Nibepo Aike Excursion

Estancia Nibepo Aike
Far from mass tourism and close to El Calafate, the Estancia Nibepo Aike Excursion takes place

Description

A place that preserves the essence of old Patagonian estancias.
Originally named La Jerónima, Nibepo Aike spans over 12,000 hectares, bordered by the Southern Arm of Lake Argentino and the Chilean border, framed by the Andes Mountains. 

Dedicated to bovine production with a Hereford herd and bearing many vestiges of the sheep farming boom era, it is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the life of an authentic Patagonian estancia.

The Estancia Nibepo Aike excursion begins with a pick-up from hotels (1) at 8:30 AM.

Departing from El Calafate, we’ll take the gravel Route N° 15, also known as the “Estancias Road.”
During the journey, it’s common to encounter condors, foxes, and hares, with Cerro Frías as the main backdrop. After crossing the Río Rico, the steppe landscape changes abruptly, transforming into a mountainous landscape.
Arrival at the estancia after traveling along the shores of Roca Lake and entering Los Glaciares National Park.

Our host guide will welcome you to the estancia and accompany you to the Quincho (grill house), where you will be offered a hot beverage (tea, coffee, or mate) accompanied by homemade pastries.
A perfect pause to enjoy a magnificent view of the Andes Mountains.

We’ll begin a walk to tour the facilities of a typical Patagonian estancia that was formerly dedicated to sheep farming and has now become the most prestigious Hereford herd in these latitudes, while also maintaining a flock of sheep.

During the walk, you’ll have excellent views of the Southern Arm of Argentino Lake, discovering various rocky outcrops eroded by glacial action and changes in lake levels. There, you can clearly appreciate the folds of the Earth’s crust, differentiated by the variety of sediments that gave rise to them.
These formations continue until reaching a point where the rocks form a natural amphitheater, giving rise to very calm beaches with curious shapes.

Through trails, we’ll discover a forest of lengas and ñires, where caranchos, cachañas, hares, woodpeckers, eagles, and a wide variety of native flora and fauna inhabit. The route may vary depending on weather conditions.

After the walk, the group will meet at the shearing shed door.
An opportunity to learn about a shearing shed with all its components and understand the work of shearing crews.
The process will be explained from shearing the animal to making the wool bale, the way in which wool is stacked and transported.

As a system, it will be used manual shears as it was done in all estancias in the past until the appearance of the mechanical handle with a cutting comb, a much faster and more practical system.

Immediately afterward, there will be a “reining test” for riders or, depending on the daily rural activities, work with livestock in the corrals near the main house. Among the daily activities, visitors can also participate in the morning milking and the afternoon sheep herding, thus concluding a typical day’s work at the estancia. These activities are subject to weather conditions.

Returning to the Quincho where the lamb is being roasted on a spit, we will emphasize the history of the place and recall anecdotes and stories of the first settlers.

Crossing the vegetable garden where most of the vegetables consumed at the estancia come from, we will arrive at the Quincho where the Asador (grill master) will already have the roast ready for diners to enjoy a delicious Patagonian lamb while admiring the imposing Cordillera view.
Meanwhile, life on the estancia continues and it is common to see gauchos on horseback herding cattle and/or sheep and disappearing over the horizon.

Returning to El Calafate, having experienced the life of a typical Patagonian estancia will give us a new perspective on things, finding more meaning in the immense Patagonian landscapes characterized by the infinite and the remote.

Itinerary

• 8:30 am: Tour begins with hotel pickup (1).
• 10:00 am: Welcome to the estancia by your guide.
  Enjoy tea, coffee, mate, fried pastries, and homemade bread.
  Beginning of hiking and activities.
  Milking (seasonal), sheep herding.
  Hike along the southern arm of Argentino Lake.
  Visit the shearing shed with a demonstration and museum.
  Horseback riding demonstration.
  Lunch.
  Free time to enjoy nature.
• 3:00 pm: Departure for El Calafate.
• 4:30 pm: Approximate arrival in El Calafate.

Details

Difficulty level: low.
The excursion is suitable for all ages.
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
No wheelchair access.
Duration: 8 hours.
Departure times:
8:30 AM: Tour starts from hotels. In April, tours start at 8:00 AM.
Daily departures from September 15th to May 15th.
Language: Spanish and English
Includes:
Hotel pickup and drop-off (1).
(1) Pick-up is available from hotels, hostels, lodges, cabin complexes, or apartments with 24-hour reception. Pick-ups are not available from daily rental apartments or other accommodations without a reception. In these cases, please provide the accommodation address so we can find the nearest hotel.
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles.
Bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
Activities and show.
Does not include:
Additional food, drinks, or any other item not mentioned.
Tips.
National Park entrance fee
45-minute horseback ride-optional-.
Lunch.
Grilled lamb, chorizo, and blood sausage, with salads and dessert.
Beverages: 1 glass of wine or 1 non-alcoholic drink.
Vegetarian or celiac options available (please notify us via email after purchase).
When to book? Book now to secure your spot. The calendar shows availability.
Electronic voucher: You will receive your digital voucher, which you just have to show from your cell phone.

Rates

These may vary depending on the date of travel.
Enter the calendar, select the date you want to hire the excursion or service to verify the current value for the day of your interest.

Tips – FAQs

• On a sunny day, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and water.
• Don’t trust Patagonian sun, always bring a coat.
• In winter, wear a hat, gloves and a warm jacket, if it is waterproof the better.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walks.
• Do we visit the town?
  No, the tour takes place entirely at the estancia.
  
• Is the guide with us throughout the tour?
  Yes, the guide will accompany you during all outdoor activities.
• Are meals included?
  Lunch is included.
• Are there restrooms available?
  Yes, there are restrooms on site.

If you have any problems booking or need a different service, please get in touch, our staff is at your disposal.

Payments

The price of all our services is the same for any of the payment options we offer.
They include taxes.
Billing is to the reservation holder.

Payment method:
Payment is made by Paypal from the website or by requesting the payment link.

IMPORTANT: our company does not collect credit card information by email or WhatsApp, they are confidential.

Cancellations

• Up to 48 hours before service without charge.
• Only the expenses incurred according to the payment method, if any, will be applied.
• Refunds are made by the same means with which the payment was made.
• If you cancel with less time and are not at your hotel at the time of the search, no refund will be given.