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.

We offer a tailor-made service throughout your stay in San Antonio de Areco: you will be welcomed by local guides to discover the richness of the town and will be invited to visit one of the oldest Estancias of Argentina, combining luxurious comfort and colonial elegance: La Bamba de Areco. This estancia is full of history and traditions, ideal for relaxing. You’ll have the chance to taste exquisite traditional cuisine and refined service, and you will be charmed by the Gaucho traditions and equestrian sports, such as Polo. Itinerary: 08:30 am: Pick-up at hotel in Buenos Aires. 10.00 am: Reception at San Antonio de Areco by local guide, who will show the picturesque streets of the historical center, pulperias (old gaucho bars), the renowned Draghi’s Silversmith Museum, traditional workshops and the Gauchesco Ricardo Güiraldes Museum (optional: shopping tour around the traditional workshops). 12.00 noon: Departure to Estancia La Bamba, where you will be greeted with delicious traditional asado. Various activities will be offered: horseback riding or carriage, stroll by the river, bikes. During the summer, the Estancia opens its swimming pool. 04.30 pm: Departure to Buenos Aires. Includes: Old town visit. Complete traditional lunch at La Bamba. All the activities in town and Estancia. Swimming pool in summer.

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.