Travel to one of South America's untamed wildernesses: National Park Los Glaciares in the south of the Andes Mountains and Patagonia, in Argentina.This geographical extravaganza offers ample outdoor activities as well as the tranquillity to simply enjoy nature's majesty. Popular travel destinations in this region are the Perito Moreno Glacier and trekkings at El Chalten. For those who seek a travel destination outside the tourist areas, check out Estancia Helsingfors along Lago Viedma, which is a unique location that combines tranquillity with open-air activities.
National Park Los Glaciares in the Andes Mountains of Patagonia
In 1981 National Park Los Glaciares was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site to help preserve its huge, pristine water reservoir. It is one of the few remaining places on earth where one can drink straight from the rivers without worrying about catching the time-honored traveler's disease – diarrhea.
The natural landscape offers a kaleidoscope of colors in snow-capped mountains, large glaciers, turquoise lagoons, ancient forests and flowering valleys. It offers ample hiking opportunities, El Chaltén being one of the favorite areas where nature lovers come to admire the Fitz Roy Range – one of the most majestic mountains in the Andes Mountains.
Location and History of Estancia Helsingfors at Lago Viedma
On the south side of the enormous Lago Viedma lies a hidden jewel: Estancia Helsingfors. Arriving here feels like nothing less than having come to the end of the world, not least because the road literally ends here, and to continue deeper into the mountains one has to walk or take a horse. Estancia Helsingfors is beautifully situated along the lake Viedma, partially surrounded by forest-clad mountains; at least sixty-seven species of birds make it a twitcher's paradise.
When Alfred Ramstrong fled Finland in the beginning of the twentieth century and discovered this area of untamed nature, he decided to make it is home. He started an estancia and made a living keeping cattle and sheep. When National Park Los Glaciares was founded in 1937, the estancia fell within its borders. With its nomination as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the regulations became stricter and the family was forced to give up ranching and started a business in tourism.
Estancia Helsingfors – Ecological Meals and Wine Cellars
The result is a remarkable lodge in a unique location. The eight hushed, warm rooms are well-furnished and nicely decorated, and have private bathrooms. The lounge with a large fireplace and reading material about the region at hand is all that is needed to pass a rainy day. While the atmosphere is informal and relaxed, the staff is dedicated and focused on personal service.
The visitor pays an all-inclusive price for accommodation, meals and activities. Ecological meals are served according to a week’s menu, but are of course adaptable to a visitor's wishes. Estancia Helsingfors has its own vegetable garden to guarantee an abundance of fresh vegetables, a wine cellar with a selection of Argentinean and Chilean vintage wines, and uses local products such as cheese, trout and lamb.
Outdoor Activities in National Park Los Glaciares
Outdoor activities in the surrounding Andes Mountains can be undertaken independently or with a bilingual guide. Options are hiking, horseback riding, a boat trip up the river [possibly in combination with trout fishing] and a boat trip by zodiac to Glacier Viedma.
Travel Information on Estancia Helsingfors – Location, Transportation and Reservations
- Estancia Helsingfors lies about 150 kilometres north of El Calafate, south of Lago Viedma in the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
- El Calafate has an airport with domestic flights to, among others, Argentina's major tourist destinations such as Buenos Aires, Salta, Córdoba and Ushuaia.
- From El Calafate there are transfers to and from Estancia Helsingfors on pre-specified days.
- El Calafate has several car rental agencies. A rented car may be a good option when interested in travelling to other tourist destinations in Patagonia, such as the Perito Moreno Glacier [Argentina] or Torres del Paine [Chile].
Karin-Marijke Vis - Karin-Marijke Vis is a bilingual writer (Dutch-English) who has been traveling in Asia and South America since 2003.
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