EXPERIENCES

The Argentino Lake is the third biggest lake in South America. Surrounded by mountains and fed by giant glaciers, this lake astonishes with its immensity and special color. It was exactly that light blue color, the mountains covered in white and the light blue sky what motivated Francisco P. Moreno to name it “Argentino”. “Nativo Experience – Lakes and caves” is a 4x4 activity through the Argentino Lake’s shore, with an anthropological approach that tours man’s presence along the years in this region. The aim is to rediscover the first expeditions of the brave ones who dare to go into the unknown and how their first interaction with the natives was. Thus, among cliffs and views to the Andes Mountain Range, one personally feels the Tehuelche world along 20km. Stopping for taking pictures will help to go even deeper in typical flora and fauna details, as well as trying to understand the legacy left by those natives through their cave paintings. Imagination will be set free among chenques and awnings, immersed in thousands of years of history. On the lake’s shore, there are millennial caves where Tehuelche culture left its mark printed on the rocks to be read. After visiting them, participants finish the tour having lunch or dinner inside another big cave.

The excursion runs aboard the Yellow Submarine. Unlike other boats this allows you to observe whales submerged in their own world: underwater and with a completely different perspective. The experience is the same as if you were diving with them! While they remain close to the ship it is possible to observe them through the 40 windows of the underwater cabin. On board, passengers can move freely and also opt for the deck of the ship to observe from the surface as in a traditional whale watching. Departures are subject to visibility in the water.

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.