Packages and Options

From Calafate: departure between 9 and 10 AM
Return departure leaves between 2:30 and 3:30 PM - overnight in Calafate will be necessary.
Transfers are only included at these times on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Any other times a private transfer will be necessary at approx $250 each way (per car)

Laguna Azul Ride
We set out on an old grass trail which starts at the 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 ride, 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 ride 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.  Here we leave the horses behind. 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.

On horseback to Estancia Los Mermanos
When departing from the lodge and heading East, we cross the Alfredo river and climb 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, we arrive 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, we cross the countryside to arrive at the lake which has a small pebble beach from where we return enjoying the wonderful view of Helsingfors.
... many other trails are available for the more adventurous riders

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 (“Estricta Reserva”) – where mankind has no access – of the Glaciers’ National Park, where the largest colony of “guemals” (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 a 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.    Duration of trip: 5 hrs

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

South Patagonia: November to April is spring and summer. Average high is 14 degrees Celsius; average low is 5 degrees Celsius at sea level. However, temperatures drop sharply with altitude gain, especially on the ice field. Typical feature of the climate here is strong westerly wind. Weather is changeable and localized. In general, the further west, the wetter and the further east, the drier. Rarely snow lying below 800 metres. Long days. 

The best way to dress is in layers - a T-shirt, shirt, pullover (or fleece which is light and dries quickly), and a jacket to give protection against wind and rain.

If you do not intend wearing a hard hat, we recommend a hat with a wide brim (also good if it happens to rain).
 

Basic Pack should include:

• Day Pack
• Trekking shoes (that have been used before)
• Comfortable shoes for resting
• Warm parka and windbreaker
• Polar wear / warm sweater
• Light pullover / sweatshirt
• Gloves, hat / cap, bandanna, sunglasses
• Sun screen / Sun block
• Camera and lots of film
• Binoculars