EXPERIENCES

Quebrada de las Conchas (Shell Ravine) is a magical place where the wind and the water have carved, after many centuries, very curious forms. We will see its very diverse geological formation and incredible landscapes. Departure by car from Cafayate towards the Quebrada de las Conchas; during the journey we will stop to contemplate the most relevant forms of the rock, such as the Garganta del Diablo, El Anfiteatro, El Obelisco, El Sapo, Los Castillos and others. Then the trek is about an hour –moderate difficulty. On the way back to Cafayate we will make a last stop to take a short walk to the Calchaquí River.

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.

Early departure towards the town of Jesús María along National Route Nº 9 which nowadays coincides with the ancient route of the ‘Camino Real al Alto Perú’, visiting: Jesus Maria’s National Jesuit Museum, ranch purchased by the Jesuits in 1618. Anfiteatro de Doma y Folklore: the place where every January the ‘Festival Nacional de Doma y Folklore’ is held. Colonia Caroya: Town of Italian immigrants, famous for the production of sausages, canned food and confectionary. Caroya House: The place where the first factory of weapons (knives) in the country was established in 1815 and hosted guests as Gral. Belgrano and Gral. San Martín. Currently, it hosts a museum of handicrafts and colonization objects. Then, the Church and Jesuit Ranch Santa Catalina are visited. 15 kms to the South there is the town of Ascochinga, slightly undulating area with excessive vegetation. Visit to Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Chapel, heading the south we get to the ‘Granja’ where many German style villas can be found. 7 kms to the south we get to Agua de Oro, where a road takes us to the famous Candonga Chapel. It belonged to the Jesuits and dates back to 1730. The ‘Virgen Del Rosario’ is worshiped in its altar and it was decorated by the indigenous, it is a National Historic Monument. Finally, the tourist towns of Manzano, Salsipuedes and Río Ceballos will be visited from where you will return to Córdoba city.