Immerse yourself in the heart of the timeless Patagonian Ranch. This program is ideal for those with limited time, wanting to experience the authentic rural Patagonian lifestyle, while complementing their glacier tour. Nestled away from the bustling tourist crowds and near El Calafate, you'll find the serene Estancia Nibepo Aike.
Originally named La Jerónima, Nibepo Aike stretches across an impressive landmass of over 12,000 hectares, bordered by the South Arm of the Lago Argentino and the frontier withChile, encased by the awe-inspiring Andes Mountain Range.
This full-day experience allows you to partake in traditional ranch activities, savor a mouth-watering roasted lamb for lunch, and embark on a thrilling 3-hour horseback ride exploring different parts of the ranch.
Set off on an eastern journey, traversing through a trail nestled amidst the native ñire forest and soak in the diverse landscapes and lush greenery, truly breathtaking.
A tour that is simply unmissable!
Tour Description
Embark on your journey from the splendid town of El Calafate at approximately 08:30 AM and navigate your way through the gravel road No. 15, famously recognized as “Camino de las Estancias.” This route often treats travelers with sights of condors, foxes, and hares set against the backdrop of the picturesque Cerro Frías.
After a scenic drive along Lake Roca, arrive at the ranch housed within the beautiful Los Glaciares National Park . Here, you will be greeted by our host guide who will escort you to the Quincho and offer a warm beverage (tea, coffee or mate) along with homemade pastries. This short break provides an opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking views of the Cordillera de los Andes .
Your visit to the ranch commences by touring the facilities of a traditional Patagonian ranch. Our guide will then share the captivating history of the Estancia's first settlers and the cattle farm, as well as a brief historical overview of the Perito Moreno Glacier breaks and its impact on the region.
Upon returning to the Quincho, a mouthwatering Patagonian lamb barbeque will be ready to savour while you take in the awe-inspiring views of the Cordillera.
After your meal, embark on an extensive horseback ride alongside our guide for about three hours. This ride offers an in-depth exploration of the ranch. Heading east, we begin our journey on a path that winds through the indigenous forest of ñires, home to calafates, grills, notros, cherries, lengas, and a variety of wildflowers such as topa-topa, orchids, peas and dandelions . This area is fondly referred to as the crystal cord due to the visible quartz crystals.
As we ascend, the landscape becomes more and more spectacular. In favourable weather conditions, we will be able to witness the different arms of Argentino Lake such as Brazo Sur, Brazo Rico and Lago Roca. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the majestic flight of the Condor. Our return path winds through forests of lengas and ñires until we reach La Angostura , where Lake Argentino receives the waters of Lago Roca.
Afterwards, we start our journey back to Calafate.