Patagonia Unlimited

Patagonia is not a vast land with an endless horizon but a place that offers lots of possibilities. We have selected the basic itinerary and have added a very special place: Hosteria Helsingfors. This Hosteria –sometimes forgotten – is a true gem in Patagonia. It is not only a very comfortable and cosy place to be but also offers some stunning vistas and great outings. Some of the most beautiful landscapes are to be found here. A panoramic view of the Fitz Roy Massif, a navigation to approach the Viedma Glacier, the largest on the continental ice fields, the Blue lagoon which in autumn reflects in its pure crystal waters the strong red colors of the lenga trees, and the laguna Verde (Green Lagoon) a place for a nice stroll. The Hosteria offers a warm reception and provides a very good traveling experience in its only 9 rooms.

The UNLIMITED PATAGONIA program is perfect to combine with the Iguazu Falls (as a perfect end of the trip) or with Torres del Paine in Chile or Bariloche or the Wine Country via Buenos Aires.

DAY 01- BUENOS AIRES
Arrival in Buenos Aires. Meet and greet at the International airport and transfer to the selected hotel. Accommodation.

This Cosmopolitan city, -the cradle of tango- as it is called, can be a superlative introduction to an exploration of Argentina. European in appearance, Buenos Aires can keep any culture-oriented visitor busy indefinitely. The city has been a true melting pot of native inhabitants, Spanish, Italian, British, French, German, Central European, Jewish, Arabian, Greek, Japanese and more recently, Chinese and Korean immigrants. Different aspects of its architecture and the diversity of its districts and suburbs reflect times of grandeur and plenty, cultural influences and migratory waves.

Once ready, start a two hour Walking Tour in the surroundings of the hotel. Being Buenos Aires such a big city, with many corners, we offer the possibility to walk around the city escorted by our specialist guides and have the feeling the "porteños" have. We will follow historic paths, fashion trails, turn of the century parks and plazas among the most popular ones.
Accommodation: Moreno Buenos Aires hotel www.morenobuenosaires.com
Meals: None

DAY 03 (TH) BUENOS AIRES / EL CALAFATE / HELSINGFORS
Morning transfer to the domestic airport. Flight to El Calafate. (Thursday)

Arrival in El Calafate. Reception at the airport and transfer to Hosteria Helsingfors. The 3 hour drive will follow the Route 40 to the North and then W towards the Andean Range. Arrival and accommodation.

"Just across the turquoise-tinted Lake Viedma, HOSTERIA HELSINGFORS may be Patagonia´s ultimate estancia, a road's-end lodge where ceaseless winds from Lake Viedma have streamlined the tall sequoias into weathervanes and where visitors have the long Viedma Glacier - the most impressive in Patagonia - to themselves" Patrick Symmes - Conde Nast Traveler - Sep 03

Accommodation: Hosteria Helsingfors
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Estancia Helsingfors operates regular scheduled transfers TU - TH & SU. When considering a 3 night program the arrival day should be a TH.
The Transfer from El Calafate to Hosteria Helsingfors coincides with the first flight landing in El Calafate. The return transfer to El Calafate leaves at 0300 PM from the Hosteria.

DAYS 04 & 05- HELSINGFORS
Due to its location, unique and exclusive, there are numerous activities that can be done at Hosteria Helsingfors: From amazing and scenic horse rides to day hikes of incredible beauty or navigations to remote corners of Viedma Lake, the visit to a true Patagonian Estancia (Los Hermanos). We can mention the three most remarkable activities:

Trekking or Horseback Riding to Blue Lagoon: We set 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. After a 40-minute walk, we 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 m 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, we see the river descending in escalating form on the rocks, forming a spectacular waterfall at a height of 300 m. The journey continues bordering the mountain to where the river rises and which is reached after a 50-minute climb and places us where the snows are permanent on the surrounding mountains. A 10-minute walk and a small wood
separate us from our objective. Upon arrival, we can see the lake 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.

Navigation to Viedma Glacier: Leaving from the Lodge's pier, we embark in a Zodiac with capacity for 18 passengers, which guarantees the maximum security on the Viedma Lake. We set out North, 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, we may have the privilege to observe the Strict Reserve ("Estricta Reserva") - 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, we 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 a 10 meters-tall cascade which falls in the middle of the amphitheatre.

It takes only a few minutes more navigation before reaching the Viedma Glacier, one of the largest in Los Glaciares National Park, that with its colossal size of 978 km2, makes even the Upsala of 902 km2 seem small (for years the largest in the National Park). Upon arrival, the view is sublime: the glacier haughtily stands approximately 60 m above see 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 we 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, we disembark on the lateral 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, we can touch it, drink its millenarian waters, and if the ice-conditions allow it, we 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 , we set out again to return to Helsingfors.

Level of difficulty: Moderate
Length of trip: 50 km
Maximum height reached during the trip: 350 ms above sea level
Duration of trip: 5 hs

Navigation and trekking to Laguna del Morro: Departure from the lodge's pier, heading West along one of Viedma Lake's branches - which penetrates the Andes Mountains - known as Moyano Bay. During the navigation we can appreciate the Huemul, Mascarello, Moyano Hills and the majestic North rangs, while reaching the end of Moyano Bay, we come 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 navigation we arrive at the descending point, where we set out for a 30-minute walk until we come 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 other lagoons (one of them very extensive) which 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.

Level of difficulty: Moderate
Length of trip: 20 kms
Maximum height reached during the trip: 450 m
Duration of trip: Round trip navigation: 4.00 hs. One way navigation and return by foot: 7.00 hs

DAY 06- (SU) HELSINGFORS / EL CALAFATE
Morning to enjoy the Hosteria. Early afternoon (0300PM) transfer from the Hosteria to El Calafate. Accommodation at Hosteria Los Hielos.

Balance of the day at leisure to get acquainted with the small village, walk along its recently inaugurated coastal park. There will be opportunities for a panoramic 4WD or a horseback ride to Cerro Frias that -weather permitting - will let us see the Paine Massif.

Accommodation: Hostería Los Hielos www.hosterialoshielos.com
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 07- EL CALAFATE - MINITREKKING

Morning transfer to the pier for your full day visit Perito Moreno Glacier including a 2 hour hike. Perito Moreno glacier is the park's most famous and imposing glacier. It is permanently advancing along its 3-mile-wide front, which is a wall 200 feet high over Lake Argentino. Visitors invariably observe great blocks of ice breaking loose from this wall and falling thunderously into the lake, making huge waves, later surfacing to form icebergs. The first views of Moreno glacier are breathtaking vistas down a narrow arm of Lago Argentino with the imposing Andean Mountains as a backdrop. As spectacular as it is, it pales compared to a close approach where the constant sounds of this "living" glacier shake the air. Gigantic blocks of ice, frequently break away and crash into the lake, sending spray hundreds of feet into the air and sound like distant artillery fire. The startling contrast of color, sound, motion and size creates a continuously changing mosaic of indescribable beauty.

Perito Moreno glacier is the park's most famous and imposing glacier. It is permanently advancing along its 3-mile-wide front, which is a wall 200 feet high over Lake Argentino. Visitors invariably observe great blocks of ice breaking loose from this wall and falling thunderously into the lake, making huge waves, later surfacing to form icebergs.

A full day tour in which the road leads to the most famous glacier in South America, Perito Moreno. The first views of Moreno glacier are breathtaking vistas down a narrow arm of Lago Argentino with the imposing Andean Mountains as a backdrop. As spectacular as it is, it pales compared to a close approach where the constant sounds of this "living" glacier shake the air. Gigantic blocks of ice, frequently break away and crash into the lake, sending spray hundreds of feet into the air and sound like distant artillery fire. The startling contrast of color, sound, motion and size creates a continuously changing mosaic of indescribable beauty.

We leave El Calafate and drive for about two hours on a paved road to reach Los Glaciares National Park. Upon arrival we will enjoy spare time at the catwalks to simple enjoy, be mesmerized by the constantly calving of ice of this amazing glacier. Different blue colors, altitude, capricious formations, the roaring of the calving are all part of this experience.

In the park there are possibilities for lunch but they are quite limited, unless booked in advance, so we suggest getting a pack lunch prior to leaving El Calafate.

The trekking on the glacier will involved a 2 hour walk on the lateral morrein of the glacier The trekking is moderate. The ice surface over which you walk is irregular, but firm and safe. Note: In order to do this excursion clients should be between 10 to 60 years old.

Accommodation: Hostería Los Hielos www.hosterialoshielos.com
Meals: Breakfast & Box Lunch

DAY 08- EL CALAFATE - Rios de Hielo
Early morning transfer to Puerto Bandera to embark for a full day Ríos de Hielo navigation. Entrance fees to National Park are included.

Upsala is the Park's largest glacier and offers the perfect gateway to the huge Ice Cape, the origin of the areas 47-ice flows. The glacier is 50 km long and 9 km wide at the lake's edge where large chunks crash into the water, surfacing to become icebergs. Its basin is of 1000 km2 and it was named after the city of Upsala, whose University sponsored the first glaciology research in the area at the beginning of the XXth century.

An early start takes explorer to the tiny port of Puerto Bandera. We board a comfortable modern catamaran and navigate the Upsala Channel to approach the amazing (once the largest on the continental ice fields - nowadays it is the Viedma Glacier). The navigation gets close to the south wall of impressive altitude, and then the navigation continues to reach a small and cozy bay called Onelli, where passengers debark and have the opportunity to hike to a small lagoon that reflects the Onelli glacier (20 min. walk).

Accommodation: Hostería Los Hielos www.hosterialoshielos.com
Meals: Breakfast & Box Lunch

DAY 09- EL CALAFATE / USHUAIA
Morning transfer to the airport to board the flight to Ushuaia. Arrival in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Meet & greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Balance of the day at leisure to explore the area on own. We suggest some visits such as: the Martial Glacier (which can be reached through a ski lift), and the interesting museums: The End of the World Museum and the Presidium.

Accommodation: Hosteria Los Fuegos www.hosterialosfuegos.com
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10- USHUAIA - TIERRA del FUEGO NP
Tierra del Fuego National Park contains a summary of the landscapes in Patagonia: Sea, mountains and forest.

Morning meet the guide in the lobby of the hotel. We will start a full day visit this incredible National Park, one of the nicest in Argentina. Upon arrival, we start a 7 km trek (3.5 hour walk) on a safe but uneven terrain with some slopes on the way, to a wonderful scenic point overlooking Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Lapataia bay. Hiking through this beech forest we will be able to look for the Magellanic woodpecker, largest in South America, Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles and Andean Condors.

We have lunch by the lake (Lago Roca) and in the afternoon we paddle in the National Park. After an instructive view in Lago Roca, kayak Ovando River, which flows, into the Green Lake, one of the most beautiful views of the Park. During this easy- downstream ride, we will enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Ovando River and run into Laguna Verde, one of the most wonderful spots in this part of the Park. As we go on, we will be amazed by the beauty of the landscape.

Approaching Lapataia Bay, we may encounter sea birds flying over, looking curiously at us: sea petrels, albatross, and steamer ducks, among others. Lapataia Bay is our final destination. After we disembark, we just relax and enjoy the early, southern sunset behind the mountains. We are at the end of the southernmost reaches of the Panamerican Road almost at the end of the world.
Return to Ushuaia and hotel.

Accommodation: Hosteria Los Fuegos www.hosterialosfuegos.com
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 11- USHUAIA- FD HARBERTON RANCH
Morning pick up for full day visit Harberton Ranch, with a navigation to observe the penguin colony at Martillo Island. This excursion is the perfect introduction to Tierra del Fuego, its history, its magnificent natural history and traditions.

We start from Ushuaia driving east towards Estancia Harberton. This estancia belongs to the descendants of the first British Missionaries to reach the area - Rev. Thomas Bridges- and was managed for many years by Ms Natalie Goodall, a foremost naturalist. We visit the estancia and then board a small boat to navigate to Gable Island (the largest in the Beagle Channel) where we stop for lunch. Our base will be a cabin that dates from the beginning of the 19th century, a picturesque shelter adapted to receive visitors preserving its original charm.

After lunch we follow a 2,30 hs hike (between 3- 7 km hike depending upon the passengers physical condition) in the island to try to reach the opposite coast on the Beagle Channel to see the Gables, a rock formation by the coast and then resume our navigation to the Penguin rookery at MARTILLO ISLAND, the domain of the Magellan Penguin and some few Gentoo ones. The unique location of this island (close to the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean waters merge) allows for an incredible variety of rich subaquatic life, making it an amazing spot for birdwatching (petrels, skuas, cormorants, sea gulls and albatross). Once in a while some king penguins have been seen there too.
Return to Harberton and back to Ushuaia.

Accommodation: Hosteria Los Fuegos www.hosterialosfuegos.com
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 12- USHUAIA / BUENOS AIRES
Morning transfer to the airport to board the flight back to Buenos Aires. Arrival in Buenos Aires. Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Balance of the day at leisure to enjoy on own.

Accommodation: Moreno Buenos Aires hotel www.morenobuenosaires.com
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13- BUENOS AIRES
Day at leisure until the time for the transfer to the international airport. The room will be available till noon. Baggage can be kept in the deposit of the hotel. Transfer to the International airport.

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Patagonia Unlimited

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