Argentina – Estancia Helsingfors in Patagonia

Accommodation and Outdoor Activities in National Park Los Glaciares

Feb 26, 2009

Estancia Helsingfors is a luxurious lodge in NP Los Glaciares, offering open-air activities: hiking, horseback riding, trout fishing and a boat-ride to Glacier Viedma.

One of South America's untamed wildernesses can be found in National Park Los Glaciares, in the south of the Andes Mountains and Patagonia. This geographical extravaganza offers ample outdoor activities as well as the tranquillity to simply enjoy nature's majesty. Estancia Helsingfors along Lago Viedma is a unique location that perfectly combines tranquillity with open-air activities.

National Park Los Glaciares in the Andes Mountains of Patagonia

In 1981 National Park Los Glaciares was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site to help preserve its huge, pristine water reservoir. It is one of the few remaining places on earth where one can drink straight from the rivers without worrying about catching the time-honored traveler's disease – diarrhea.

The natural landscape offers a kaleidoscope of colors in snow-capped mountains, large glaciers, turquoise lagoons, ancient forests and flowering valleys. It offers ample hiking opportunities, El Chaltén being one of the favorite areas where nature lovers come to admire the Fitz Roy Range – one of the most majestic mountains in the Andes Mountains.

Location and History of Estancia Helsingfors at Lago Viedma

On the south side of the enormous Lago Viedma lies a hidden jewel: Estancia Helsingfors. Arriving here feels like nothing less than having come to the end of the world, not least because the road literally ends here, and to continue deeper into the mountains one has to walk or take a horse. Estancia Helsingfors is beautifully situated along the lake Viedma, partially surrounded by forest-clad mountains; at least sixty-seven species of birds make it a twitcher's paradise.

When Alfred Ramstrong fled Finland in the beginning of the twentieth century and discovered this area of untamed nature, he decided to make it is home. He started an estancia and made a living keeping cattle and sheep. When National Park Los Glaciares was founded in 1937, the estancia fell within its borders. With its nomination as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the regulations became stricter and the family was forced to give up ranching and started a business in tourism.

Estancia Helsingfors – Ecological Meals, Wine Cellars and Outdoor Activities

The result is a remarkable lodge in a unique location. The eight hushed, warm rooms are well-furnished and nicely decorated, and have private bathrooms. The lounge with a large fireplace and reading material about the region at hand is all that is needed to pass a rainy day. While the atmosphere is informal and relaxed, the staff is dedicated and focused on personal service.

The visitor pays an all-inclusive price for accommodation, meals and activities. Ecological meals are served according to a week’s menu, but are of course adaptable to a visitor's wishes. Estancia Helsingfors has its own vegetable garden to guarantee an abundance of fresh vegetables, a wine cellar with a selection of Argentinean and Chilean vintage wines, and uses local products such as cheese, trout and lamb.

Outdoor activities in the surrounding Andes Mountains can be undertaken independently or with a bilingual guide. Options are hiking, horseback riding, a boat trip up the river [possibly in combination with trout fishing] and a boat trip by zodiac to Glacier Viedma.

Estancia Helsingfors – Location, Transportation and Reservations

Unique, Luxurious Accommodations in Argentina and Paraguay

Interested in unique get-aways amidst natural surroundings, where personal service is paramount? Here are some suggestions:

The copyright of the article Argentina – Estancia Helsingfors in Patagonia in Argentina Travel is owned by Karin-Marijke Vis. Permission to republish Argentina – Estancia Helsingfors in Patagonia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.