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Helsingfors

Helsingfors is located 180 km North of El Calafate. Its privileged location on the border of the Viedma Lake and right at the bottom of the Andes just makes it one of the unique places in Patagonia. As soon as we leave the road 40 to head west, the air changes and you truely feel the freedom that caracterizes Patagonia, far away from tourists! The lodge is surrounded by a stunning landscape, sheltered by coniferous woods that make way to a panoramic view of the lake and the Andes Mountains. It has 8 comfortable rooms each with private bathrooms, a dining room and a cosy living room; all exquisitely decorated with amazing simplicity, combining warm colours and different textures that harmonize and blend in with the natural environment. A refined cellar with select Argentine and Chilean wines accompany the delicacies of a remarkable gourmet cuisine. A total of 18 guests will therefore be able to live and enjoy a personalised service that involves only part of the unique “Helsingfors experience”.

Helsingfors has over 100 years of history. In the early 20th century an adventurous Finn, Mr Alfred Ranström, arrived in the Argentinean Patagonia and, overwhelmed by its beauty decided to adopt it as his second home. He established himself at the foot of the Andes Mountains on the SW margin of the Viedma Lake, right in front of a breathtaking view of Mt. Fitz Roy (or Chaltén, as the local Tehuelches aboriginals called it). His love for trees turned the surroundings into a magnificent wood with a wide variety of coniferous full of color, that welcome Helsingfors visitors from a distance.

Main Activities

We have prepared a list with more details of the activities we offer at our Hostería. The activities are confirmed the night before according to the guide's advice and the weather conditions! For experienced ridders who have enough resistence to stay 7 hours on a horse, there is a ride to the Refugio del Condor, from where we have a very impressive view on the Andes Mountains. As you can see, we have a lot of alternatives, so we recommend a stay of at least 3 or 4 nights

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.

Navigation and trekking to Laguna del Morro
Departure from the lodge's pier, heading Westbound along one of Viedma Lake's branches * which penetrates the Andes Mountains * known as Moyano Bay. During the navigation one can appreciate the Huemul, Mascarello, Moyano Hills and the majestic North Hill, while reaching the end of Moyano Bay, one comes across a valley of the river with the same name and at the end of it, descending the mountains, the Moyano Glacier, in its upper part as a hanging glacier and in its lower part as a valley glacier. After 25 minutes of navigation one arrives at the descending point, where one sets out for a 30-minute walk until one comes upon what is known as the Morro Lagoon. A mirror of crystal water is revealed with emerald green "lenga" woods that surround it. This lagoon is a quiet and peaceful paradise, ideal for trout fishing. Those more enthusiastic can continue walking for a short time and discover the two lagoons (one of them very extensive) and both are close by. Those who wish can return on the Zodiac. The most adventurous can choose to return walking, bordering the Wind Peninsula. The distance by foot is 9 km.
Rating of difficulty: Medium
Length of trip: 20 km.
Maximum height reached during the trip: 450 ms Duration of trip: Round trip navigation: 4.00 hs. One way navigation and return by foot: 7.00 hs.

Price per night in US$, including all meals and activities:
Dec. 21, 2007 - March 23, 2008 - $340 for a single, $275 per person for double or triple
March 24-April 8, 2008 - $260 for a single, $220 per person for double or triple

Season: Oct. 15-March 31

:Scheduled transfers to/from Helsingfors will be provided on Thursdays and Sundays throughout the season, and on high season we will be adding additional transfers on Tuesdays.

Transfer in: Transfers will depart from El Calafate. We’ll pick up passengers from the hotels in Calafate (with exception of Los Notros and Estancias), afterwards we’ll pick up passengers arriving on the first flight in Calafate,(provided it lands before 1200 AM) and then we’ll head towards Helsingfors.

Transfer out: Transfer will depart in the afternoon and will go directly to El Calafate to leave passengers in their respective hotels. Those passengers that need to go to the airport, transportation from El Calafate / Airport must be arranged. We will not provide transfer to the airport and we highly not recommend to take outbound flights on that same day.