EXPERIENCES

Departure from a downtown office in Ushuaia (very close to the port), towards the glacial valleys near the city. A few kilometers from Ushuaia, the Tierra Mayor Valley and the primitive forest begin to open up to welcome us for a walk to reach one of the gems in Tierra del Fuego. We begin a walk through the primitive forest, which for at least 7000 years made life possible for the first inhabitants in these latitudes. Leaving the forest, surrounded by mountains, we find ourselves in a dreamlike landscape: an imposing valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The glacial water of the Esmeralda River encounters the engineering feats of the beavers, which found some sort of a paradise here: Surrounded by plenty of food, and despite of the absence of predators, they still apply themselves to their favorite entertainment: the construction of dams. Then we start the ascent towards the Esmeralda lagoon (due to the peat -spongy mass of wet organic material- we suggest the use of rubber boots or perhaps bring spare shoes). The walk to Emerald Lagoon does not present much of a challenge to exercise-loving travelers: with the appropriate clothing, this walk is quite easy and very panoramic. After crossing the valley, we leave behind the lenga forest and begin a sustained ascent along a slightly steep slope. Emerald Lagoon is located at the foot of the Ojo de Albino glacier, between Cerro Bonete and Cordón Toribio in an area of wonderful chromatic amplitude. This is one of the most impressive landscapes in this region! The way back becomes shorter, in a little steep descent, with new panoramic views. We reach the refuge to enjoy dinner (with drinks included, before returning Ushuaia. Attractives: Tierra Mayor Valley, Emerald Lagoon.

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.

Early in the morning we depart to Valdés Peninsula. At the entrance the fee to the World Heritage Area is paid; then arrival at the Ameghino Isthmus where we stop at the Interpretation Center. We continue to Puerto Pirámides where (between June and December) we can embark for a close encounter with the ballena franca Whale (optional). After that we visit Punta Pirámides lobería (seals settlement). Then we leave to Caleta Valdés where we will have time to have lunch (optional) and we will see an elephant seals settlement. We will pass by a penguin rookery in formation, where (between September and April) we will have the opportunity to see some specimens of the "Magellan" type from the top of a cliff. During the tour we can observe Patagonia typical fauna (maras, choiques, guanacos, and piches) and different birds. In case we fail to sail in the morning for bad weather, we will go to Pirámides Port for whales sighting. Late in the afternoon we arrive in our accommodation.