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 Karina Jozami  Patagonia Rowing |
Protagonists of the scenery, the Patagonian lakes are the summer stage in the mountain range. In addition to fly-fishing, which attracts anglers from all round the world, these crystal-clear water bodies offer excellent beaches for camping and the practice of various activities.
Olympic rowing is an alternative that allows sailing the lakes while practicing some sport and enjoying their matchless natural environments.
In San Martín de los Andes, the people from Patagonia Rowing propose several tours that include the beaches on Lake Lácar, as well as outings to Lakes Machónico, Meliquina and Hermoso, among other nearby spots. |
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On the Boat
Olympic rowing is one of the most complete water sports to be practiced by people of various ages and prior physical conditions. This kind of boat is safe and reliable, which enables both the rowers and the helmsman to experience a pleasant navigation.
After a brief technical lecture in order to learn how to coordinate the movement of the oars and the body, adventurers only have to choose some excursion or tour and start rowing.
A good start is to sail to la Islita (the Little Island), situated on the Northern shore of Lake Lácar. In only 3 or 4 hours, small beaches such as Blanca, Trompul and Lizazo can be reached and, after a snack, tourers start the way back. An alternative with a higher degree of demand is the tour to Catritre and Quila Quina Beaches, in the Southern area of Lake Lácar. In this case, the expedition makes a stop to have a snack at the area known as La Puntilla. The third option combines the previous two. It is an all-day circuit that passes by all these beautiful nooks of Lake Lácar. |
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Getting away from the center of the city, adventurers may sail across the Machónico. In order to reach this lake, they should drive along National Route 234, known as the Seven-Lake Road, for half an hour up to the lake trail, where the technical lecture is given and the boats are prepared. Navigation starts at the Machónico and continues along the Hermoso River, as wildlife sceneries of singular beauty are explored until Lake Pichi Machónico is reached.
On the quiet beach, rowers share some mate to recover strength and then they return rowing downstream. A delicious snack served on the beach and the return to the starting point close the intense day. |
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Going Farther
For those who think one day of adventure in the lake is not enough, Patagonia Rowing organizes special tours which take several days sailing and nights camping. One of the most popular is the Lácar–Nonthué lake circuit. The tour starts at the Lácar waterfront and continues along the entire Northern shore of the lake. Lunch is served at beautiful Yuco Beach, and then rowing continues up to the narrowness joining Lake Lácar and Lake Nonthué, one of the spectacular nooks of Lanín National Park.
Only 2 kilometers ahead, the campsite is set on Chachín Beach and, after a hike to the cascade and a delicious asado under the stars, the night finishes by rowing across the Nonthué. The following morning, the team returns bordering the southern shore of the Lácar, stopping at Ruca Ñire for lunch and then continuing up to Quila Quina, where the tour ends.
In the core of Patagonian nature, healthy sport and pleasant moments of comradeship define these outings on rowing boats. Not to be missed.
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No prior knowledge about navigation or rowing is required. The course consists in 8 practical lessons, open for all ages. There are also customized programs and training for people with visual impairment. |
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Patagonia Rowing Travesias
(8370) San Martín de los Andes - Neuquén - Argentina
Tel: +54 2972 42-3344 Cel: +54 (02944) 15-554713
 
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According to the kind of outing, half a day or all day with snack and picnic included. |
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