EXPERIENCES

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.

Magic in the land of Malbec; let's experience floral aromas, violets, red fruit, and fresh spices. Guided by expert guides, we will visit the wineries where the best Argentine wines are born: • Benegas Winery is located in Luján de Cuyo, in a building from 1901 that was constructed by the governor of Mendoza, Agustín Álvarez. Federico Benegas Lynch bought this winery in 1999 and it took him five years to restore it, preserving its original design with adobe walls and cement vats, while incorporating new temperature control technology. • On the southern bank of the Mendoza River, you'll find Matervini Winery, which was founded in 2008. Starting with the same grape variety, the grapes from different terroirs produce wines with absolutely different characteristics. It's a journey from traditional soils to unexplored ones, from younger to older, and non-alluvial soils. Matervini is the search for the unknown, the new in the old. • The pairing of Malbec and Argentine gastronomy comes to life at Finca Decero Winery. This is the result of the extraordinary vision of its owner, Swiss entrepreneur Mr. Thomas Schmidheiny, who discovered the unparalleled potential of the Agrelo region in Mendoza to create a unique and sophisticated winery surrounded by its own vineyards, which he named Remolinos. (On Tuesdays, this winery is closed to tourism and is replaced by another one.)

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.