Unplugged Holidays in Patagonia

La Maipu Ranch. The mystic that surrounds this iconic Ranch located in the middle of nowhere will encourage you to ponder on your lifestyle and disconnect from your routine.

 This 45.000 Ha ranch in the Lake San Martin area, is completely off-the-grid. The nearest airport is El Calafate. Then a 4 hours drive through the mythic route 40  will get you there.

Besides the breathtaking views, this ranch is famous for its history. The Lively brothers were the first owners and also the first settlers of the area. Mr. Joseph Lively arrived in 1902, thanks to Francisco ”Perito” Moreno who conceded them the land right before the territorial dispute between Argentina and Chile. The current owners of La Maipú kept Joseph’s cabin as a museum that takes you back in time to the old -and even wilder- Patagonia, where just natives and a few adventurous foreigners lived.

New owners created the La Maipu concept: high quality service, relaxed experiences that show their passion for nature, outdoor life and the love for food and wine. The in-house chef creates his own signature dishes with fresh ingredients from the organic garden.

They have conservation in their minds so you have to be ready to enjoy a simpler way of life that takes into consideration a sustainable use of electricity (3 hours a day) and of satellite wi-fi connection ( 20 minutes a day per person)

Regarding activities, you will love exploring untouched wilderness in any of the eight trails organized with great care. The Ranch favourite is La Condorera. An eight hour trek , both ways, will take you to the peak of this beautiful mountain where the great Andean Condors nest. Other incredible adventures take you to go out and discover, watch and listen to more than forty bird species  or grab a mountain bike and explore the ranch’s ground on your own.

Another great experience is to realize your own smallness as you snuggle up in a warm blanket in the open at night to watch the countless stars and listen to the sound of the Patagonian silence. The immense Universe is there for you to admire.  

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • The main house can accommodate up to 16 people in its three triple and three double cozy rooms, all with private bathroom and heating. The stay includes full board and a glass of wine.
  • We suggest a minimum of 3 nights.
  • Rates are per pax per day.

Basic program includes:
– Accommodation
– Full board (breakfast, lunch, mid-afternoon snacks, dinner with up to 2 house wine glasses.
– Satellite WiFi.
– Activities: a guide will design the excursions that best suit your preferences and interests (horseback riding not included).

RAFTING ADVENTURE OVERLOOKING MT. FITZ ROY

A great rafting day is all you need to feel alive and full of energy. Experience El Chaltén and get up close to nature in the shadows of Mt. Fitz Roy while navigating hair-raising Class III rapids.

Live an adventure full of adrenaline and a different way to enjoy El Chaltén and its mountains view, rafting through the clear blue waters of the Río de las Vueltas.

This full day program starts picking you up from any hotel in El Calafate and arriving to El Chaltén village around 11 am. Here, you will have four hours free to walk around and get information about the different hikes and must-sees.

Then, we will meet again and go towards the operational base where expert guides will welcome and explain a bit about the rafting activity of the day. You will also be provided of all the required technical equipment: thermal and dry suits, helmet, life jacket and neoprene boots.

After making your way to the river’s shore, the guides will conduct a safety and technical briefing, and you will head out on some calm waters -ideal for practising your paddling techniques and learning how to manoeuvre running rapids. Be prepared to get wet and laugh a lot: the course is full of exhilarating twists and turns!

The first 4 km are on tranquil waters, ideal to familiarise yourself with the raft, the river and practice the necessary paddling techniques; but also to soak in the extraordinary views of Mt. Fitz Roy.

The next part is challenging as it becomes more turbulent and thrilling for an 8 km stretch of exciting Class III rapids that will be sure to test your new rafting skills.

The final stage is a gentle 2 km coast down the meandering river, perfect to catch your  breath and contemplate the breathtaking landscape once again.

After the adventure in the river, a lunch box is provided in the headquarters and the vehicle will be waiting for you to take you back to El Calafate, arriving around 8:30 pm.

Book this experience and take back home a unique perspective of this spectacular National Park and a memorable thrilling rafting adventure.

It is also possible to book this tour starting/ending in El Chaltén, with 2 daily departures (except Thursdays). This option does not include transfers and box lunch.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Difficulty: intermediate-moderate. No previous rafting experience required.
  • Fitness level: medium.
  • Duration: full day or half day starting in El Chaltén.
  • Duration of rafting tour: 2 hs.
  • Season: from November to March.
  • Operates every day except Thursdays.
  • Min. 3 pax required.
  • Max. capacity per raft: 8 pax.
  • Minimum age required: 18 years old. Minors must be accompanied by their parents or legal tutor.
  • Equipment included: waterproof dry suit, boots, life jackets, helmets.
  • Full day excursion includes transfer from and to El Calafate + 2 hs rafting + Lunch box (meat or vegetarian sandwich + fruit + beverage).

 

Stay Overnight With the Spirit of the Glaciers

A new exclusive and shorter adventure that takes the most out of the Los Glaciares National Park in El Calafate. Navigate on a luxurious vessel, taste gourmet meals and spend the night on board at this magical natural environment.

Much has been said and written about the imposing glaciers in the south of Argentina, specially about the world famous Perito Moreno. But there are no words that can describe the unique feeling you get if you ever have the chance to visit this absolutely gorgeous natural place.

Santa Cruz_Marpatag

The vastness of these deep blue ice giants, cold turquoise waters, a lush green forest, the occasional chilled wind, starry nights and the sound of silence…a spectacle of nature that leaves you breathless and a memory that will be a part of you forever. Los Glaciares National Park can be considered as a wild sanctuary where visitors are lucky to pass by, if only for a day.      

For those who wish to experiment this icy encounter in a more intimate and exclusive way, The Spirit of the Glaciers is the perfect expedition. An that used to offer a 2 night program but that now has incorporated a 1 night option, if the passing through El Calafate is a bit shorter.

Sail and rest on board the elegant Santa Cruz, a three deck vessel specially designed for this activity including high end and comfortable commodities and a gourmet cuisine restaurant.

Lounge_Santa Cruz_Marpatag

The new 1 night program begins at 9 am embarking at La Soledad, a private deck in Bahía Tranquila. After checking in, the navigation towards the Perito Moreno Glacier begins sailing pleasantly through the Canal de los Témpanos until the northern front. At around 10.30 am we will disembark to walk on the balconies and contemplate this impressive ice wall. Lunch is back on board in the restaurant and still enjoying the view of the glacier from the wide windows.

Lounge view_Santa Cruz_Marpatag

In the afternoon the navigation continues first to the Upsala Glacier, through the Brazo Norte and then towards the historical Puesto de Las Vacas in Bahía Alemana, where we will disembark again for an easy hike to an old port. At this spot we will also taste our first dinner and spend the night on board. Be ready to be dazzled by a sunset that provides a show of contrasting colours against the blue waters and ice floes; and then by a deep dark night sky that reflects the milky way on the Argentino Lake.

The next morning, after an ensured rest and a tasty gourmet breakfast, another relaxed hike in Puesto de Las Vacas awaits. We will be back on board at around 11.30 am to keep on sailing towards Canal Spegazzini, where lunch will be served facing the Upsala Glacier and where we will also watch icebergs.

Bed_Santa Cruz_Marpatag

The expedition will come to an end sailing back gently to Bahía Tranquila in the afternoon, contemplating this unique natural scenario and wonder of nature until the very last minute.

To take part on The Spirit of the Glaciers between September and December 2017 (except during holidays), ask your Kallpa Account Executive for a special promotion for early bookings before July 31st, available for 1 or 2 nights program.

Santa Cruz03_Marpatag

GENERAL INFORMATION
    • Feasible from September 2017 to April 2018.
    • Departures are always from La Soledad private deck in bahía Tranquila (Paraje Punta Bandera).
    • 1 Night Program will depart on Wednesdays and return on Thursdays at 4 pm.
    SERVICES INCLUDED FOR 1 NIGHT PROGRAM:
    • One night on board in a cabin with private room and external view.
    • Full board service with alcoholic beverages at meals.
    • Service of soft beverages and infusions during navigation.
    • On board activities conducted by a bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
    • Transfers from and to Hotel in El Calafate.
    • Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park,
    M/V SANTA CRUZ COMFORT & TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
    • 20 en-suite cabins with outside view distributed in two levels.
    • Ample deck space above the main lounge as well as the stern and bow deck Restaurant, library, lounge and bar
    • Full board service including alcoholic drinks with meals
    • Hot beverages and soft drinks while sailing
    • All activities with bilingual guide (Spanish-English)
    • Fully equipped kitchen
    • Length: 40.5 metres Beam: 10 metres
    • Pontoon Beam: 2.1 metres Draught: 1.2 metres
    • Hull and Superstructure built in Aluminium Engines: 2 x 1000 HP Caterpillar
    • Cruise speed: 19 knots
    • Maximum capacity: 40 passengers

Horseback riding at Estancia Rio Mitre

Get closer to nature and live a rustic countryside riding experience at a traditional Patagonian estancia looking over the Lago Argentino.

Estancia Río Mitre is a working family ranch and farm located 40 minutes from El Calafate and only 30 km from the Perito Moreno Glacier. Alighted on an area of risen ground and overlooking the Lago Argentino, Río Mitre provides breathtaking views all around.

Estancia Rio Mitre_Calafate
Estancia Rio Mitre

So close but yet so far from modern technology, this is the place to visit to get away and make yourself unreachable for a while: no WiFi, no 3G, no mobile signal. You will surely relax visiting this far off land, spending the day or stopping by for tea on the way back from the Perito Moreno.

Animals run free here…guanacos, dogs, chickens, sheep, lambs and horses. Even a grey fox visits from time to time; you may be lucky and meet him. All of them are very friendly and are used to pose for pictures with the visitors. Take as many selfies as you like with all of them!

Free sheep!
Free sheep!

Besides animals and landscapes, the main attraction in Río Mitre is the horseback riding experience. The estancia offers different options, even longer rides for 10 days, but brief travellers may spend half day in the morning or in the afternoon and ride too.   

Riding the steppe
Riding the steppe

In the morning, around 9 am, the estancia staff will pick you up from your hotel in Calafate and drive you for almost 60 km. Part of the road is on gravel, so the adventure begins before arriving. On the way, the Patagonian steppe at its peak will offer a unique scenery with a far away horizon and wide lands, passing by several ranches. This is also a good opportunity to observe diverse bird species in the wild.

Once arriving to Río Mitre, a warm welcome by Esteban Echeverría -the estancia´s owner and a natural storyteller- and other attentive staff members that will invite you with coffee or the traditional mate and delicious tortas fritas (homemade fried pastries).

Gaucho riding at lake shore
Gaucho riding at lake shore

After settling in, a guide that will join you during the whole horseback riding will take you to the stable to meet your horse for the ride. Once everyone is comfortable with the assigned steeds, the journey will begin.

Ready to ride
Ready to ride

Always surrounded by dreamy landscapes, the ride will take you crossing the valley and, for starters, to the first settlement of the Echeverría family at early twentieth century. Then, a visit to an ancient indigenous camp. The way back to the stable will be by the shore of the Rico arm of Lago Argentino, watching and learning about flora and fauna along the whole valley.

Into the wild
Into the wild

The significant beauty of nature and the feeling of freedom riding through these vast lands is overwhelming and hard to explain; it´s only possible to describe through the experience itself. This is a place to fall for unforgettable sunsets and long summer days in close contact with nature, feeling at ease and free.

The mighty Patagonian steppe
The mighty Patagonian steppe

Certainly the ride will make you hungry, but not to worry! Lunch will be waiting for you: taste a delicious Patagonian country asado and share a table full with conversation and stories. Once you’re finished, at around 2 pm we will get back to El Calafate town.

After an exhilarating morning outdoors and a fulfilling meal, the drive probably will make you fall in and out of sleep, blending the Patagonian steppe outside and the memories of a fun and unique experience at almost the end of the world.

For more information about this horseback riding experience and other options at Estancia Río Mitre, please contact your Kallpa Tour executive.

Sunset at Estancia Rio Mitre
Sunset at Estancia Rio Mitre
GENERAL INFORMATION
  • This excursion may be shared with other guests.
  • Includes transfers, infusions with fried pastries, 2 hs horseback riding with guide, barbecue with salads for lunch.
  • Drinks not included.
  • Rides available in the afternoon also, different itinerary.