Horseback Riding and Gauchos in Argentina

Arrival In Buenos Aires And Estancia Puesto Viejo

Arrival at Ezeiza International Airport and transfer to Estancia Puesto Viejo. Welcome drink and free afternoon where you can enjoy the facilities of the Estancia (swimming pool, horse riding, bikes, etc.). You will enjoy full board.

Guests will attend a polo lesson to improve their polo skills or learn your first moves.

If you are looking for more experienced classes, or you are interested in specific polo clinics just let us know so we can arrange some extra activities!

Transfer from Estancia Puesto Viejo to Jorge Newberry domestic airport and flight to Mendoza. Once there, transfer to the Villa Mansa Wine Hotel and Spa. You will have a welcome dinner accompanied by Mendoza wines.

Luján de Cuyo, the terroir of Malbec, invites you to live an experience around Argentine vineyards. We invite you to discover this legendary grape and other great wines obtained from the region, by visiting and tasting in internationally renowned cellars. We will visit some of the most important and remarkable vineyards in this region. In small groups you will be able to appreciate every detail of the visits, interact with the wine … and as a perfect result of this dynamic visit, a full gourmet lunch.

* Excursion shared with Spanish-speaking / English-speaking guide.

* Visit and tasting in each cellar: Renacer, Caelum and Rucamalén.

* 7-step lunch in the award-winning restaurant in the Rucamalén winery.

The mountains and the magnificent landscapes of the Uco valley will prepare our senses to experience the flavors and aromas characteristic of these great wines.

We will visit some of the most important and remarkable vineyards in this region.

* Excursion shared with Spanish-speaking / English-speaking guide.

* Visit and tasting in each cellar: Andeluna, Domaine Bousquet and Salentein.

* Lunch of 6 stages, in the Andeluna cellar.

Transfer from your hotel in Mendoza to the airport for a flight to El Calafate. There are no direct flights between both destinations so you will have a layover either in Buenos Aires or Cordoba. Arrival at the airport in the afternoon and you will take a transfer to Estancia Nibepo Aike. Once installed, the guide will explain the program to you. Horses and other equipment will be ready to leave early the next morning.

Rest of the afternoon free to enjoy the stay, explore the surroundings, by bike or on foot, through the self-guided trails and participate in the sheep shearing demonstration in the hangar. Dinner and overnight at the inn.

In the morning, departure from the horse enclosures to begin the ascent of the Cordon de los Cristales, located behind the hostel. As the height increases, the lakes Brazo Rico and Sur, Lago Roca and Cerro Frías are increasingly delimited, as if it were a model. Once discovered, the path enters the Andean Patagonian forest. Between lengas and cherries, you take old paths where the big sheep harnesses arrived. The cows cover a small vega. There, La Rosada is the home of the dealer, responsible for the cattle in the region. A key business to continue the legacy of traditional rural production. Known as any of these payments, you can count the number of cows only by taking a quick look through the window and save very little time before the one who escaped beyond what is allowed. Here is the first lunch on the ground: steaks on the drive, between the Andes.

The historic moment is that of the afternoon: milestone 32, the end of the stay and also of Argentina. On the other side, Chile is already there. The feeling is unique to be in the suburbs of the fatherland and in the heart of the Andes. In the south of the south, the wind blows and the flag flies. Enough time to travel. The serenity of the landscape never ends. Night falls on the stand, waiting for everything to come: the journey to the hidden glaciers. Dinner and overnight at La Rosada stand.

Leaving the dense forest, the valley of the Cachorro river opens. Notaries and caulking appear, reaching an unusual rise here. The descent to the lower fields begins until reaching the river bed. Surprisingly, there are views of the Frías glacier in the background and the granite needle of the Finger of Caesar. Between the rocks and the meadows and avoiding the mallines, you reach the corrals of the post of the Cachorro river where the Baqueanos may be working with the hacienda. There in the Puppy Post will be lunch. From post to post, we recreate the journey of authentic rural workers.

After a picnic, continue on horseback towards Laguna 3 de Abril, home to flamingos and black-necked swans, cauquenes and steam ducks, as well as numerous salmonids. Arriving at the post that passes the lagoon, and after having unscrewed, take the time to enjoy the setting and the warmth of the post. A wood stove and a terracotta and brick oven, with the dim light of the lantern, between matis and matte dinners, will be prepared, as the adventure stories progress.

Dinner and overnight at Laguna Post on April 3.

On the 4th day, we suggest going a little beyond the balcony of the hidden glaciers and being there properly. With the hand of South Glacier, we approach between navigation and trekking the last glaciers of the national park, where very few people arrive every day.

After breakfast, we will go to meet the South Glacier. Excursion that leaves from the living area quay and crosses the southern arm of Lake Argentino to the south to get a closer look at the glaciers already seen, Hidden Glaciers.

Once on board near the post, you head towards the head of the south arm then take a short walk to Lake Frías. In a zodiac, the 3 km of the lake is covered until arriving at the other shore where a walk begins along the river until reaching the amphitheater of the Gorra, Frías and Grande glaciers with its lagoon and its icebergs detached from the glaciers . This sector of the park is practically unexplored, only a few gauchos from Nibepo Aike and a few cows that would graze there knew their secrets in depth. Picnic in front of the glaciers. I come back to the post office in the afternoon.

Dinner and overnight at Laguna Post on April 3.

Additional information: This activity will be provided by Glaciar Sur (Argos Patagonia S.A.). There is no additional cost. The service will be provided regularly by a bilingual guide from South Glacier, that is to say with other passengers who will make the full excursion from El Calafate and who will be confirmed on site. It can be canceled for climatic reasons linked to seaworthiness or to terrain situations. The hike includes approximately 6 hours of walking for a 14 km crossing, with a slight slope and medium technical requirements. More info: www.glaciarsur.com

In case this navigation is not possible, the adventure will continue on foot and on horseback!

Departure after breakfast, on horseback to the Balcon des Glaciers. The trail runs parallel to the south arm of Lake Argentino. Shortly before reaching the head of the lake, the horses will be left to graze to be able to climb on foot to an even higher point of view. From there you will have a panoramic view of the south arm, the heart and Lake Frias, as well as background images of the hidden glaciers Gorra, Frías, Grande and Dickson.

On foot, you reach the beach from the head of the south arm. From there, you cross a large meadow, a virgin region.

An erratic stone over 20 meters will be the next target. This has the impact of being in front of this immense rock, marked by the force of the glaciers between advances and retreats. The path begins to follow the Frías river, where the remains of the region’s livestock are found, a suspension bridge over 100 years old, devastated by the large crescent of Lake Argentino in 1937. The road enters a dense forest discover the Laguna Corazon, with crystal clear waters where the deep blue contrasts with the green reflection of the forest. The water is so crystal clear that it is possible to watch trout swimming among the rocks. Lunch break A place sheltered from the world.

Anyone who wishes can continue a little further by bypassing annoying pebbles to go to the south of Lake Frias, a natural limit preserving the glaciers that hide in the hills further south. In the afternoon, return to the place where the horses went to return to the Laguna 3 de Abril station, where you will spend the night.

The return is done along the south arm to the hull of the room, 18 km from the post. There will arrive at lunchtime a roast lamb from Patagonia which will be ready when the runners arrive. After lunch, return to El Calafate with regular transfer at 2:15 p.m. Then bus at the end of the afternoon to El Chalten. Transfer to your hotel and free evening.

The classic, spectacular and unforgettable trek of the region. This is the trek to do if you only have one day in El Chaltén.  A trek that takes you past some impressive scenery and through forests until you arrive at the mystical Mount Fitz Roy; admiring lagoons of different shades of blue, imposing glaciers and campgrounds visited by famous international climbers.

This trek starts with a transfer to the trail head at El Pilar, located 17km to the north of the town. The journey itself is enjoyable for the lovely views of the valley, the Río de Las Vueltas, that we drive along, and constantly present the impressive Cordón de Los Cóndores. After about 20 minutes we start to see Mt Fitz Roy from a different angle.
We start walking in a dense forest of lengas, that protect us from the winds coming off the Continental Ice Field. Right from the start we are able to see lots of different glaciers; Marconi, Eléctrico, Cagliero and in the distance, towards Lago del Desierto, the Vespignani glacier.

The path is easy as it’s quite flat and the climbs are gentle. We arrive at our first viewpoint, Piedras Blancas glacier and a bit later we leave the forest and end up in a clearing where we can admire in all their splendour the peaks of “S”, Saint Exupéry, Poincenot, Fitz Roy, Mermoz and Guillaumet. From here we continue for a few more minutes until we arrive at Poincenot camp ground, located in beautiful lenga forest inhabited by countless varieties of birds, which will accompany us with their song until we reach the campground Río Blanco. This is the base camp for the most adventurous climbers who will attempt to conquer these granite masses. We then climb 400m in about an hour until we arrive at Laguna de los Tres. On arriving at the highest point on the path, we are rewarded by the majestic views of Fitz Roy, the glacier de los Tres and its lagoon.  The grandeur of this location makes you feel very insignificant. From here we circle Laguna de los Tres and head towards the viewpoint of the Laguna Sucia and its glacier. Again, the breathtaking views are unforgettable. After a rest and a bite for lunch, we will start the descent and walk back to El Chaltén. En route we go past some varying landscape, crystal clear streams and we pass by Laguna Capri – a favorite spot for photographers. After visiting the lagoon we drop down into the valley where El Chaltén is located.

Having had such an exciting day, why not relax in the town having a beer made in the town’s microbrewery or a hot chocolate with some homemade cake!?

What to bring: Rucksack,Water, Snacks,Warm layers, Sunglasses, Waterproof jacket, Gloves, Hat, Sun-tan lotion, Sturdy footwear.

*Guide and transportation included.

*Meal not included

*Duration of excursion: 8/9 hours

*Level of difficulty: moderate

Discover the story of the story of a pionero del Valle del Rio de Las Vueltas, in El Chaltén! Relive his anecdotes; share the life and the feelings of the Madsen family. A journey through time! This visit is a guided tour of the house of pioneer Andreas Madsen, a Dane who arrived in 1901 to work with Perito Pascasio Moreno and built the first house in El Chaltén. You will be able to learn about their stories, the difficulties they had to face with their family and their everyday life in Estancia more than a century ago.

The location of the house, which crosses the De las Vueltas river opposite the current town of El Chaltén, gives you a privileged view of the Cerro Chaltén. Andreas did not choose this place by chance! The meeting with the guide will take place at the hotel, where the vehicle will also wait to start the excursion. They cross the city for about 400 meters to the bridge over the Rio De las Vueltas. Once on the bridge, a pleasant journey begins along the east bank of the river, on a dirt road, skipping the Cord of the Condors, while gradually deepening the history of the Madsen family and the reasons why they left their country of origin. and start a new life in this magical place, but at the same time so far from the rest of the world.

In just over 15 minutes, you will arrive at the entrance to the Estancia. From there, they walk 100 meters to the main gate; surrounded by a unique forest; from where you can see the original construction which still remains intact: walls made with the trunk of Lenga cut with an ax and the interior composed of wooden drawers, burlap and newspapers from the time ‘they used as insulation. You can also see different original artifacts, tools and furniture.

Inside the house, an exhibition of photographs, in black and white, shows us the details of the life of these pioneers of deep Patagonia from the beginning of the last century.

You will have access to the whole house and especially to Andreas’ lounge, where everything will be ready to share a warm family dinner; recalling these years.

The guide, full of stories and anecdotes, will make you relive the history.

At the end of the visit, you return by car to the city by the same path, discovering how much the region of El Chaltén has changed in these years.

After the excursion you will stay at home for a “home” dinner.

Guided tour (Esp / Ing). Total duration: 2h30. • Meeting point: Hotel. Time: 18: 30/19: 00hs • Approximate journey time by vehicle: 30 min. Round trip. • Duration of the visit to Estancia: 2 hours. • Includes: Dinner 3 steps. (Starter: Guanaco / Eggplant marinade tasting. Main dish: Lentil stew with chorizo; vegetarian option. Dessert: Brownie with chocolate and red fruit sauce). Alcoholic / non-alcoholic drinks / water. • Recommendation: comfortable shoes and extra coat. • We offer individual covers. • The house has no electricity. Natural lighting and / or candles. 

Transfer from your hotel in El Chalten to the bus terminal for your return to El Calafate in the morning. Afternoon flight to Buenos Aires and free evening once there.

At indicated time, pick up at your hotel and private transfer to Ezeiza International Airport to take you flight back.