 Black river, from the Andes to the sea
Many refer to it as the Valley of Life. Its weather, as its history and people, is filled with contrast.
Pura Vida Patagonia invites you to enjoy a “Grand River” that offers us along the way an infinite variety of birds, such as pink flamingos, ducks, blackneck swans, etc., from its source in the city of Neuquén to the place where it practically comes to an end, the city of Viedma.
A river that each year hosts the most popular international Olympic kayaking race, with the participation of more than eighty competitors from all over the world.
The result of the meeting of two mountain rivers - the Limay and the Neuquén -, the Río Negro cuts across the semi-desertic Patagonian territory to produce a wide and deep valley that runs from west-northeast to east-southeast. This is indeed a river oasis, with deep and rich soil boxed within the plateau.
The city of Neuquén will be our meeting point. Our utility vehicle will take us from there to the Río Negro, where we will get to know our kayaks and the rest of the group. We will then pack, listen to a safety talk, and climb on board.
The Limay River, which joins the Neuquén River to give birth to the Río Negro and flow into the Atlantic Ocean, represents the natural draining place for Lake Nahuel Huapi (meaning “Tiger Island” in Araucan).
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.
Sleeping bags: 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.
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.
Camp footwear: One pair of sneakers or tennis shoes to use at the campsite.
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 repel water.
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.
Personal items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, hair brush, etc.
Toilet paper: We provide a toilet bag, although you can bring your own toilet items
Flashlights: Do not forget to bring batteries
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.
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 shower
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-sleeved 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: 14 days touring kayak
Start: Black river, Neuquén city
Degree of difficulty: Medium
Sights: wildlife, Rivers, Photography, crossing Argentina from the Andes to the sea
Black river's harvest area.
Fauna/Flora: guanacos/birds/trout/fox/great number of birds
Includes: kayaks, paddles, English-speaking guides, delicious meals, camping gear (except for sleeping bag and insulation pads), insurance
Requirements:
Physical shape in accordance with the activity to carry out
Swimming ability
Will to strictly follow the indications of the guides, and to enjoy adventure in Patagonia
No prior experience required
Minimum number of passengers: 4
Having read the General Conditions and submitted a signed copy of the Disclaimer
Notes:
The outing is available from September to April, even with rain or snow.
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.
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