ABOUT ANTIGUA PATAGONIA (in their own words)
Antigua Patagonia is found in an oasis,
amidst wide spaces. A place to simply live the journey as it is as much a place of
adventure as it is a place of Pacific rest. Navigate, trek, climb, horseback ride or
simply strolling the area allows you to explore the amazing variety of opportunities that
this place offers.
LOCATION & DISTANCES:
Los Antiguos is located in the extreme Northwest of the Santa Cruz Providence.
Along the south bank of Lake Buenos Aires and only 3000 meters from Chile, whose natural
border is the main course of the Jeinemeni River. It belongs to the Department of Lake
Buenos Aires whose capital is the city of Perito Moreno.
ROOMS & SERVICES:
16 rooms designed to offer quality and comfort to its guests, together with splendid panoramic views of Lake Buenos Aires and
the mountain range. Sauna, gym, paddle courts, a pier on its own 300 meters of the
lake’s coast, are offered by Antigua Patagonia.
CAFETERIA & BAR:
The care in decoration as well as the welcoming home to firewood and a special
brightness, makes this an inevitable stop for an aromatic infusion or a very special drink
accompanied by a snack.
ACTIVITIES:
Trout fishing, horseback riding, trekking, mountain biking, navigation on the
lake, paddle court, volleyball court, table games, pool, are the variety of alternatives
offered by the Hosteria.
HISTORY:
The area had its beginnings when the national governor, by decree of July 11,
1921, created the Colonia Pastoril Leandro N. Alem in the Northwest of the Holy Cross
Province in order to populate these uninhabited territories. But it is known that the
first settlers were already in the area at the beginning of the 20th century.
In 1913, one of the most important cattle
ranches was established in the region: Estancia La Ascencion. On Feb05, the “Comision
de Fomento de Los Antiguos” was created.
This date remained an institution and years later is celebrated as the “Day of the
Town”.
During the 70s, some cattle ranchers had
already begun to plant cherry trees as an alternative to the traditional use of the land,
a decision that has turned into its current main economic activity.
Los Antiguos was an area practically
unknown to the rest of the country until the August, 1991, eruption of the Hudson volcano,
even though in 1988 thanks to the paving of the Provincial Route 43 had opened the way to
another activity: tourism. The celebration of the first National Cherry Festival in 1986
brought 10,000 people which brought the area another important economic activity.
Oral tradition indicates that the name of
“Los Antiguos” (The Old), would derive from the word Tehuelche “I KEU
KENK” that means “Place of my Ancestors” or “Posada of the
Elders”, although this has not yet been established with certainty.
