GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Welcome to Northwest Patagonia! Our trip starts in San Carlos de Bariloche. The head city of the Lake District in Patagonia is surrounded by large lakes and beautiful mountains; the area is protected by an extensive national park. A combination of hiking and kayaking will give us the opportunity to be in close contact with this beautiful environment.
The next step will lead us Southwest, to visit the Tronador area. This prominent peak covered with glaciers is located in the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park. We will visit different highlights around the peak, hiking through the forest and enjoying the view of the glacier fronts.
Our trip continues South where white waters awaits us to go rafting on one of the wildest rivers in Patagonia, the Manso river. This river is born in the glaciers of Tronador peak and runs through an extensive bed to end in the Pacific Ocean. After our adventure, we will drive to La Confluencia lodge, a beautiful corner in the heart of the Patagonian Andes. Next day we will take advantage of this unique location to discover, on foot or on horseback, the Azul River Canyon. In the afternoon we will have some time to relax and have a bath in the hot tub under the wild trees and the stars of the southern hemisphere.
Heading further South we will visit El Bolsón town, a place well known for the production of hops and a local market in the main square that open twice a week and offer great handcrafts. We will also visit the Leleque Museum located in a Patagonian Ranch (Estancia), to get to know the history of the native people that have been living in the area. In the afternoon it will be time to go to La Pilarica Lodge, a lovely familiar place, located in a beautiful village.
Our next stop will be Los Alerces National Park, where there is a complex lake system. Numerous lakes and rivers are connected along the Andes; we will get to Lago Verde and Río Arrayanes, a perfect scenario for a kayak ride!
We will keep driving through Los Alerces national park until we get to Trevelin, a cozy small town with Welsh roots. After lunch we will finish our trip in Esquel airport.
Day 1: Arrive in Bariloche. Meeting at the hotel. Organization of final details. Night in Bariloche.
Day 2: Activities in Bariloche surroundings. Kayak, hiking. Night in Bariloche.
Day 3: Transfer to Tronador area, visit Ventisquero Negro and Garganta del Diablo. Back to Pampa Linda and hike to Saltillo de las Nalcas. Night in Hostería Pampa Linda.
Day 4: Transfer to Manso river. Rafting activity. Transfer to La Confluencia. Night in La Confluencia lodge.
Day 5: Horseback riding or hike to Cajón del Azul. Night in La Confluencia Lodge.
Day 6: Transfer to Los Alerces National Park. Visit El Bolsón town and Leleque museum. Night in La Pilarica Lodge.
Day 7: Kayaking on Lago Verde and río Arrayanes. Hike to Laguna Escondida. Night in Eco domos Lago Verde.
Day 8: Transfer to Esquel airport. Visit Villa Futalaufquen, Trevelin and Esquel.
REQUIREMENTS
Level of fitness: Easy
Best time of the year to do it: Spring-Summer-Fall
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
