EXPERIENCES

DAY TOUR to Colonia de Sacramento (Uruguay) from Buenos Aires. The District of Colonia is in the south west of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. It is situated 178 km from Montevideo and only 40 km from the city of Buenos Aires. Washed by the Río de la Plata, the area offers over 200 km beaches and several islands along its coastline. Colonia del Sacramento and Carmelo are in this district, both of utter importance in the historic development of the country. Colonia del Sacramento is situated in the peninsula founded by the Portuguese in 1680, who settled on the coast as they considered them strategic for expansion over the Río de la Plata. Due to this, the area which has been disputed by the greatest European countries is known as “The Apple of Discord”. Its population is formed by immigrants of Swiss, German, Spanish, Portuguese and aborigine origin. The historic area of the city preserves its paving stone streets of the colonial times, and has been declared “Cultural Inheritance of Humanity” by UNESCO. Carmelo is situated on the margins of Las Vacas stream, which keeps important traffic of nautical tourism. Other main sights are the Rambla de los Constituyentes, Playa Seré, Zagarzazú Beach, the Hotel Casino and the Fauna Reserve. Important: Upon arrival in Colonia Port, visitors must go to Buquebus counter to obtain vouchers and the schedules of the contracted services.

This is a very leisurely hike, on almost flat terrain, ideal for those who enjoy a quiet walk. We begin by picking up passengers from their hotels and traveling 18 km to the trailhead. Our dirt route follows the course of the Río de las Vueltas River toward Lago del Desierto, until we reach the Río Eléctrico Bridge. At this point, the hike begins, following the right bank of the Río Eléctrico valley for much of the route and eventually detouring toward the reddish walls of Cerro Eléctrico. It's a two-hour hike to reach Piedra del Fraile, where Father Agostini established a base for his explorations in the area. There is currently a private campsite (Piedra del Fraile), where there is a shelter where we can eat or have a snack. A few meters away, there is a small viewpoint overlooking the north face of Fitz Roy. The return journey follows the same path until we reach the Río Eléctrico Bridge, where we take ground transportation back to El Chaltén.

Just at the entrance of Esquel, in a predominantly rural environment, Los Álamos farm is located, a traditional horseback excursions organizer through Valle Chico area and the foothills of the Nahuel Pan hill. Designed for the whole family, these horseback ridings vary duration, from simple and low-demand rides of around an hour to full day that require riders more time and willingness. On special occasions there are also night excursions under the light of the full moon. The herd is made up of horses that are characterized by their docility and that are used to traveling this type of geography, so it is not necessary to have previous experience, you just need to wear comfortable shoes and a good coat.