ESTANCIAS IN ARGENTINA: Nature & Tradition – 9 Days

Welcome to Argentina!

Capital of Argentina and described as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires proudly embraces this title, as well as shows off plenty of its own culture! Explore the traditional European architecture, the cobbled streets lined with rustic outdoor cafes, the local antique and artisanal markets that offer plenty of bargain shopping, and the mouthwatering aroma of prized Argentine beef sizzling on an open “parrilla” (barbeque) in the air. Buenos Aires is home to some excellent local designers and you will certainly find the perfect leather jacket, long leather boots and handbags for all occasions. Though above all, Buenos Aires is known as the home of the tango. Be sure to enjoy a traditional dinner-tango show and explore the colorful San Telmo and Recoleta neighborhoods.

Upon arrival in Buenos Aires you will be met at the airport and have a transfer in private to San Antonio de Areco.

El Ombú de Areco is a historical estancia (ranch) just over an hour’s drive from downtown Buenos Aires in San Antonio de Areco, birthplace of the gaucho tradition.The Late-Colonial style mansion, built in 1880, offers visitors a magnificent setting for an unforgettable stay.

Today you have a variety of options for activities; you can go horseback riding, hiking, or sightseeing in an old-fashioned carriage. This is an ideal place for prime bird watching and observing typical ranch-style activities such as herding animals, branding cattle and milking cows.

In the evening, there will be a typical Argentine asado, or barbecue, as well as a musical performance and some folkloric dance.

Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, its time to say goodbye to this lovely estancia!

At appropiate time you will have a private transfer from the estancia to the domestic airport.

Upon arrival, you will have a private transfer from El Calafate airpot to Nibepo Aike Estancia.

This estancia is located inside of Los Glaciares National Park. With a maximum capacity of 22 persons in its ten rooms, exclusiveness and warmth are guaranteed. Horseback riding and hiking are the principal activities. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy the homemade cuisine: vegetables from the garden, and the famous lamb grilled on a traditional Patagonian cross stake.

Once you arrive there, you will have all the activities or just relax.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The ride starts early in the morning, with the climb up the Cordon de los Cristales (Cristal mountain range), which lies behind the main house. The higher we go, the more clearly the Argentino lake`s arms stand out. Once we reach a clearing, the track plunges into the Patagonian Andean woods. We pass between lenga and guindos trees (Magellan beeches), riding along old tracks where the great sheep drives used to pass. On coming out of the dense woodland the way opens out into the Valley of the Río Cachorro. Notros (Chilean firebush) and calafate bushes here are unusually tall. We start descending towards the lower land until we come to the riverbed. Surprise views of the Frías glacier start to appear in the distance. Riding between rocks and pasturelands and avoiding the marshlands, we reach the corrals of the Río Cachorro (Cachorro River) outpost where the rangers might be working with the livestock.

After a picnic lunch we continue horseback riding to the 3 de Abril lagoon, a habitat of flamingos and black-necked swans, Cauquén (upland goose) and steamer ducks. Passing the lake, we arrive to the outpost, and after unsaddling, there will be time to enjoy the surroundings and the cosiness of the refuge. A wood-fired stove and a brick clay oven, with the gentle light of the lantern, passing the mate round, the evening meal will be prepared while tales of adventures are shared.

The outpost has a room with 4 bunk beds and a room that serves as a dining room and kitchen, where there are another two benches that convert into beds.

Evening meal and overnight at the outpost.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today you will be able to choose from the Activities offered by Hostería Helsingfors

Suggested Activity: Trekking or Horseriding to Laguna Azul
The day will be started on a path that leads out from the lodge and goes into the valley of the Rio Alfredo (the same river that feeds the lodge’s energy). You will begin to slowly hike up the Cerro Huemul, accompanied by the melody of the bubbling river. After around forty minutes of hiking, you’ll reach a panoramic viewpoint where you can see the magnitude of Cerro Fitz Roy coming out from the huge Lago Viedma.

The walk continues plunging into the valley which becomes increasingly narrower, surrounded by Cordon Huemul and peaks that reach 2700 meters; the glacier of the Blue Lagoon you will already be able to see on the horizon of the valley. The trail then enters a forest where it is common to see guanacos and vultures curious to observe visitors approaching.

Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Overall distance: 16 km
Maximum height reached: 850 m
Overall time on foot: 5 h 30 min

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

At appropiate time, you will have a private transfer from Hostería El Pilar to El Calafate airport.

Upon arrival to Buenos Aires domestic airport, a private transfer will take you to the international airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast.