Transfer Option:

Laguna Azul Ride
We set out on an old grass trail beginning at the lodge.  The path enters the Alfredo river valley (the same one that provides energy to the lodge), and we gradually ascend the sides of the Huemul Hill - accompanied by the musical noise of the river. 

After a 40-minute ride, a magnificent view of the sheer magnitude of Mt. Fitz Roy, emerging from the other side of Viedma Lake, can be seen. We continue to follow the path deeper into the narrow valley, as we are surrounded by Cordón Huemul and its peaks that reach 2700 meters in height. From this vantage point the Blue Lagoon glacier can already be seen on the horizon of the valley.  

Our path then leads into a forest of “lengas” and “ñires”.  During the journey it is usual to see guanacos and condors curiously approaching to observe the visitor.

After a one-hour ride at the end of the valley, we will see the river descending in escalating form on the rocks - forming a spectacular waterfall at a height of 300 meters.

Our journey continues to follow the mountain, and after a 50 minute climb we reach the mountain range's permanent snow line. Here we leave the horses behind, and embark on a 10-minute walk through a small forest. Our final destination today is the deep bright-blue lagoon - stunningly contrasted against the darkness of the mountains and the whiteness of the glacier descending from the Andes Mountains. Here our surroundings are beautiful and invite contemplation and reflection in absolute silence, occasionally interrupted by the sounds of avalanches that take place faraway as the mountain summits fall into the glacier.

On horseback to Estancia Los Hermanos
Departing from the lodge we head east, crossing the Alfredo river and climbing the mountain cliff to witness the spectacular, panoramic view of Viedma Lake.  En route one can observe the local flora which offers a diverse variety of species and large amounts of birds - typical of this region. Birdlife is particularly abundant whilst passing near the three lagoons on this track.
After 45 minutes, we arrive at the Estancia Los Hermanos, where we can visit the shearing shed, the vegetable garden that supplies Helsingfors, and have the opportunity to see how a Patagonian farm functions. As we head to this estancia we can see sheep, guanacos, cows and beautiful horses, many of them the foals of the “Cuarto de Milla” stallion which lives on this farm.
After the visit to the farm, we cross the countryside to arrive at the lake, which has a small pebble beach from where we return enjoying the wonderful view of Helsingfors.

... many other trails are available for the more adventurous riders.

Navigation to Viedma Glacier
Today we leave from the Lodge’s pier in a Zodiac with a capacity for 18 passengers, guaranteeing maximum security on the Viedma Lake.  We set out Northbound, with Mt. Fitz Roy in front like a great lighthouse guiding the way over the enormous mirror of 1100 km2 of water. Our Zodiac ride consists of 40-minutes of navigation to reach Viedma Glacier. During this time, as we border the Western coast of the lake, you will have the privilege of observing the Strict Reserve (“Estricta Reserva”) – where mankind has no access – and the Glaciers’ National Park, where the largest colony of “guemals” (domestic stag in extinction) dwell in the Austral Patagonia. In spite of their shyness, the observant traveler may be lucky enough to notice some of these intriguing creatures drinking water from the water's edge or hidden among the vegetation.

Hidden within the rocky walls before the glacier lies the Amphitheatre Waterfall – “El Anfiteatro de la Cascada”. This narrow entrance of water in the rock, which enlarges once inside, forms a large circumference with walls 40 meters-tall, crowned by a 10 meter-tall cascade which falls in the middle of the amphitheatre.

A few minutes later we reach Viedma Glacier. This giant of the Glaciers National Park, at a colossal size of 978 km2, makes even the Upsala (902 km2) seem small!  Upon arrival the view is sublime: the glacier haughtily stands approximately 60 ms above lake level and on its walls nature displays tones of blue never seen before.  The motors of the Zodiac are switched off to listen to the rhythm of the glacier: internal and external ruptures produce large uproars alternating with unpredictable silences. Together these compose a perfect natural symphony that touches those who have the privilege to witness it. It is precisely now that you will understand that the glacier can not only be observed, but also heard, felt and lived.

We will now disembark on the dark side of the glacier to take a closer view of the erosion that was provoked by its passage through the rock. This erosion has left it completely trimmed, forming neat shapes and curves. As we cautiously approach the glacier we have the opportunity to touch it, drink its millenarian waters, and if the ice-conditions allow it, explore inside the deep caverns which separate the rock and ice (this option is only possible in some circumstances, the tour-guide will decide whether the conditions are appropriate).  After 40 minutes crossing the dark side, we set out again to return to Helsingfors - not before taking as a token a piece of millenarian ice for the evening drinks.   

Duration of trip: 5 hrs

Trekking to Laguna del Morro
We depart from the lodge’s pier, heading Westbound along one of Viedma Lake’s branches – penetrating the Andes Mountains – known as Moyano Bay.  During the navigation one can appreciate the Huemul, Mascarello, Moyano Hills and the majestic North Hill.  Upon reaching the end of Moyano Bay, we cross a valley and then descending into the mountains to the Moyano Glacier. The upper section of the Moyano Glacier is a hanging glacier; the lower part a valley glacier.

After 25 minutes of navigation we arrive at the descending point, where we set out for a 30-minute walk to the Morro Lagoon. At the Morro Lagoon a mirror of crystal water is revealed, surrounded by emerald green “lenga” forests.  This lagoon is a quiet and peaceful paradise, ideal for trout fishing.  Those more enthusiastic can continue walking for a short time and discover the two lagoons (one of them very extensive) close by.  Those who wish can return on the Zodiac.  The most adventurous can choose to return walking, bordering the Wind Peninsula. The distance by foot is 9 km.

South Patagonia: November to April is spring and summer. Average high is 14 degrees Celsius; average low is 5 degrees Celsius at sea level. However, temperatures drop sharply with altitude gain, especially on the ice field. Typical feature of the climate here is strong westerly wind. Weather is changeable and localized. In general, the further west, the wetter and the further east, the drier. Rarely snow lying below 800 metres. Long days. 

The best way to dress is in layers: a t-shirt, shirt, pullover (or fleece which is light and dries quickly), and a jacket to give protection against wind and rain.

If you do not intend wearing a hard hat, we recommend a hat with a wide brim (also good if it happens to rain).

Basic Pack should include:

The Lodge

Helsingfors is located 180 km north of El Calafate. It has 8 luxury rooms each with private bathrooms, a dining room and a cozy living room. All rooms are exquisitely decorated with amazing simplicity - combining warm colors and different textures that harmonize and blend in with the natural environment.

A total of 18 guests are able to live and enjoy a personalized service, which is only part of the unique “Helsingfors experience”.

History

Helsingfors has over 100 years of history. In the early 20th century an adventurous Finn, Mr Alfred Ranström, arrived in the Argentinean Patagonia and, overwhelmed by its beauty, decided to adopt it as his second home. He established himself at the foot of the Andes Mountains on the SW margin of the Viedma Lake, right in front of a breathtaking view of Mt. Fitz Roy (or Chaltén, as the local Tehuelches aboriginals called it). In remembrance of his native land, he decided to baptize the lodge - naming it after Finland’s capital city in those days: Helsingfors. His love for trees turned the surroundings into a magnificent wood with a wide variety of coniferous full of color. Today these established trees welcome Helsingfors visitors from a distance.

Services

Meals

Part of Helsingfors unique experience is its cooking. You will find Helsingfors' Chef delighting guests with truly remarkable gourmand cuisine.

Helsingfors has its own vegetable garden. A refined wine cellar featuring a variety of Argentine and Chilean selected vintage wines accompany the delicacies of our regional cuisine. Typical local dishes such as Patagonian lamb or exquisite local trout are just some of the delectable meals on offer.

This trip includes some wine with dinner.

There is a great herd of free roaming horses at the lodge - the perfect companion for your stay.

You can choose from short rides around the lodge, or extensive all day rides across the mountains to the glacier or neighboring ranch - all in breathtaking scenery. Leave the magnificent Mt. Fitz Roy behind to enter the Patagonian Andean Forest.

Tack:		South American
Horses:		Criollos cross
Pace:		Slow to Moderate some trots and canters are possible on each day | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2 to 3 out of 5)    All riding levels
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 6 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 18

There is a great herd of free roaming horses at the lodge - the perfect companion for your stay.

You can choose from short rides around the lodge, or extensive all day rides across the mountains to the glacier or neighboring ranch - all in breathtaking scenery. Leave the magnificent Mt. Fitz Roy behind to enter the Patagonian Andean Forest.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart. The minimum passport validity is equivalent to the time granted by the immigration authorities.

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for either business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days (extensions for a further 90 days are possible for some nationals; contact the consulate for details). \
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
Visa Note
Argentine minors traveling to or from Argentina, if unaccompanied by their parents or traveling with a single parent, must carry their parents’ or legal guardian’s authorisation to travel, which must be certified by an Argentine Consul if issued abroad. Fines will be levied if passengers do not comply with immigration requirements and passengers will be deported.