum of Interpretation, Rock Paintings - 2.5 km from Villa Futalaufquen -, Hotel Futalaufquen and Puerto Limonao. We continue to the north to see the Irigoyen waterfall and then we skirt the Futalaufquen lake; we can see the Arrayanes River that starts in the Verde Lake, cross a bridge and walk approximately 1 hour between the Patagonian forest and the Valdivian jungle. Here we will have time to have lunch (not included) before going back to Esquel, passing through Trevelin.

Located 25 km away from Esquel, Trevelin is a peaceful Andean town with a marked presence of Welsh culture. The story begins with the arrival of the first settlers in 1985 and settled in the valley to develop productive activities mainly the wheat with the installation of the mills, thus taking the name that today characterizes Trevelin "Village of the Mill". History is kept alive in museums and stories. The beautiful valley also gave rise to different undertakings such as vineyards, Trout farms or Tulip plantations. We will visit the Nant & Fall Waterfall, the Nant Fach Flour Mill Museum and Nant & Fall vineyards. The tour ends in Trevellin, enjoying a typical Wales tea (optional).

This excursion allows us to get to know the northern part of Lake Argentino fed by different Glaciers and with incomparable landscapes. We will take Provincial Route 11 and after traveling 45 km we will arrive at Puerto Bandera, where we will embark on a modern Catamaran. The navigation begins by entering the North Arm of the Lake, crossing the Devil's Mouth, a narrow natural access. Continuing the navigation through the Spegazzini Arm we will begin to observe the Heim Sur, Peineta, Seco glaciers and finally arrive at the Spegazzini Glacier. We will disembark at the base and begin the visit to the area, walking through the forest path to the Refuge. This 300-meter trail is easily accessible; as we go through it, we stop at stations and viewpoints with views of the entire Glacier Bay. In the Refuge, we can have lunch (Optional) while enjoying the landscape. For those who like to walk they can take the "mountain path" (1,200 meters), a route of medium difficulty through a wooded path and with natural viewpoints full of incredible views. Then we embark again to return to the port from which we initially set sail, and from there we take the transfer back to El Calafate. The Catamaran has a VIP sector (Captain's Club) – at an additional cost. It has a preferential location next to the Captain's cabin and includes a 3-course menu and free drinks (hot and cold), which is served in a special room in the Base Restaurant.