6 days. Los Alerces National Park

Argentine Patagonia has a wide and varied natural territory, where possibilities are infinite and unique.
In the province of Chubut, southern Argentina, there is a national park called "Los Alerces", with a virgin lake corridor that provides the ideal setting for kayak outings.

Programme

Previous day:
If it is not possible for you to check in at our office, we ask that you call us on the previous day to confirm the exact time and place to pick you up, and so that we may answer any last-minute queries.

Day 1:
We meet at the arranged place for the transfer to Lake Cholila, distant only 150 miles. We will set camp there on the inlet of the Carrileufu river, deep in the Andes mountains, where we will enjoy our first night out.

Day 2:
At dawn, after breakfast, we will get our kayaks ready for our first day on the Carrileufu river.
This is a small river with a large water volume, without rapids but with several places with river trunks that do not involve much difficulty. We will be able to spot trout and a varied bird life while going downstream.
This will be a long day, as we aim at reaching the mouth of the river on Lake Rivadavia and spending there our second night out.
We will plan our second day on the water during dinner.

Day 3:
Ewe will spend this day on Lake Rivadavia, guarded by the high peaks, until we reach the south inlet, where we will spend the night.

Day 4:
We will begin our fourth day on Lake Rivadavia, although we will stay there just for a while, as we will soon be on the Rivadavia river. Stretching for over 5 miles, this breathtaking river has only one very small rapid, as well as several places with tree trunks. Depending on the water level, we will be able to navigate through or else be forced to walk along shore. Soon we will be reaching the small Lake Verde, which we will cross swiftly to reach the Arrayanes river, where we will enjoy our fourth camping day.

Day 5:
The schedule for this day out is to hike up to Port Chucao, on Lake Menéndez, where a boat excursion is available to visit two unique places: the Torrecillas Glacier, and a Larch Forest, where we will encounter "Grandfather" a 2,600-year-old tree.
Back in our camp, we will get our kayaks ready and paddle to our next campsite, on Lake Futalaufquen.

Day 6:
On our last day, we will travel to the town of Esquel, where we will spend the morning and further return along a paved road to the town of Bariloche.

Gear

Special consideration should be paid to this section with a view to guaranteeing our safety and comfort while on our kayaking outing.
Our kayaks are basically watertight, although small amounts of water may enter through their hatches. For this reason, we should pack our gear in dry waterproof bags. We will provide nylon bags for your gear, as well as dry bags for your camera and other valuables.
Temperature: Summer temperatures in our region are usually pleasant, ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with highs from December to January. Lows are usually registered during the winter (June-July-August), ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rain and wind may be present at any time of the year. We should be prepared to meet any change in the weather.
Please contact us when in doubt as to any item on the list.
Vessels: Double kayaks with rudder, imported from Canada. Very stable, easy to maneuver, and quite comfortable. Spray skirt, paddle, waterproof jacket, PFD, as well as neoprene gloves are contemplated for every passenger.
Water sneakers: We recommend carrying waterproof sneakers or water-resistant footwear, such as sandals or neoprene boots. Most of our guides use sandals during these outings.
Sunhat: A baseball cap or US Marine-type sunhat are ideal for these outings.
Woolen cap: A woolen or polartec cap always comes handy when temperature starts dropping.
Sunglasses & sunscreen: We are quite persistent on this: the sun in our region is quite tricky. The sunscreen used must be water repellant.
Medication: When carrying medication, please make sure that 1. you warn your guide on this and on the timetable for your medication; 2. you carry the name of the drug and its expiration date; 3. you carry the corresponding dose indications; 4. you pack it in waterproof bags; 5. you bring extra doses in a separate bag and leave this bag with your guide just in case you lose the one you carry.
Toilet paper: We provide a toilet bag, although you can bring your own toilet items.
Water bottles: We provide mineral water bottles. You can always bring cycling or Naigene bottles, which come quite handy.
Camera: Only in dry bags or boxes
Gloves: Only necessary during the cold seasons.
Refreshments: Coffee/tea and soft drinks will be available throughout the trip, while wine will accompany our dinners.
Camp footwear: One pair of sneakers or tennis shoes to use at the campsite.
Flashlights: Do not forget to bring batteries.
Personal items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, hair brush, etc.
Sleeping bag: One synthetic bag is recommended. When uncertain as to the weather, or lacking the adequate sleeping bag, contact us or check the local outdoor gear stores.

Clothing

Our clothes should be in accordance with the time of the year we choose for the outing, although always bearing in mind that the temperature may drop and it may rain during any season. The most practical way to regulate our body temperature and remain warm is by dressing in layers (in true “onion” style). We recommend avoiding cotton garments, as these require a long period to dry, thus keeping us wet and making us feel cold. The ideal materials for the first layer, even when wet, are Lycra, polypropylene, nylon, and polyester. Synthetic material such as polartec provides an adequate second layer. Wool represents yet another alternative.
Rain pants & thin waterproof jacket: Recommended for the unexpected rain.
Windstopper: The rain jacket may also be used as windstopper.
Warm pants: 1 pair of polartec or other type of warm pants for the campsite. Jeans are not recommended.
Pants: 1 pair of light pants, of the quick-drying type
Sweaters: 2 warm polartec or synthetic sweaters.
Long-sleeve shirts: 3 (non-cotton).
T-shirts: 2 or 3.
Shorts: 2, preferably of the quick-drying type.
Socks: 2 pairs of warm socks, and 3 pairs of light socks for kayaking.
Change of clothing: To leave in the van for the return trip

Outdoor sanitary facilities

Kayaks leave no trail nor alter the vegetation in any way while sliding on the water. On dry land, however, we must be aware of our impact on the environment. PURA_VIDAPATAGONIA stresses the need not to leave any trace of our presence there!
Where do we wash ourselves? Is there any toilet facility available? These are some of the many questions travelers have. All our camping sites are set up in natural surroundings, with plenty of water to wash ourselves in the many rivers and lakes we navigate. No abrasive elements or contaminant detergents should be used.
Toilet facilities are not the rule where we camp. Our guides will indicate the proper way to sort this minor thing out, and will always carry a toilet kit with toilet paper, plastic bags, and a small shovel.

Summary of the trip

Type:
3 days touring kayak
Start:
Lake Cholila
Difficulty level:
Medium/Hard
Includes:
kayaks, rowing gear, english-speaking guides, delicious meals, camping gear (except for sleeping bag and insulation pads), insurance.
Boat excursion to Torrecillas Glacier and Larchs Forest.
Sights/what to do:
wildlife, local culture, rivers, Photography, trekking.
Flora/Fauna:
Larch Forest, birds, big trout.

Requirements:

1. Physical shape in accordance with the activity to carry out.
2. Swimming ability.
3. Will to strictly follow the indications of the guides, and to enjoy adventure in Patagonia.
4. No prior experience required.
5. Minimum number of passengers: 4.
6. Read and accept the General Conditions and submit a signed copy of the Disclaimer.

Notes:
The outing is available from september to april, even with rain or snow.
Depending on weather conditions, the place of the outing could change.
We must bear in mind that this is a true touring kayak expedition, which means that we are self-sufficient, carrying in our kayaks everything we need for the trip.