Special Edition: Lodges & Estancias in Argentina

by ALCHEMY DMC | Jul 3, 2019 | Sin categoría

ALCHEMY DMC Argentina, alongside her friend and influencer COCACHANEL partnered in order to discover with all of you, a series of experiences and places to tour around our beloved country just as a local would, generating an ‘alchemy’ that will allow us to travel and reach every corner of Argentina from a different angle with the aid of our characteristic imprint.

In this second edition, we will discover together different Estancias and Lodges from our dearest country: to live in ‘Sneaker Mode On’ but including deluxe experiences to accommodate all tastes. From fly fishing aficionados, horseback riding and polo fans, to of course, the relax seeking… I can assure you in any case you will get an authentic ‘Asado’ that will be hard to forget: “Grab a piece of paper and a pencil…STAT! Because many of these you wont find on your regular Traveler’s Guide”.

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-ARROYO VERDE:

The estancia is located inside Nahuel Huapi National Park, in the Traful river vail. Famous for being a popular place for fly fishing amongst other activities. A true pearl in Argentinian Patagonia. Traful river is an amazing environment to enjoy a stay.

Even if you aren’t a fly-fishing fanatic (as is my case) you won’t get bored: plenty of activities like horseback riding, outdoor picnics and a lot more.

When I talk about walking the world both in heels and sneakers, it is an irony sometimes, because despite the sneakers being more suitable to tour around this location, this is, in reality, a “heels – and beyond” luxury experience!

To briefly introduce you to this place’s history, and the kindness we’ve been received with, let me tell you that in 1987 Meme Lariviere, a woman ahead of her time, decided to open this estancia to outsiders as a fishing and horse-riding lodge. Meme is the current owner together with her three daughters: Marina, María Luisa and Josefina.

Let me add a bit more information about this super exclusive spot: she hosted world-level personalities such as the Former President of the United States of America – Dwight Eisenhower; King Leopold of Belgium; Infanta Cristina of Spain; and a bunch of famous fishermen like Joe Brooks, Mel Krieger and Ernest Schwiebert.

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-TRES RIOS – CASA DE CAMPO:

Still touring around the Argentinian Patagonia. It is now time for the Tres Rios Casa de Campo: a typical patagonic style building overlooking the Alumine and Colloncura rivers.

The main concept is privacy, guests are few and that is something to be really thankful for! Gourmet cuisine is part of the Experience.

Lucas, the owner, and all members of the permanent staff are amazing people with extreme warmth making you feel like a true part of their home!

Every day whenever fishermens return (yes, this is a hot place for fly fishing as well) everyone is expecting you at the bar with a deluxe ‘picada’ snack before dinner time.

When not in the fishing mood – enjoy the nature surrounding the area, lavender plantations included. Join us for a little tour around the house and its décor, because apart from being divine (as obviously seen) it is home to art pieces by no less than internationally famous – huge patagonic celebrity Isaías Miciu.

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-ESTANCIA EL COLIBRI:

It is time for an amazing, beautiful Argentinian province visit: Córdoba. Estancia El Colibrí is a well deserving member of the Relais & Chateaux Club.

It is an authentic estancia with the Córdoba sierras as background, colonial style and accordingly decorated. I will even let you peek inside my bedroom (that was right before my complete mess – guilty as charged).

Some options and plans to take in account: Horseback riding, Polo lessons, chilling at the pool, visiting the farm is not to miss, as is living the whole experience.

Gastronomy is simply impeccable, and how wouldn’t it be? Get ready for an authentic deluxe Argentinian asado!

Their hospitality is with no words, making you feel like home… well, at least a much prettier version of your home, you’ll see!

Animals and nature are all around! And even a breath-taking lavender plantation to stare at every day: lucky for us, a part of the daily views here!

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-ESTANCIA LA BAMBA DE ARECO:

An estancia in San Antonio de Areco, member of the Relais & Châteaux community: which means that even if we arrive in sneakers – we are talking about a true ‘heels’ luxury experience.

In 1970 it was declared Historic Monument of San Antonio de Areco city. With a total of 11 colonial-style rooms, in a fusion of modern & classic design – each of them named after a famous Polo horse (bonus detail).

You can see me in the indoors photo hanging out at the Pulpería, the oldest building: from the XVIII century. An authentic place with the addition of several art pieces and unique local decoration. You can spot Aldo Sessa’s photographs and Alejandro Moy’s paintings.

You will be welcomed with an asado, and a bonus, or as we locals say: “yapa”… a private folklore concert.

Everyone around here enjoys what they do, and it shows, it is contagious! Nothing here can be measured with a watch (you might as well just leave yours in your bag on arrival).

Being at La Bamba, is a bit of a journey to the past – with a splash of the present and modernism in its ambiance. An authentic estancia, where apart from being able to see horse shows and entertainment, you also have them at your disposal. Carriages, as seen in the pictures, are part of the charm.

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-ESTANCIA HUECHAHUE:

A true Patagonian estancia. No less than 6.600 hectares dedicated to multiple activities: cattle raising amongst them.

Run by Jane Wood Williams (fourth generation working in this estancia), and it really is all about enjoying the countryside; and not only the pretty side of the Patagonia: the wild side as well. Just imagine the time needed to tour around this number of hectares!

This is a ‘must’ for any horse-lovers, and amongst the available activities (which are plenty) the Cow Herding is not to miss.

Enjoy the field, visit the farm and get lost in the nature and all of its spectrum. Loyal to the Argentinian style, keeping its essence intact!

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-LA BECASINA DELTA LODGE:

Of every one of the spots we have talked about today, this is – hands down – closest to the porteña capital.

It is just one quick motorboat ride away (of course, private boats are at disposal). You will arrive at this oasis in the middle of the Rio Paraná Delta region.

Completely isolated and private, with only 15 bungalows available, right in the middle of this natural environment. You will feel like you are in the middle of the jungle, only living a king’s life.

Good gastronomy, an incredible pool with a river view, and please do not miss the spa! I can give my honest statement: these massages are worth every single penny to add to this experience.

CENTRAL PATAGONIA JOURNEY

by ALCHEMY DMC | May 15, 2019 | Sin categoría

Mariel Pagella and Ariana Pugliese from our Leisure team share with us a little bit about their experience in the Central Patagonia.

One of the main attractions in the area is Los Alerces National Park, considered one of the most beautiful spots in Argentina and declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 2017. Located in west Chubut province, the main highlights of this park are its incomparable beauty and hundred-year-old larches. The Futalaufquen Lake inside the park is one of the best places for sportive fishing in Patagonia.

Esquel City is located just 300km from Bariloche, and some train fans around the world come to this corner of the south to find a gem: La Trochita or Viejo Expreso Patagonico (as it is known internationally); a train that is a real museum on tracks, because its structure and even the rails on which it flows, are relics. It dates from 1922 and now it is opened only for tourism, but its added value is the surrounding landscape.

Afterwards, we went to Trevelin, a small town which keeps the Welsh heritage at its best.

Quiet streets are populated with rose gardens, but its main feature is the typical houses and its famous Welsh tea. One of the most authentic celebrations in Trevelin is the Eisteddfod, which consists on an art competition, mainly of music and literature that dates from XI century in Wales.

From Trevelin, you can leave for other tourist spots in the region, such as Nant & Fall Vineyard.

Owned and ran by a local family that follows the tradition of their ancestors in Italy, it is the first one in this area and one of the southernmost. They use a unique system that gives their wines a special color, smell & taste!

Finally, we were able to visit the amazing Huemules Natural Reserve, an exclusive property which offers accommodation in eco-friendly domes with Patagonian cuisine and the kindest service, as well as a wide variety of adventurous activities within the marvellous view of our Patagonia.

CROSSING THE ANDES ADVENTURE

by ALCHEMY DMC | May 15, 2019 | Sin categoría

Would you think that travelling from one country to another by land could be more than just a classical transfer with a border crossing? If you didn’t, then keep on reading these notes by our MICE executive, Alejandra Lippi, who was invited by Patagonic Adventure – Cruce Andino, in alliance with Llao Llao Hotel Resort, Golf & Spa, Enjoy Puerto Varas Hotel and Norwegian Airline to a fabulous FAM TRIP to enjoy first hand  “The Andes Lake Crossing” between Argentina and Chile. Before you begin reading, it is fair to mention that ALCHEMY DMC Argentina was the first DMC to ever operate this service on a private basis for 2 large incentive groups, back in 2016.

This unique experience trip may begin either in Argentinean San Carlos de Bariloche or in Chilean Puerto Varas, as you may do it either way, or even make it a round trip journey.

When leaving from Bariloche, and after making your way to Puerto Pañuelo Port to embark, the journey begins by sailing through the Nahuel Huapi Lake´s blue waters. After around one hour of enjoying the views of the beautiful “mountain surrounded” lake, the boat arrives to a small pier located in a picturesque landscape: Blest Port.

From there, and after a short bus ride into the forest, the second boat sets sail for a short navigation that allows all travellers to appreciate the emerald colored waters of Frias Lake, located at the border between Argentina & Chile.

In addition to the blue and green waters, the trip now adds all of the Valdivian Jungle colors, in a road transfer which takes all visitors along a zigzagging one way path between the mountains and the regional flora towards Peulla town.

The last navigation, via Todos Los Santos Lake, allows, with sunny weather, to catch sight of the Osorno & Puntiagudo Volcanos and the Tronador mountain. After which, the passengers disembark in Petrohue, and hop on board for the last land transfer towards Puerto Varas, the final destination of this full day experience.

Besides enjoying three lake navigations and three land transfers, this trip allows some additions, such as a nice lunch, a short activity in Peulla (for the one day trip) or even the possibility to add one, two or more nights in Blest Port or Peulla to simply relax or do some activities in these amazing spots.

At ALCHEMY DMC Argentina we thank this invitation, which was truly a learning experience for Alejandra and we highly recommend to all our individual travellers, families and groups.

VIK RETREATS – Millahue Valley – Chile

by ALCHEMY DMC | May 15, 2019 | Sin categoría

VIK VINEYARD

The VIK winery features a unique and unprecedented design, which is at once state-of-the-art, highly sustainable, technologically creative and a stunning visual experience that promises to redefine the wine experience.

In 2004, Alexander Vik, a Norwegian entrepreneur, proposed the creation of a world-class vineyard to produce a unique wine. To find the best terroir, he gathered a team of oenologists, climatologists, geologists, viticulturalists and agronomists to search South America. In 2006, Alexander Vik chose the best terroir with optimal climatic conditions for grape growing and purchased 11.000 acres in Chile.

The specific location chosen was the Millahue Valley, or “Place of Gold”, as named by the indigenous people. Here “VIK” was born and it embodies the perfect fusion between man, experience, land, climate and the most advanced technology. Their vineyard, or “Place of Gold”, is located in the interior of the valley among innumerable gorges, offering us a variety of unequaled terroir and small microclimates – each with distinct exposures and cooled by coastal breezes — giving it the complexity sought after and assuring us that we are on track to reach our objective of producing the best wine in South America. The viti-vinicultural concept at VIK is based on the technique of optimizing each stage of grape growing and wine production, with an important focus on science and technology, all of which is adapted to each of our valleys in order to achieve the optimum maturity levels in our fruit and to create the best wine

Featured new retreat “PURO VIK”

Vik Retreats announces Puro Vik, a new retreat set in the hills at VIK in Chile.  Working in tandem with Vik Chile, its pioneering sister property, the remarkable collection of glass houses offers a new way to experience Chile’s breathtaking cultural landscape.

Ideally perched on a hilltop in the middle of this most picturesque valley, with the Andes Mountains in the distance, Puro Vik  is a stunning destination nestled in Chile’s Millahue Valley – only a two-hour drive from Santiago de Chile. Puro Vik, a collection of glass houses that will hang from the steep hills just below Vik Chile, in the stunning nature and vineyard of Chile’s Millahue Valley.

Carefully positioned to offer the best vantage points for living in exquisite, cool and romantic luxury while capturing the magnificent dramatic natural surroundings. Puro Vik offers a hospitality experience which is rare, inspiring and singular by design.

Each glass house will feature unique art and design including themes such as artifacts and antiquities, Japan with Utagawa Hiroshige, the art of glass with Dale Chihuly, holographic art, pop art, 18th century France, bohemian design, neon and light, site specific art installations and La Piu Belle, imagined in homage to the most recent wine from Viña VIK.

Each house will have a free-standing transparent Italian designed glass closet and luxurious wide-planked hardwood floors continuing from the bedroom out onto the terrace. The roofs will be covered with wild grasses or solar panels depending on each house’s exposure.

The luxurious bathrooms will each feature a different and unique marble from around the world, art in and of nature itself, laid in slabs, plus handmade Japanese washi paper set inside the glass bathroom walls to create a discrete elegant separation from the bedroom.

Bedrooms and bathrooms will open onto the private terraces, inviting guests to relax in the plein aire and soak in large beautiful tubs sipping a glass of the best wine beneath the warm Chilean sun, the moon and the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.

The Peruvian Amazon: from ecotourism to luxury cruises

by ALCHEMY DMC | May 15, 2019 | Sin categoría

Thinking about visiting the jungle? Peru has two options: The purely Amazonian jungle, located in the north of the country, in the Department of Iquitos, and another in Puerto Maldonado, southeast of the country.

Although both have spaces of virgin forest, each has something different to offer.

IQUITOS

Traveling to Iquitos to visit the jungle is an adventure. This city is only accessible by air or fluvial and has two distinctly different seasons: The rainy season, from late November to March, and the dry season, from April to mid-November.

Iquitos offers the opportunity to navigate the majestic Amazon and many of its well-known tributaries. Here you will find the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.

Both, in the city and in islands close to it, is possible to visit several Non-Governmental Organizations ventures that seek to rescue wild animals from illegal sale and reinsert them into their natural habitat. These include:

-CREA, the Amazonian Rescue Center.

Located in the same city and a few minutes from the Port of Nauta, CREA offers the opportunity to know closely the situation that live dozens of species commercialized illegally either for consumption or as pets.

In their facilities, they rest and recover waiting to be released, the famous Charapas turtles, spider monkeys, tigrillos and manatees.

-Monkey Island.

The island, located 30km from Iquitos, houses for more than 20 years a rescue center that keeps the monkeys free, waiting for them to reach the age needed to be reinserted in the jungle. Many of the monkeys that inhabit it have been rescued from houses and markets. They were captured very small, separated from their mothers, to be adopted as pets. On the island they check them daily, help them learn to get food for themselves, to manage themselves while keeping them healthy. Once they reach sexual maturity and their behavior becomes aggressive, they are returned to the jungle to continue their life in absolute freedom.

In Iquitos it is also possible to visit several native communities that share with the visitor their worldview and teach them that to live from nature and respect it at the same time is possible.

In Iquitos inhabit the famous pink dolphin, otorongos, jaguars, turtles, sloths, the black lizard, manatees. Watching them is not that simple. Special trips to the virgin forest must be organized in many cases.

The lodging offer is basically based on eco lodges designed to mimic the environment and offer the visitor a different experience, connecting with their surroundings.

The city offers several alternatives of accommodation, although none of luxury (there´s only 1 5* hotel).

Here It is also possible to board several luxury cruises that offer packages of up to 7 days to tour the Amazon. 

Recommended minimum stay 3d/2n

Suitable for traveling with children

Low difficulty level

PUERTO MALDONADO

Like Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado has very well defined the rainy and dry seasons. Here are several natural reserves: Tambopata and the Manu are the best known. Within Tambopata, in addition, is the National Park Bahuaja and Sandoval Lake, making the observation of wild animals easier than in Iquitos as the action of nan on nature is widely controlled.

Giant Otters, black lizards, Charapitas, tapirs, Colpas, monkeys of various species, giant anteaters, jaguars, are some of the species that can be seen in the tours offered by most lodges.

Here, the accommodation options operate under the All Inclusive mode: from transfers to and from the airport, to tours and food. 

There are categories of accommodation for all tastes and pockets.

The Inkaterra chain has opted for luxury accommodation without breaking the environment, building lodges with cabins that blend in perfectly with the surrounding rainforest.

There are also lodges for those looking for an experience more similar to Iquitos: few luxuries and lots of nature. One of the best known is the Sandoval Lake Lodge, the only located on the shores of the beautiful lake of the same name. 

Recommended minimum stay 3d/2n

Suitable for traveling with children

Low difficulty level