Largo Argentino - Mayo Spirit Trek

Today’s adventure started with a boat ride from Punta Bandera on Largo Argentino (the largest fresh water body in Argentina). We sailed to Bahai Toro where we went for a short and easy hike through a dense old growth rain forest that is only about 20km from the Pacific Ocean, but on the Atlantic side of the Andes mountains. The rain forest climate comes from all the moisture that is pulled from the air as it rises over the Andes mountains. Next was a waterfall, more like a cascade that dropped over 1000ft from a near by mountain. Hiking back to the boat along the rocky beach we then set sail to Cerro Negro with spectacular views of a hanging glacier and another cascading water fall. The Mountain View’s from here were breathtaking. Back on the boat, we ate the lunch we brought with us and sailed to Perito Moreno Glacier which is known for choking off the water between Brazo Rico and Brazo Mayo. In the spring there can be almost 100ft of difference in water level and when the glacier starts to melt, the water flow between the two bodies of water cause some spectacular calving. We hiked up to a near by peak for great views of the Perito Moreno Glacier and walked along a raised path (with lots of stairs) back down to the lake and back to the boat. The sail back to port was amazing with very light winds, warm sun, and bluebird skies. For dinner we went to the restaurant owned by our guide to El Chatan, and had a chance to meet his family at the restaurant. Exciting day with lots of sun, and Calafate beer!Read more