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Breaking away…
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In the month of March (Marzo), we in Argentina are blessed with two extra long (4 day) weekends!!! This is the perfect opportunity to get out of the city and do some exploring. This time of year is ideal for all types of adventures; from the glaciers in the south to the waterfalls in the north. But if you haven鈥檛 come to Argentina for the cold, then this could be an ideal time to see the south. While temperatures are still averaging 15藲C (60藲F) and the sight of the glaciers on those clear blue days are made even more spectacular by the thundering sound of ice breaking off and tumbling into the icy waters below.
El Calafate is typically the base for this type of exploration, situated centrally between many glaciers with its own airport. While flights leave regularly from Buenos Aires through LAN Argentina or Aerolineas Argentinas, they are not always reliable, so don鈥檛 plan your trip too tightly or you might be in frantic rescheduling. The town of El Calafate is quaint and has undergone rapid development as a result of the increased interest in the quickly disappearing glaciers. The town is full of souvenir stores but be prepared to pay tourist prices for them!
The main attraction is the Perito Moreno Glacier, situated 85km (53miles) from El Calafate (a magnificent drive). Options of viewing the Glacier range from a lengthy walkway with many picture-perfect vantage points or a boat trip to get you closer to the action. Another breath-taking experience is the Upsala Glacier, reached from El Calafate by boat, with its surrounding old-english estancias. The Upsala Glacier is losing approximately 200m of ice a year, and has been the Greenpeace poster for Global Warming effects.
In the area, the spectacular Fitzroy Mountain can also be visited. These attractions are disbursed over quite a wide area and can be reached only by car or bus. There are a number of companies offering day trip to these sights and for those more daring, there are a number of car rental companies in downtown El Calafate.
All in all, El Calafate offers a clean break from the big smoke, Buenos Aires. Its fresh air, wide open spaces and once in a lifetime view will quench the thirst for an outdoor adventure and can be achieved comfortably over four days. For these upcoming long weekends, consider an escape to the greener pastures of El Calafate.
For those electing to stay in the city, or those looking for a different adventure, stay tuned for what Elebaires has on offer. These alternatives will be announced in the coming weeks and are sure to please.