Description
This expedition explores the Estancia 25 de Mayo Nature Reserve, a vast territory where the history and raw beauty of Patagonia come together in their purest form.
The journey begins along Provincial Route Nº15, leading to the heart of the reserve. The first stop is an old stone outpost, once home to the first family to settle on the estancia. In this historic setting, visitors are introduced to the story of the region: from the early days of sheep farming, through the decline of wool production, to its present role as a protected natural area.
The route then ventures deeper into increasingly remote landscapes, where the surrounding mountains become the only reference point. Here, native flora and fauna coexist with 70-million-year-old fossils, remnants of an ancient shoreline. Visitors will see giant fossilized oysters, once part of a reef, imprinted in stone, as well as traces of prehistoric plants, extinct giant animals, and clusters of ancient crab fossils, remarkably preserved at over 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) above sea level.
This pristine Patagonian steppe is also home to abundant wildlife: large guanaco herds, rheas (South American ostriches), and the majestic Andean condor, gliding overhead in a timeless spectacle.
The expedition continues south, approaching the border with Chile, where an impressive panoramic viewpoint invites a pause to enjoy the traditional Argentinian mate, accompanied by local artisanal delicacies.
After about an hour and a half of travel, the route reaches La Sección, a charming house furnished in original English style, offering a cozy atmosphere with a spacious living and dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and auxiliary spaces. Here, a typical countryside lunch (or dinner) is served, with breathtaking views of the Patagonian wilderness as a backdrop.
The return to El Calafate includes scenic stops, offering elevated views over the vast Lake Argentino and the majestic Andes Mountain Range.