EXPERIENCES

This full day excursion in the steppe zone aims at all people who enjoy outdoor activities and adventure, ready to discover new places. The tour includes approximately 3 hours walking on discontinuous ground where wind and water were responsible for uncovering this place, which remained hidden for millions of years. Departure from El Calafate by Route 40, where we can see Argentino Lake, Santa Cruz and La Leona Rivers, a panoramic view of the majestic Andes mountains and Fitz Roy Mount. We will stop for about 15 minutes in La Leona hotel (historical site) and continue traveling along the southern shore of Viedma Lake to reach Cerro Los Hornos slopes (Estancia Santa Teresita). We will look for the first time the great depression of the land where the petrified logs are situated and will start our trekking exploration of fossils, which lasts about 3 hours, including the time for lunch. Throughout the walk we will see lots of petrified logs lying on the surface, some with a 1.2 meters diameter, testimony that during ancient times the climate was very different from today and allowed the existence of a full forest. There have also been uncovered fossils of different types of dinosaurs. This land is sheltered from the wind because it is a natural depression in the ground. This steppe area, therefore, is very dry and weather conditions are generally very nice. After the walk, we begin the journey back to El Calafate on the same path with another stop at La Leona hotel.

Departure from Puerto Madryn; after traveling 70 km through Patagonian steppe, we reach the southern end of the mouth of the Golfo Nuevo where Punta Ninfas lighthouse is located, a valuable reference for navigators entering this area. On the beaches that surround Punta Ninfas we can see breeding groups of elephants and seals. We then continue to El Pedral, an authentic Patagonian estancia built at the beginning of the 20th century. The materials and furniture were brought from Europe by boat and landed on the coasts of the estancia itself. Then we went to the Magellan penguin colony located on El Pedral seashore, a short distance from the house. A guided tour between their nests allows us to better know these curious animals. In summer we recommend a cap and sunglasses, as well as to carry a bottle of water. At noon, we have lunch in the estancia: grilled lamb with a variety of salads, dessert and coffee (includes drinks and wine). In the afternoon you can enjoy the pool and the pétanque court, as well as take walks around the property or have a tea/coffee before returning back our hotel.

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.