ABOUT AGUAS ARRIBA LODGE ACTIVITIES
- in their own words:
PROGRAMED ACTIVITIES
We invite you to discover this unrevealed Patagonia scenery! Trekking
around forests, river creeks, wetlands, glaciers; fly-fishing trips, and a warm nest to
recompose their self.
Once you reach the lodge, our Host will advise you on which activity
would be best. Together host and guests will plan the schedule. Remember these programs
will vary depending on the weather conditions. Andean areas may have four seasons in one
day! One might leave the lodge with sun, and come back with rain! We strongly recommend
coming prepared with adequate clothing. Every night our host will inform the previewed
plan for the next day.
TREKKING
We offer a variety of hikes around unfrequented trails that lead into the heart
of pristine forests’ where the different life-stages of the trees may be appreciated
- walking past renewal trees, and jumping over tree trunks that have began to decompose.
The abundant flora and fauna is overwhelming! One can easily learn how to identify
species, and taste delicious wild berries such as Calafate, Murtilla and Chaura. Spotting
animals’ feces will give us a clue to recognize what mammals have been around; pumas,
foxes, huemules. For those who enjoy bird watching: Condors, giant Magellan Woodpeckers,
Huet Huets, and many other birds to spot.
Circuits range between low and intermediate level and last from 1 to
8 hr approximately.
A tasty lunch-box is prepared for long outings. In some cases the
trek may be combined with a boat ride; our guide will decide this in situ.
The most common treks include:
- From South Point of Lago del Desierto to Aguas Arriba Lodge:
Arriving to the lodge by foot. This is a 2-3hr hike – 6 km distance.Amazing, we
strongly recommend this access! It is the best way to wash off all accumulated stress;
nature’s embrace re-energizes the body and soothes the soul. The hint that indicates
you’re already close to the lodge is the scent of lunch waiting to welcome our
trekkers! Luggage is transported via boat to the lodge. A snack is provided. Another
option is leaving the lodge by foot, or simply hiking towards the south point during your
stay. This walk can be combined with the ascent to Huemul hanging Glacier (entrance fee of
$20.00 Argentine pesos is not included). Coming back to the lodge by boat can be arranged.
- North Point of Lago del Desierto and Chilean Border Offers a wide
range of possible combinations.
From the Lodge towards the North Point: 2-3 hr intermediate level
hike - 6 km. (Also accessible via boat ride)
From the North Point:
- To the Chilean Border: A 2 hr walk towards the north,
passing aside the Laguna Larga until the borderline with Chile.
- To Juana Sepulveda’s Pampa: A 40’ walk towards the
west, arriving to a mainland where an old mountain cabin remains standing; home to Juana
Sepulveda, the first pioneer to live in this area.
- The Rio Diablo basin is 200 mts away from Sepulvedas’;
the river flows west into a beautiful valley that finishes at the Chilean Continental Ice
Field. This area offers many possible hikes of different duration and difficulty. One of
the most accessible treks is walking along the riverside until the Diablo Refuge-shelter.
Fitz Roy View Points: These trails begin at the doorstep of
our lodge, guiding walkers into the untouched forest that surrounds us. Some begin around
the lakes’ shoreline and then climb up passing river creeks and marshes to higher
areas where one can appreciate the magnificent views!
Hanging Glaciers: During those days when the winds are calm,
we hop on to the boat and cross the lake towards the beaches that lay in front of the
lodge. Walking around the river stream we begin the ascent to the Vespignani hanging
glacier. A beautiful walk that offers a new perspective of this astonishing area.
We also offer the option of different activities, which according to
their technical level and difficulty will require a Guide. These activities can be
arranged beforehand, with an additional cost. They are not included in the lodge fare.
FLY FISHING
Another great attraction of our lodge! Depending on the prevailing winds one may
access different beaches and spend endless hours in peaceful solitude casting away, while
enjoying the fabulous scenery. The average trout size ranges between 1-2 kg.
With previous notice we can hire a Fishing Guide that will also rent
equipment if needed for the outing.
If you already have your equipment and wish to enjoy this experience
in solitude, the only additional cost would be the fishing permit.
All fishing in this area is catch & release. Only one piece per
fisherman per day is allowed. Another fantastic and well-recommended activity is Chinoox
Salmons fishing along the Rio Toro; they stream up the river from end of February till
beginnings of March.
IMPORTANT: We recommend not programming a flight for your check-out
date. Remember weather here may be a great conditioner and cause delays in our
transportation. If you have no other option and must plan your flight for the same day,
check-out during the morning and program your flight for the evening.
ADDITIONAL
ACTIVITIES
Aguas Arriba Lodge is an excellent complement for other destinations in
the area. We are located in an unexplored & secluded area that offers new trekking
alternatives of barely stepped-on trails, where we guarantee you will not bump into other
trekkers. Our lodge is a great starting point to long-treks that may last many days &
will imply sleeping out in shelters that are located in the area. .
These technical outings will require hiring specialized Guides &
Agencies that will provide camping equipment and porters. Please contact us if interested.
Activities may be specifically planned on personal requests.
Some possible treks and activities starting off at Aguas Arriba
Lodge include:
- Trekking to Rio Diablo Refugee-shelter - 1 to 2 camping
nights
- Navigation to O’Higgins Glacier, Chile. 2 camping
nights
- Hike to Laguna Pate Valley. 1 camping night
- Excursions to El Chalten
- Guided fishing tours for Chinoox Salmons
- Mountain Bike along the river de Las Vueltas
- Kayaking (seat-on-top) along the river de Las Vueltas
