GROUP TRIP ARGENTINA - PATAGONIA
The end of the world sounds far away and it is. That's why this also beckons and so it happened that we were allowed to organize a group trip to one of the most remote places in the world; Argentina, Patagonia (Tierra del Fuego). For this group we chose to visit 3 locations, being Buenos Aires, El Calafate and Ushuaia. But we would also have liked to visit Mendoza, Bariloche and possibly the Iguazu Falls. Below is an impression that will hopefully lead to inspiration. We would be happy to help you organize a trip to this beautiful country.
Buenos Aires
A cosmopolitan city, but also with a friendly character and openness of people. Immediately after arrival, we took a tour of the city with a guide and learned so much more about the past, what is going on (politically/economically) and visiting a number of landmarks.
After an overwhelmingly delicious lunch in the afternoon, we visited another part of the city by bike. Enough time for photo stops, coffee, a drink and the best fresh hot empanadas you can imagine (so delicious). No rush. In the evening we had a delicious meal at a local restaurant with ditto good wines. Then a closing drink in a hip local bar where our Queen Maxima's former classmates also stayed.
Argentina; the land of pampas and polo
The 2nd day was all about "polo"; the national sport (after football) there. West of the city, where the pampa plains are, we visited a ranch to learn, do and experience what this sport is and what it does to you. With a real match at the end with a fierce battle.
El Calafate
The center of the glaciers (Glaciares National Park). Immediately after arrival we visited someone "at home" with 4x4 vehicles. this person had purchased a piece of land of 24,000 km2 (half of the Netherlands) where we first enjoyed the most beautiful views and then were treated to culinary delights in a self-made mountain hut. So impressive and that makes a person small and humble.
The land of glaciers
The next day we went to the Perito Moreno glacier. First I was able to enjoy it from a distance and in the afternoon after a boat trip I walked on the glacier and got a tour. Complete with iron brackets under your shoes to prevent slipping. Here too one notices the major changes in the climate, but at the end we still received a glass of whiskey with glacier ice in it.
Boat trip
The next day we took a long trip to other glaciers by luxury boat. Admire the most beautiful views between large ice floes. A modern visitors center has been created especially for visitors, where we could also enjoy a luxurious lunch. In the evening the local specialty was on the menu; lamb.
El Chalten en mount Fitz Roy
The last day in El Calafate was reserved for the first real hike in El Chalten. We took the bus there and made a stop at the famous hideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, after which the real "work" began. A challenging hike towards Mt. Fitz Roy over a distance of almost 10 Km. The lunch we brought with us was eaten at a mountain lake and then we walked back again at a leisurely pace. Everyone is happy, but tired and so relaxed back to the hotel.
Ushuaia
Not many people can say they have been to Ushuaia (not the club in Ibiza), but the southernmost city in the world. After that there is only the South Pole. The expeditions with researchers depart from here. The temperatures are cold and the chilly wind makes it even colder, even in spring. On the way by bus for the hike to the Esmeralda lagoon, it had snowed lightly, which made the terrain extra challenging, but also provided a fairytale backdrop. First through the snow-covered forests (Games of Throne-like) and above the tree line, distant views of the most beautiful nature you could wish for. Our guide took us around the lagoon; a little bonus. The route back was extra challenging because the hard surface was now only squishy clay and sometimes very slippery. Everyone got down safely without any accidents.
Beagle channel
In the afternoon, continue with a boat trip through the Beagle Channel with the lighthouse on Isla Bridges as the southernmost stop (-54.867665320702145, -68.25029526430178). We really can't get any further south than this place, but that doesn't matter. We are lucky with the weather and fully enjoy the views.
Tierra del Fuego National park
The penultimate day we go west towards the border with Chile. In the Tierra del Fuego National Park, do a small hike, have lunch in nature and then take a rubber boat/canoe for a ride to arrive at the start/end of the Pan American highway; Route 3. From here it is more than 17,500 kilometers to Alaska, the other start/end point. Every time you are surprised by the nature, the beauty and the most beautiful views. It's never boring.
Lago Fagano with 4x4 vehicles
On the last day we enjoy this special region one more time. Spend a day driving with 4x4 vehicles. First stop for coffee followed by a quad bike excursion. Enjoy riding through the woods. Then via the Giribaldi pass to Lago Fagnano to drive through unspoilt nature. The drivers are experienced and stop at various places for explanations and the views. Lunch is enjoyed in a forest hut where we enjoy an extensive grill in the sun. There are 2 foxes walking around us; at a short distance, but curious and they can be approached up to 2 meters. We don't (and shouldn't) give them food, otherwise they become dependent.
Back to Buenos Aires and home
Everything comes to an end, but not before we get to taste Buenos Aires one last evening. So we (coincidentally - or not) end up on a square where the locals practice the tango. A larger group enjoys dancing together. Outside at a local pub we are spectators of all this. We meet another KLM crew and share an extra drink. Then it's time for the last dinner. The wine flows, the most beautiful dishes are served and the speeches follow one another. Superlatives and beautiful words about sharing knowledge, enjoyment and experiences. What more could you wish for? The night is short, after which we start the journey home the next day. Unfortunately it's over again.
If you would like to know more about organizing such a trip, please feel free to contact us. Then we would like to come by to get acquainted and listen to your wishes and thoughts.