EXPERIENCES

This full day excursion in the steppe zone aims at all people who enjoy outdoor activities and adventure, ready to discover new places. The tour includes approximately 3 hours walking on discontinuous ground where wind and water were responsible for uncovering this place, which remained hidden for millions of years. Departure from El Calafate by Route 40, where we can see Argentino Lake, Santa Cruz and La Leona Rivers, a panoramic view of the majestic Andes mountains and Fitz Roy Mount. We will stop for about 15 minutes in La Leona hotel (historical site) and continue traveling along the southern shore of Viedma Lake to reach Cerro Los Hornos slopes (Estancia Santa Teresita). We will look for the first time the great depression of the land where the petrified logs are situated and will start our trekking exploration of fossils, which lasts about 3 hours, including the time for lunch. Throughout the walk we will see lots of petrified logs lying on the surface, some with a 1.2 meters diameter, testimony that during ancient times the climate was very different from today and allowed the existence of a full forest. There have also been uncovered fossils of different types of dinosaurs. This land is sheltered from the wind because it is a natural depression in the ground. This steppe area, therefore, is very dry and weather conditions are generally very nice. After the walk, we begin the journey back to El Calafate on the same path with another stop at La Leona hotel.

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.

We leave from the hotel towards Tierra Mayor Valley. Our Musher instructor will welcome us and give us an introductory chat about the dogsledding world, while we visit the kennels. Then we´ll receive the instructions about sled assembly and driving techniques. We´ll put the harnesses on the dogs, we hitch them to the sled and off we go! This intense adventure is great fun! As we go, our sled caravan heads into the snowy valley until we arrive at Refugio del Hachero, where we´ll recover energy with some hot beverages. After a short rest, mushers and dogs continue the journey through forests, frozen rivers and experiencing the magic white silence. Maximum 8 pax and 4 sleds. Passengers must be in good health, must like dogs and have a team spirit. Dogsledding is comparable to cross country skiing, so reasonable fitness is required.