El Calafate & El Chaltén vacation, Patagonia

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Posada los Alamos, in El Calafate, is part of Hoteles Más Verdes, an eco-label "Greener Hotels" is the designation that recognizes and certifies those hotels that demonstrate sustainable management, environmental respect, and social responsibility towards the community and the tourist destination in which they operate.

They have a botanic garden. The aim of it is to supply the hotel with aromatic spices, edible flowers, vegetables, and specialties produced to please the guests in every dish that is served at La Posta Restaurant. Everything is produced ecologically and makes resources more efficient: drip irrigation, fertilizing with a compound made in the hotel, rotation, and association of crops, and use of ecological means for the treatment of infestation. The greenhouse was built with old windows recycled from the hotel. It is to be committed to sustainability.

They also have a swimming plot project. Watching the complexity of maintaining a lake of 180 square meters in an economic way from the hydric and energetic resources, a sustainable scenic project was developed.

Two species were chosen to be used in this plot: lavenders, exotic plants of great rusticity and well adapted to the climate of this place with little hydric and nutritional requirements, and stipas and thatches that are native species. Both of them have low incidence of infestations and diseases. It is beautiful to see these plants “dancing with the Patagonian wind”.
Refugio de Glaciares is part of B companies, they aim to be sustainable in all aspects. This lodge is carbon neutral with the aim of compensating the ecological footprint of all the guests, with the amount of forest that is growing inside their ranch. This lodge is an original project focused on research, conservation, and development linked to tourism in a private reserve of 7,500 hectares along Provincial Route 41. The estate is part of an extensive natural conservation corridor that includes Los Glaciares National Park and the Lago del Desierto Provincial Reserve. An environment where guests and researchers share the generous display of nature with all its magic in a Patagonian-style inn located in the central area of the estate in the Río de Las Vueltas Valley.

All meals in Refugio de Glacaires can be vegan or vegetarian

The activities chosen in El Calafate and Chaltén are small group experiences, that combine biking and trekking, just as the bike tour in Estancia 25 de Mayo or the trekking in the private reserve of Refugio de Glaciares.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Posada los Alamos has containers signalized for the waste generated in the hotel, inadequate conditions of hygiene, and security to give it to institutions or companies where it can be reused or recycled.
In Refugio de Glaciares reserve they have stable populations of torrent duck and frequent sightings of huemul, a national natural monument, in danger of extinction. In addition, an ancient and extensive lenga forest.

All guides are park rangers, specializing in Los Glaciares National Park

We always search for alternative activities to those usually chosen by large groups of tourists so that you can have more intimate and authentic experiences, without missing out on the most emblematic places in Argentina. For example, the visit of the Perito Moreno with Nibepo Aike Ranch is done in small groups, in a 20-person boat instead of the 300-person boats that do the Perito Moreno every day.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

At Posada los Alamos, the team is dedicated to fostering a positive working environment that encourages their collaborators to feel genuinely part of the organization. This commitment goes beyond mere employment; it promotes active and engaged participation, leading to overall happiness among staff members. As a family-owned hotel, run by the Girometti de Guatti family, Posada los Alamos embodies a personal touch and deep connection to the local community.

Similarly, Refugio de Glaciares is also locally owned, ensuring that the benefits of tourism stay within the region.

During this trip, we have the opportunity to visit local estancias, such as Nibepo Aike, a charming family-owned ranch. This experience allows travelers to immerse themselves in and learn about the rich gaucho culture that defines Argentina and Patagonia.

All guides on this journey are park rangers, highly knowledgeable and specializing in the natural wonders of Los Glaciares National Park, ensuring that visitors gain a deeper understanding of the unique ecosystem.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY, AND DIVERSITY

All our guides are local Argentinian professionals, providing an authentic perspective on the region’s culture and environment.

This trip is not only welcoming but also LGBTQ+ friendly, creating a safe space for all travelers. We place a strong emphasis on training in diversity and inclusion, participating in courses provided by various organizations to enhance our awareness and practices.

Our local agency has implemented a comprehensive diversity strategy that promotes equal employment opportunities regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or nationality.

Furthermore, our local agency, along with our partners at the destination, is committed to paying wages that exceed the minimum, reflecting our dedication to fair labor practices and the well-being of our team. This commitment helps to foster a more inclusive and equitable community, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.