Activities
RIVER SANTA CRUZ
Situated at 50 South latitude, the river is fed by the thawing of rivers and brooks that flow to Lago Viedma, River Leona and Lake Argentino. The river is more than 400 km long with a width varying from 100 to 1500 meters. Its maximum volume of water is 1.300 m3 per second. Average during the month of March is 700 m3 per second.
On the banks of the river you can fish “criolla” trout (perch), rainbow trout, sea bass, lake salmon.
On the Monte León Island you can fish pejerrey, sea bass, mussels and king crab among other species.
We will tour the historic area of River Santa Cruz. Departure from Pavón island, sailing up or down river according to tide and weather conditions.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF DARWIN THROUGH PATAGONIA |
The Monte León Lodge, inside Argentina’s Monte León Leon National Park, can arrange boat trips up the Santa Cruz River following the route of Charles Darwin’s expedition in 1834. It takes three days and two nights to reach the source of the river at Lake Argentina.
While the Beagle was undergoing repairs, Darwin and Captain Fitzroy travelled up the river to find its source, and we can still see some of the same sights; herds of wild guanaco drinking on the riverbanks, families of Sheldgeese feeding along the shore, Rheas darting across the rapids, Silvery Grebes building their floating nests, and Black Neck Swans paddling serenely. With constantly shifting weather, the immense sky and endless vistas are seen in a rich palette of changing colour and light.
Deep into in this vast wilderness, we will feel part of the Patagonian steppe, where the time stands still to reveal the mysteries of the past.
The journey reminds us of the fragile balance between man and nature, and the importance of caring for the environment. Travelling through these vast landscapes stimulates our curiosity about the history of the original inhabitants and leads us to wonder what drove the first Europeans to explore this remote terrain.
Each day our 140 horsepower launch takes us upstream for eight to ten hours, stopping to enjoy a well deserved lunch surrounded by scenery unchanged since prehistoric times. We disembark before sunset to a the comfortable camp that has been set up by in advance, and settle in to await the magic of a night deep in the heart of Patagonia. There is time to explore the surroundings on foot while supper is laid out. Our meals are prepared using organic ingredients, and the vegetables from our own gardens at the Monte León Lodge.
Our all terrain vehicle follows along a land route and is in radio contact with the boat to provide safety and logistical support.
The voyage to Lake Argentina is an unforgettable experience. We provide everything needed to allow you to enjoy a unique journey into the past through a landscape that is lost in time.
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