Yeah, slide by pristine snow and freshly trodden is one of the most exclusive pleasures of the winter (and one that, judging by the latest snowfall, is anticipated to be very appreciable). But it is not the only adventure that can be done in the south at this time. Since Ushuaia to Villa La Angosturagoing by Puerto Piramides and Bariloche, The tourism diversifies and gains sophistication, proposing options for all tastes and ages.
Embarked
At the southernmost point of our country, ushuaia seduces with its always white landscapes (it is the latitude where snow is most guaranteed) and its imposing Castor Hill, one of the best ski centers in South America. But in addition to putting on the boards, it is highly recommended to visit other tourist sites in the area with their own charm and legend.
For example, traversing the beagle channel, the sea passage that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific. The luxury hotel Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa offers it through the “Navigating the Beagle” program, available even to those who are not five-star guests. The journey takes place in a private boat for 16 people, which sets sail from the Ushuaia commercial dock and sails around Alicia Island, watching seabirds such as cauquenes, cook and gray gulls, steamer ducks and Antarctic pigeons. Then, you will also reach Mary Ann Island and Les Eclaireurs, where you can see sea lions with one and two hairs, as well as colonies of imperial and rock cormorants. The appointment is on the Akawaia boat, which, due to its draft, reaches points that large catamarans cannot access. The finishing touch is a gourmet meal to enjoy while the tour lasts.
A little higher on the map, Pyramids Port, in the north of the province of Chubut, offers the majestic and always memorable possibility of whale watching. This experience can be lived from June 15 to September 15, and takes place in the framework of the Nuevo Gulf, where these specimens come to rest, reproduce or raise their calves. “It is the only place in the world with a high concentration of whales with unique characteristics such as their curious and neutral behavior towards boats”, point out the Bottazzi agency, a specialist in these excursions.
The proposal is to start from the beach and navigate to where the most active animals are on the surface. In each case, the captain of the ship decides how to develop the sighting according to the specimen that has been found. The outing lasts an hour and a half and can be done at all ages. The only recommendation? Wear a lot of clothing! The rest of the outcome will depend on the animals…
Over the mountain
In the far west of the country, meanwhile, Bariloche and Villa La Angosturaare other classic winter destinations with many activities to explore the most restless side of travelers.
In Bariloche, the Cathedral Hill It boasts of being the most developed ski resort on the continent. Therefore, much more can be done than that activity. One of those offered by ZigZag Travel, a tourism agency specializing in the area, is a snowmobile ride. It consists of a guided expedition in the snowy forests of the hill, in quads and suitable motorcycles. “The excursion crosses streams and lenga forests up to 1,400 meters high, with stops at natural viewpoints and touring an area of the mountain that can only be visited with these off-road vehicles,” the company illustrates. The proposal is to get to know a different Cathedral and enjoy it exclusively.
Another variant offered by the agency is the walk to Laguna Verde, which starts from the Challhuaco Valley, where the Neumeyer refuge used to be (now destroyed by fire). It is accessed with 4×4 vehicles and, once there, the low-medium demanding journey begins towards the lagoon, which freezes during the winter. The idea is to have lunch in the domes that replace the refuge and then enjoy the snow or games with sleds.
In Villa La Angostura, meanwhile, the Las Balsas Relais & Châteaux hotel proposes a curatorship of activities tailored to each of its guests. “We offer everything from snowshoeing to personalized ski or snowboard outings to the nearest hills. These outings are offered with a snowman service, who is responsible for the guest enjoying their day in the best way”, describes Sebastián Tuvio, general manager of the establishment.
In this fan, the star is the “snowshoeing”, which is provided with low, medium and high intensity options. luck of extension trekking -but which uses many more calories than walking-, is done with snowshoes, tools that attach to boots and allow you to move more comfortably and quickly on snowy or icy terrain. Due to their design, they prevent the person from sinking into the snow and can move almost as if they were floating.
Even for those who are passionate about skiing, it is always a good idea to give your legs a break and get to know the destination in some other way. “Many of our guests choose to do complementary activities such as horseback riding or hiking,” they illustrate from Las Balsas. Adventure can dress in various ways. The tourist points understood him and sharpened his proposal to be up to the task.
Image gallery
