Patagonia Retreat – Wild: A Yoga & Wellness Adventure Led by Ashley Bourgeois with Wild Path
Patagonia Retreat – Hostería Los Hielos
Dates: October 10 – 20, 2017
Location: Buenos Aires – El Calafate – El Chalten – El Calafate – Buenos Aires
Rates: Starting at $3,999 CAD per person (double occupancy) plus GST (5%)
International Flights are not included – must depart Canada on October 9 to arrive in Buenos Aires for October 10, 2017
Wild – A retreat for those who have curiosity to explore…
- Daily yoga and meditation
- Daily adventures in the beautiful Patagonia landscape such as hiking, kayaking, and exploring the glaciers
- Level One workshop on creating your own vision and goals
- Experience authentic Argentine customs
Tour Details:
Ashley Bourgeois
Travel to the edge of the world to Patagonia Argentina for an incredible Yoga & Wellness Adventure led by Ashley Bourgeois with Wild Path! You will begin your journey on this Patagonia Retreat in Argentina in El Calafate, a quaint town located where the Santa Cruz plateau meets the Andes and the gateway to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Patagonia is a special place where nature grows wild, barren and beautiful – the abundance of incredible landscapes, open spaces, and pristine rivers make this destination a nature-lover’s paradise and the perfect setting for a retreat.
The Patagonia Retreat will be based at the Hostería Los Hielos a beautiful boutique hotel located near the edge of town in a serene location with views of Argentino Lake. This will be our home base for the first 4 days and Ashley will guide you with daily yoga/meditation practices, coaching sessions, and outdoor adventures. You will be eating 3 healthy meals a day and have extra time to explore the incredible region of Patagonia and immerse yourself in the local culture.
After spending 4 days in El Calafate, you will venture to El Chalten: this colorful village overlooks the stunning northern sector of Parque National Los Glaciares. Some of the world’s best trekking can be found in this region, so the group will gear up for a 2 day trekking/camping experience.
Exploring – During your 8 days in Patagonia, you will be combining daily yoga/meditation practice with daily adventures exploring the beautiful local environment. This includes an excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier! Glaciar Perito Moreno is among the Earth’s most dynamic and accessible ice fields making it a must see in southern Patagonia. This amazing glacier is 30km long, 5km wide and 60m high, but what makes it exceptional is its constant advance – it creeps forward up to 2m per day so you can literally experience it moving. You will also have an opportunity to explore the region on foot on the many hiking opportunities available including a 2 day trekking experience in El Chalten.
Authentic Argentina Customs – You can’t go to Patagonia without experiencing life on an Estancia. We will be spending the day at Estancia Nibepo Aike, which is far from mass tourism but readily accessible from El Calafate. This place retains the essence of the old Patagonian estancias. Originally named La Jerónima, Nibepo Aike covers an area of over 12,000 hectares, bounded by the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino and the border with Chile, set in the Andes mountain range. Dedicated to cattle rearing with a breeding herd of Hereford and many remnants from the times when sheep production was at its height, it is an ideal spot for immersing yourself in the life of an authentic Patagonian estancia.
This 8 day Patagonia Retreat is designed to feed your sense of adventure, reconnect you with nature in it’s rawest form, and of course rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit through Ashley’s teachings.
About Ashley Bourgeois:
Ash Bourgeois is a Winnipeg-based yoga teacher (E-RYT 500), clarity coach, Lululemon ambassador and creator of Wild Path; a movement of connection to naturalness. She is passionate about exploring the benefits of both yoga, meditation and nature, she encourages all her students to build a holistic relationship with the outdoors and draw energy from their surroundings. As a clarity coach, she encourages her clients to connect to their courageous heart and to shift from anxiety to clarity as they set their vision and goals for the future.
Extend your Trip and Join Ashley on the Coast for a Whale & Penguin Excursion:
Travel to Puerto Madryn (70 km / about 1 hour drive) a scenic coastal town in Argentina that is home to guanacos, lesser rheas, Patagonian foxes, Hairy Armadillos and some of the most important rookeries of protected South American Sea Lion and Elephant Seal colonies. Also common in this region are the Magellanic Penguins, Oystercatchers, Dolphin Gulls, Kelp Gulls, Cormorants and an abundance of varied native plants species.
During this 4 Day Excursion you will get a chance to take in the beautiful coastal scenery, view some amazing flora and fauna, and visit small villages along the coast. One of the highlights is visiting the Estancia San Lorenzo: Built in 1906, the estancia is a 12,600-acre property covering a portion of the San Matias Gulf coast. The estancia is dedicated to sheep breeding, though is noted for its private rookery of over 200,000 Magellan penguins.
More details on the itinerary can be found below.
- Daily yoga/meditation and coaching sessions led by Ashley
- Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier
- Self-guided hiking excursions - weather permitted
- 2 day trekking adventure in El Chalten
- 3 delicious healthy meals prepared daily - can accommodate to any special food requests
- Traditional group yerba mate sessions in El Calafate
- Authentic Argentinian BBQ at an Estancia
- 8 Nights: 4 at the beautiful Hosteria Los Hielos, 4 nights in the El Chalten Region
- Relax in beautiful common areas that overlook the Patagonian Landscape
- Access to a variety of unique activities such as glacier treks, hiking, and wildlife viewing
Depart Canada on October 9, 2017 with Air Canada flight to Buenos Aires.
Arrive in Buenos Aires at 1:40pm on October 10th - spend the night at Hotel near the airport.
October 11 - Depart on a domestic flight to El Calafate in Patagonia where you will begin your journey.
*Please note that there is one more Hotel night in Buenos Aires included in the price prior to departure back to Canada.
Our itinerary is set but flexible and open for those spontaneous moments to occur. Each day will include a yoga/meditation practice and a coaching session led by Ashley. This retreat will also allow you to immerse yourself in the Patagonian lifestyle with daily traditional mate drinking, eating delicious locally prepared meals, and enjoying the beautiful rugged landscape that shapes their culture.
We will also have one day set aside for an excursion to visit the Perito Moreno Glacier, an incredible glacier that is constantly creeping as much as 2 metres each day! We will plan an excursion where you can get close and personal with the glacier and experience it's spectacular power!
A Typical Day…
Wake up at 7am with a morning yoga session followed by a delicious healthy breakfast and a traditional mate ceremony. After breakfast go for a stroll along the Argentino Lake and return just in time for lunch. After lunch trek through the beautiful landscape of Patagonia. The evenings you will have the option of attending a coaching session in the beautiful common space followed by a delicious locally sourced meal. On our last night together in El Calafate we will have an authentic Argentinian BBQ - vegetarian options will be available.
2 Day Trek in El Chalten: FITZ ROY & TORRE.
Day 1: Transfer from El Chalten to Hosteria El Pilar (17 km). Start of the trekking through the forest trail, bordering the Río Blanco until reaching the Piedras Blancas glacier (1.30 h). After 1 hour, you get to Poincenot camp, from where you cross the bridge over the river to get to Base Camp Rio Blanco, which is used by climbers. At this point, you go up to Laguna de los Tres (400m altitude gain, 2.30 hours up and down) to have the best view of Mount Fitz Roy, the nearest to which you can walk. Overnight in mountain tent at Poincenot.
Day 2: After breakfast, trekking down the trail Madre e Hija to Laguna Torre (3 hours), and arriving there to enjoy the view of the lagoon, Glacier and Cerro Torre. If the group has energies, the guide will take you through a moraine ridge to the old Maestri camp, which will have a different view as is on a natural viewpoint of the Glacier and Cerro Torre. Return to Chaltén through the trail of Fitz Roy river (3h), around 4.00 pm. End of the program.
Technical difficulty: Beginner. Personal Requirement: Moderate
Optional activities can be arranged either beforehand or upon arrival throughout Patagonia and Argentina.
More details on additional activities to do before or after the retreat coming soon!
El Calafate: Los Hielos is a beautiful boutique hotel located in El Calafate with 14 comfortable rooms, near the edge of town, near the costal road and with views toward Argentino lake. Only 300 metres from Los Hielos, you will find the road that leads to the National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier (located 80 kms from El Calafate).
The common living room offers views of the Patagonian landscape; all rooms feature a private bathroom, a seating area, a cable TV and views of the lake. Rooms are double occupancy, if you require a single room let us know and we will provide you with a quote.
More info on our accommodations can be found at http://hotelloshielos.com.
El Chalten: At the very doors of El Chaltén, within Los Glaciares National Park, at the foot of the Fitz Roy Hill, Senderos Hostería is waiting for you. Of typical Patagonian architecture, inspired in antique farms from 1920 and with all the modern hotel comfort, Senderos Hostería offers guests the unique experience to feel and live this outstanding spirit reflected in decoration and mainly shown by the warm and personalized service of its professional staff.
The 21 rooms and other spaces in Senderos Hostería have been designed to offer guests warmth, privacy and peace of mind during their stay. More details found at http://www.senderoshosteria.com.ar/lahosteria_en.html.
Price includes:
- Daily yoga/meditation and coaching sessions led by Ashley
- Self-guided hiking excursions - weather permitted
- Perito Moreno Glacier Excursion
- 3 delicious healthy meals prepared daily - can accommodate to any special food requests
- Daily traditional group yerba mate sessions in El Calafate
- Authentic Argentinian BBQ at an Estancia
- 4 Nights Accommodations at the beautiful Hosteria Los Hielos (double occupancy available)
- 3 Nights Accommodation at the Hosteria Senderos in El Chalten
- 2 day overnight trek to Fitz & Torre (camping)
- Access to a variety of unique activities such as glacier treks, hiking, and wildlife viewing
- Use of all common areas at the Hotels
- One Way Domestic Airfare from Buenos Aires to El Calafate
- Airport transfers from El Calafate & El Chalten
- Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary such as the Perito Moreno Glacier activity
- 2 nights accommodations in Buenos Aires (upon arrival and before departure)
Price does not include:
- International Travel to El Calafate
- Insurance
- Additional activities
- Tips and Gratuities
Travel Roots can provide assistance to book your international flights. Please arrive in Buenos Aires on October 10, 2017. Recommended to depart Canada/US on October 9, 2017.
If you decide to spend more time travelling in Patagonia and Argentina we are happy to provide assistance on planning your trip itinerary!
Trekking Details:
Included:
- Bilingual trekking Guide
- Receptive urban in / out
- Camp assistant.
- Private transfers to the beginning of the trails.
- Tent Mountain for passengers
- In some camps, Dining Tent, depending on the program and the base camps
- Sleeping bag and insulating
- Meals for the duration of the program, and soft drinks
Recommendations:
Suitable clothes: waterproof, gore tex, Ultrex, or similar fabric, trekking shoes. Glasses and sunscreen. It is recommended that the passenger is accustomed to walking, and above all, intense or demanding programs, be in good physical condition. The weather in Patagonia is usually variable, and in the vicinity of Fitz Roy / Torre, which is mountain range, making it difficult to accurately predict the weather. For this reason, the guide acts as the "Chief Expedition", and it is he who decides whether to change the program. Often a little wind in the summer. So in one day "live" all seasons: warm, heat, humidity and cold.
Day 1 - Trelew - Puerto Mardryn - Arrival in Trelew. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Puerto Madryn (70 km- 1 hour drive). This is a private transfer with English speaking driver. Accommodation.
Day 2 - Puerto Madrid - Valdés Peninsula - This full day tour exploring the wildlife of the Peninsula will aim to seek out guanacos, lesser rheas, Patagonian foxes, Hairy Armadillos and some of the most important rookeries of protected South American Sea Lion and Elephant Seal colonies. Also common in this region are the Magellanic Penguins, Oystercatchers, Dolphin Gulls, Kelp Gulls, Cormorants and an abundance of varied native plants species.
An early morning start takes us out of the city to the Valdes Peninsula Visitor’s Centre. This is a good place to start for general orientation, information of the native wildlife of the area and a general background to the Peninsula.
From the Centre, we travel to Isla de los Pájaros lookout, a great stopping point to observe birdlife and take in the surrounding scenery. A 30km gravel road then takes us to Puerto Pirámides, a small coastal village and the starting point for whale watching tours in the region.
Puerto Piramides is also home to a small Sea Lion colony which is well worth a visit. Next stop is Punta Delgada, the Southernmost tip of the Valdes Peninsula, known for its dramatic shoreline and an abundance of Elephant Seals. Having spent time exploring Punta Delgada, we head to Caleta Valdés for lunch (not included). The prevalence of sea mammals here can rival that of any section of coastline.
From June to December we will include a 2-hour whale watching tour while in Puerto Piramides to catch sight of these amazing sea giants.
After this fulfilling experience we reach our hotel and check in. Overnight.
Day 3 - Valdes Peninsula - Second day exploring this incredible wildlife paradise. The target of today is: Penguins!
Near Punta Norte we find Estancia San Lorenzo. Built in 1906, the estancia is a 12,600-acre property covering a portion of the San Matias Gulf coast. The estancia is dedicated to sheep breeding, though is noted for its private rookery of over 200,000 Magellan penguins.
This afternoon we switch back and cut across the Peninsula, taking in the dramatically different Lowlands and salt beds in the heart of Valdes. Along the way there will be plenty of opportunity to stop, explore, take photographs and spot wildlife in this ecologically diverse region of Argentina.
Return to Puerto Piramides for a second overnight.
Day 4 - Valdes Peninsula - Trelew - Day at leisure, until time for your private transfer with English speaking guide to the airport in Trelew.
Rates: $1450 USD per person
International Flights:
From Canada it is recommended to fly with Air Canada via Toronto on October 9th with Flight # 92. The flight will arrive in Buenos Aires at 1:40pm on October 10. Travel Roots can provide assistance with this flight option. The group will stay in a Hotel near the airport in Buenos Aires for the night of October 10.
Domestic Flights:
To ensure that the group arrives at the same time, a one way domestic flight is included in the package price from Buenos Aires to El Calafate. The flight will depart the morning of October 11.
Domestic Travel back to Buenos Aires will be arranged separately based on whether the individual would like to participate in any additional excursions in Argentina.