posted by Catherine on Sep 2
Heading To South America for a bit of eco adventure!
There are some fantastic wildlife areas in Argentina and the country has so much to offer the visitor that I thought I would try to interest you in some of the eco lodges here that offer that little bit of uniqueness that you would expect from your vacation.
The following 3 locations are spread over the country and include stays in locally run estancia – a large ranch or farm estate.
La Alegría Eco Lodge - Misiones, Iguazu Area:
A small and personal destination submersed in the jungles and waterways of this ancient and wildlife-filled part of the country.
There are only ever a maximum of 6 guests so there is no overcrowding or overuse of resources. There is also little need to stock up with excessive amount of other supplies as the types of guest this attracts are not there for just a ’sunny vacation with all the extras’ – people come here to be at one with nature and to explore the many habitats in peace!
Accommodation is in log cabins, designed and heated in the traditional ways. The freshwater swimming pool is fed by a 100% hydraulic pump from the nearby stream and isn’t treated with chemicals.
Most of the meals are grown and prepared on site, and the hosts join their guests for all meals allowing for some great story telling and traditional celebrations! Your hosts Patricia and Marcelo are also experts on the local area and offer guided tours, horseback trails and other adventures.
Or they just leave you alone to find your own way or just relax in the pool!
Yacutinga Lodge - Misiones, Iguazu Area:
Not far from that lodge is this unique biological lodge that has links to a wildlife reserve and the work of the WWF – as a result it is a bit pricier!
The buildings are made of local materials and set in harmony with natures shapes, totally integrated and the wildlife habitats are literally on your doorstep. Each of the fantastic and spacious rooms has it’s own private and uninterrupted view of the forest outside.
The outside comes inside here, and fallen trees and plants fill the reception and rooms – making it a bit quirky. Almost everything used is from the forests – yet only 4 out of the 570 acres of this pristine wilderness are inhabited by the buildings.
Activities here range from helping out with surveying, planting of indigenous trees, to awareness courses on the natural resources and guided walks. There are thousands of trees, plants, birds, insects and mammals to find in these forests and the funds from your visit will help to make sure that they remain there!
Rincón del Socorro - Esteros del Ibera.
This delightful 12,000 hectare former cattle ranch has been amazingly transformed into a nature reserve by it’s current owners. Using identical resources and techniques they have restored the farm house over 2 years – but adding the modern touch.
Covering both wetland and savannah habitats there will be plenty of places you can just get away from it all by yourself – or get immersed in the whole wildlife packages that the hosts offer.
There are plenty of activities on offer, including horseback riding, canoeing and wildlife watching – and nearly all activities are included in the price so you can make the most of it all. Sit yourself down in the tack room for a traditional drink of afternoon ‘mate’, of wander around the wonderfully restored buildings.
Meals are mainly local and organic and the meat is free-range – well, there is no shortage of land here! Using local traditional foods and gourmet dishes for meals, there is something for everyone, and the local wines will no doubt go down a treat!
September 4th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Another great South American ecolodge is La Cocotera resort in El Salvador. It’s a gorgeous beachfront property that’s perfect for a relaxing getaway that is environmentally friendly too!