Patagonia Multi-Sport – Argentina

In South America’s southern frontier, nature, long left to its own devices, grows wild, barren and beautiful. In Patagonia, spaces are large, as are the silences that fill them. For those who come here, an encounter with such emptiness can be as awesome as the sight of jagged peaks, pristine rivers and dusty backwater oases.

Based in northern Patagonia, this lodge-based multi-sport embeds all the elements Patagonia and the Bariloche region of Argentina has to offer: hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing and river rafting. There are also optional yoga and polo lessons, massage therapy, kite boarding, paragliding, climbing, and pretty much any adventure activity you can imagine! Strung out along the shoreline of Lago Nahuel Huapi, in the middle of the national park of the same name, Bariloche (formally San Carlos de Bariloche) has one of the most gorgeous settings imaginable. Truly a year round adventure destination, the wealth of activities available nearby in the surrounding countryside, has helped it become the Lake District’s principal destination.

Our luxurious watefront lodgings feaure breathtaking views and allow guests a plethora of adventure options. You can ride on horseback, hike and climb on wonderful mountain trails (in the national park trail network). Guests can paddle kayaks or fly fish on the lake or raft a pristine river, returning each night to the incredible luxury of our full-service waterfront accommodations. The soaring peaks ring the region, giving picture-postcard views in nearly every direction.

Itinerary at a Glance

• Hike in the national park
• Raft the Manso River (class II to IV, you choose)
• Sea kayak on a glacial lake
• Horseback ride in the mountains and on the beaches
• Sample craft beers and Argentine wines
• Enjoy a traditional Argentine Asado
• Indulge at one of the region’s best parrillas

Our packages include: deluxe lodging (based on double occupancy), meals from lunch Day 1 to breakfast Day 7, guided activities (raft, kayak, hike, fish, boat and horses), wine tasting, craft beer tasting, traditional parrilla night, and airport transfers

Not included: alcohol (outside of the above-noted events), optional services and activities (massages, polo lessons, mountain bike tour, tandem paragliding, rock climbing), gratuities or items of personal nature.

What to Expect on the Patagonia Multi-Sport – Argentina

Day 1

Today is your arrival to Bariloche. It’s a scenic 45-minute drive from the airport to our first lodge, nestled in the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park and along the shores of Lago Mascardi.

Arriving to the main lodge through ancient forests and past azure blue lakes sets the tone for what you are about to experience all week. After checking into one of our view rooms, you will meet your guide and hosts. A delicious lunch will be served with homemade products that you may want to pair with an excellent Argentine wine or cold regional microbrew. Soon after, your guides will tailor an adventure schedule just right for you.

This is a sample itinerary of what your trip may be like:

In the afternoon, we’ll take a horseback lesson and ride, crossing through South American beech forest and bordering the lake or perhaps stretch our legs on a scenic walk to a waterfall. Later we meet for welcome cocktails around the fireplace and enjoy the first of many meals overlooking the lake .

Day 2

After an early breakfast, we’ll take a short shuttle to our river base. Guests will be able to choose between a class II or class III-IV whitewater rafting experience on the Manso River. The scenic drive will fill your soul with the beauty of this well named “Lake District”. This is an exceptional day on the water and you will be treated to fun rapids, great scenery and a plentiful Asado for lunch. We’ll return to the lodge in the afternoon with enough time for a siesta, a hike, or casting a line for trout before another great dinner party and some fun and educational wine tasting.

Day 3

After waking up in this paradise, you’ll indulge in another delightful breakfast. Today we’ll split our day with kayaking or SUP-ing on the pristine lake and trekking through a Nothofagus centenary forests while soaking in the superb views. There will be plenty of time to recharge at lunch between activities and at the day’s end, perhaps an optional massage may be in order before we head into the city of Bariloche for dinner.

Often dubbed, “The Switzerland of Latin America”, the town features all manner of restaurants, shops and even a Chocolate Museum! More recently, Bariloche has become famous for its microbreweries and craft beers. We will be certain to sample a few (of the 55 breweries) and we’ll dine at one of the famous parrillas.

Day 4

Today we’ll let you sleep in a little longer before plying you with breakfast treats like home-made pastries and jams, fresh berry tarts from our organic garden or whatever you like best at breakfast time. Today there’s more kayaking as we will paddle from Mascardi Lodge to our next destination, Hotel Tronador, while our staff transfer your luggage for you.

This famous mountain oasis is shadowed by the region’s highest peak and our lodge’s namesake, Mt Tronador.  We’ll arrive in time for an afternoon activity of horseback riding, hike or a fly fishing lesson.

Day 5

Today we have many options to consider, so here’s a few:

The main attraction at Hotel Tronador is our proximity to the Otto Meiling trek. So, for those wanting a bigger challenge, we have a full-day hike that will bring you in touch with peaks of the Andean Ranges. The 14-kilometer walk takes about 6-8 hours and takes you through varied terrain. The first part of the hike takes you through scenic old-growth forest and the second part rewards you with dramatic alpine views of the glacier and the jutting peaks of Cerro Tronador. After this full-day of adventure, you may enjoy another healing massage or just rest before cocktails and dinner.

For those not wanting a full day hike of this magnitude, we have shorter routes to a cascade, horseback riding and kayaking available at your discretion.

Day 6

Today is the day to do all the things you’ve not been able to do yet! Hike fish. ride, go for a boat ride, kayak or challenge another stretch of the Manso River, the choices are yours. Tonight we’ll celebrate in style as we reminisce over this exciting week of adventure and fascinating cultural experiences.

Day 7

There should be time to take in a morning activity and enjoy the last views and beauty of the Nahuel Huapi National Park before transferring to the airport. Fly to Buenos Aires, El Calafate or transfer to Chile for our Lakes District Multi-sport or a Futaleufu rafting experience.