 Lakes Mascardi | Hess | Roca 4 days
PURAVIDAPATAGONIA offers yet another expedition, this time reaching the western end of the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
We begin in Lake Mascardi (also known as "Seven-Color Lake"), the first after the divide in this part of the Andean mountain range. At some point, we must leave the water to avoid fast rapids in the Manso River that flow towards Lake Hess, our second "host" and future "guide" to Lake Roca.
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 Mascardi, where we become acquainted with our kayaks and the rest of the group while we pack.
Lake Mascardi drains into the Pacific Ocean through the Manso River basin. It is also the direct recipient of the thaw of the Castaño Overo glacier, which forms Mount Tronador - 38255 feet high -. This mountain marks the natural border with Chile.
Kayaking along its coasts, surrounded by rugged mountains and native forests, we reach the Tronador lake branch, where the view of Mount Tronador is absolutely breathtaking. Once in this lake branch, we kayak around Corazón Island, and head straight to the place where we set up our camp, on the shores of the La Volteada stream.
Day 2: In the morning, we discover a wide variety of landscapes, with mountain peaks breaking the clouds that come from the Pacific, and water streaming down the hills in torrents that later turn into rivers and lakes.
We head south towards our second camping site, "Los Rápidos", by some rapids where Lake Mascardi flows into the Manso River.
Day 3: In the morning, we move our gear by car for approximately 10 miles along road 81 in order to avoid strong rapids in this river section.
We climb once again onboard our kayaks, and tour Lake Hess, at 2300 feet above sea level. Along its coastline, we see exuberant native forests, while hearing the roaring glaciers shape up the landscape.
Magic adventure awaits us, during which we can watch birds, trout, and different species of native flora along a river of quiet and crystal-clear waters.
In the heart of a practically inaccessible spot for the ordinary traveler, we kayak the entire lake and head once again towards the Manso River, where we connect straight to our final lake and begin our last night out.
Day 4: We wake up in a unique place, in the middle of the Andes. We kayak the entire Lake Roca, stop on its beaches, and enjoy the privilege of becoming acquainted with ancient larch trees protected by the Nahuel Huapi National Park, which are only present in this region, the exuberant Valdivian Forest.
This marks the end of our 4-day expedition, and we return to the town of Bariloche at approximately 6 pm.
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:
4 days touring kayak
Start:
Lake Mascardi
Difficulty level:
Easy/Medium
Includes:
kayaks, rowing gear, english-speaking guides, delicious meals, camping gear (except for sleeping bag and insulation pads), insurance.
Sights/what to do:
wildlife, Mount Tronador, Rivers, Photography, trekking.
Flora/Fauna:
birds, trout, kingfisher.
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.
|
