Horse
ride / Walk along the beach with a view on the Fitz Roy
Going East, one will encounter small ravines
where special types of typical vegetation from the Patagonian step can be seen: El
Calafate (Box-leafed barberry), coirón, neneo, yareta and many others used as medicinal
plants. We then arrive to the beach, which in some places has very thin sand, allowing the
horses to gallop nicely. The whispering of the waves breaking against the sand is part of
the excursion. If the sky is clear, the view on the Fitz Roy is truly unbeatable.
Note: This
walk is an excellent alternative for those who want to go on a nice horse ride. It is
perfect for beginners as well as for more experienced riders who will be able to enjoy
galloping on the beach.
Rating of difficulty: easy
Length: 6 Km.
Duration: 2 h or more according to the time spent on the beach.
Walk to the Peninsula del Viento
An old path for cattle will lead us to the
Punta del Viento (Peninsula of the wind), which is the first viewpoint of the Brazo Moyano
(branch of the Lake Viedma). It is a simple path which allows you to have a great view of
the Hostería and its Sequoias. On the way, we can visit ruins from Alfred Ramstrom’s
house, the first inhabitant in this region. When we get to the Lake, we will be able to
appreciate the beginning of the Brazo Moyano which literally enters the mountain range on
one end and is part of the Viedma Lake on the other end, with its sky-blue water, typical
color of the glaciers.
Rating of difficulty: easy
Length: 6 Km.
Maximum height reached during the walk: 200 m above the altitude of the Lake.
Duration: 2.30h
Trekking or Horseback Riding to Blue Lagoon
The visitor sets out on an old grass trail which starts at the
same lodge. The path enters the river Alfredo valley (the same one that provides
energy to the lodge), gradually ascending by the sides of the Huemul Hill and with the
musical noise of the river. After a 40-minute walk, a most magnificent view can be
seen from where one can appreciate the magnitude of Mt. Fitz Roy emerging from the other
side of Viedma Lake. The path continues to enter deeper into the valley that becomes
narrower, surrounded by the Cordón Huemul and its peaks that reach 2700 ms in height; the
Blue Lagoon glacier can already be seen in the horizon of the valley. The footpath
then leads into a forest of “lengas” and “ñires”. During the
journey it is usual to see guanacos and condors curiously approaching to observe the
visitor. After a one-hour walk at the end of the valley, one sees the river descending in
escalating form on the rocks, forming a spectacular waterfall at a height of 300 ms. The
journey continues bordering the mountain to where the river rises and which is reached
after a 50-minute climb and places the traveler where the snows are permanent on the
mountains that surround him. A 10-minute walk and a small wood separate the visitor
from his objective. Upon arrival, one can see the lagoon in a deep bright blue
contrasting with the darkness of the mountain and the whiteness of the glacier which
descends from the highest of the Andes Mountains to the very bank of the lagoon. The
surroundings are beautiful and invite to contemplation and reflection in absolute silence,
which is only interrupted by the sounds of the usual avalanches that take place from the
summits falling to the glacier.
Rating of difficulty: Medium
Length of trip: 16 km.
Maximum height reached during the trip: 850 ms
Duration of trip: by foot: 5.30 hs. /on horseback: 4.30 hs.
Horseback riding and trekking to Estancia Los Hermanos
When departing from the lodge and heading East, the travelers
crosses the Alfredo river and climbs the mountain cliff to witness the spectacular,
panoramic view of Viedma Lake. While heading there, one can observe the local flora
which offers a diverse variety of species and large amount of birds, typical of this
region when passing near the three lagoons. After 45 minutes, one arrives at the Estancia
Los Hermanos, where one can visit the shearing shed, the vegetable garden that supplies
Helsingfors, and have the opportunity to see how a Patagonian farm functions. As one heads
to this estancia, one can see sheep, guanacos, cows and beautiful horses, many of them the
foals of the “Cuarto de Milla” stallion which live on this farm.
After the visit to the farm, one
crosses the countryside to arrive at the lake which has a small pebble beach from where
one returns enjoying the wonderful view of Helsingfors.
Rating of difficulty: Low-Medium
Length of trip: 12 km.
Maximum height reached during the trip: 370 ms
Duration of trip: Trekking: 4.00 hs. On horseback: 3.00 hs.
Navigation to Viedma Glacier
Leaving from the Lodge’s pier, one embarks in a Zodiac
with capacity for 18 passengers, which guarantees the maximum security on the Viedma Lake.
One sets out Northbound, with Mt. Fitz Roy in front like a great lighthouse guiding
the way over the enormous mirror of 1100 km2 of water. It takes a 40-minute navigation to
reach Viedma Glacier. During this time, while bordering the Western coast of the lake, the
visitors may have the privilege to observe the Strict Reserve (“Reserva
Estricta”) – where mankind has no access – of the Glaciers’ National
Park, where the largest colony of “huemules” (domestic stag in extinction) dwell
in the Austral Patagonia. In spite of these creatures being extremely shy, the observant
traveler may be lucky enough to notice some drinking water from the lake banks or hidden
among the vegetation.
Before reaching the glacier, hidden within the rocky walls, lies the
Amphitheatre Waterfall – “El Anfiteatro de la Cascada”, a narrow entrance
of water in the rock, which enlarges once inside, thus forming a large circumference, with
walls 40 meters-tall and crowned by 10 meters-tall cascade which falls in the middle of
the amphitheatre.
It takes only a few minutes more navigation before reaching Viedma
Glacier, the giant of Glaciers National Park, that with its colossal size of 978 km2,
makes even the Upsala of 902 km2 seem small (for years the largest of National Park).
Upon arrival, the view is sublime: the glacier haughtily stands approximately 60 ms
above lake level and on its walls nature displays tones of blue never seen before.
The motors of the Zodiac are switched off at a prudential distance to listen to its
rhythm: internal and external ruptures produce large uproars alternating with
unpredictable silences. Together these compose a perfect natural symphony that touches
those who have the privilege to perceive this; it is precisely then that the traveler
understands that the glacier can, not only be observed, but also heard, one can feel it,
one can live it.
As if this sight wasn’t enough, one disembarks on the dark side
of the glacier to take a close view of the erosion that was provoked by its pass on the
rock, leaving it completely trimmed forming neat shapes and curves. Cautiously approaching
the glacier, one can touch it, drink its millenarian waters, and if the ice-conditions
allow it, the visitor may explore inside searching deeper in its caverns which separate
the rock and ice (this option is only possible in some circumstances, the tour-guide will
decide whether the conditions are appropriate). After 40 minutes crossing the dark
side, one sets out again to return to Helsingfors, not before taking as a token, a piece
of millenarian ice for the evening drinks.
Rating of difficulty: Medium
Length of trip: 50 km.
Maximum height reached during the trip: 350 ms above sea level
Duration of trip: 5 hs.
Boat
ride on the Brazo Moyano
Leaving the dock behind you and going West on a branch of the
Viedma Lake known as the Brazo Moyano. During the boat ride, you will be able to
appreciate the Mounts Huemul, Mascarello, Moyano and the most important one of them all,
the Mount Norte. At the end of the Brazo Moyano, we can see the valley of the river of the
same name and at the end of the valley, coming down from the mountains the Glaciar Moyano.
This is a tour that allows to discover the place’s history a little more profoundly
as well as the stories of the men in search of new adventures. Many of the mountains
that are around have never been climbed. Nature is truly virgin and allows you, if you are
lucky, to observe huemules (domestic stag in extinction) on the side of the lake.
Rating of difficulty: Easy
Length of trip: 25 km.
Duration of trip: 2.30 hs.
Horse
ride to the Mirador del Cóndor
We will go South, along the Milodón River, this area is known
as La Faja. After going through a burnt down forest, climbing 600 meters, we will have a
breathtaking view on the glacier Milodón, framed by the impressive Cordón Huemul. The
vegetation totally changes as the valley of the Condór begins. After a short rest,
sheltered by the last trees to have lunch and in order for the horses to rest, we will
keep on climbing. This area is inhabited by guanacos and condors that will surely be
surprised by our presence. Arriving at the edge after the last efforts, we will stand in
front of a breathtaking view, in the heart of the National Park, Los Glaciares. From the
Mount Pintado to the Mount Fitz Roy, we stand in front of the ANDES.
Note: Can participate, riders who
have already experienced horse rides in the mountains.
Rating of difficulty: Hard
Length of trip: 30 km.
Maximum height reached during the trip: 1200m
Difference of height: 1000 m.
Duration of the trip: 8/9 hs.
Trekking to Laguna del Morro
After getting to the Peninsula del viento, the most
adventurous will be able to chose to keep on following the same trail. After 4 hours on
irregular soil, we finally get to the Lagunas del Aserradero or del Morro. This is a
truely magical place full of colours and contrasts. Two small lagunas seem to be almost
green due to the reflection of the trees in the water. Looking at the horizon, you can see
the Brazo Moyano with it’s intense sky blue. There are many trouts in the
lagunas, they have been introduced in 1988. there, you will be able to fish as long as you
put the fish back in the water. To go back to the Hostería, we will take the same trail
(4 hours) but this time we will get the chance to see something totally different:
the Lake Viedma , right in front of us.
Note: If the weather is good
enough, we might be able to go by boat.
Rating of difficulty: Medium/Hard
Length of trip: 20 km.
Maximum height reached during the trip: 400 ms
Duration of trip: Round trip navigation: 8/9.00 hs.
