Estancia Menelik
This old Patagonian ranch occupies a privileged location on the approach to Perito Moreno National Park.
Crossed by the Belgrano River, its Andean foothill landscape is framed by majestic Mount San Lorenzo in a land through which explorers and visionary travelers passed when the country was in its formative years.
Horseback rides offer moving vistas of the neighboring national park, with its turquoise-colored lakes.
Here, nature lovers will come into full contact with the native flora and fauna of the Patagonian steppe.
You are shown the main house, museum and shearing shed, and are given briefings on Patagonian ranch activities and customs.
Owner: Cielos Patagónicos S.A.
Season: November-April
Activities and Excursions
Another language Horseback rides Trekking Cave paintings Library or Reading room Private museum Birdwatching Pets allowed
Perito Moreno National Park excursions:
As the ranch house is very close to the national park (15 km), we enter it from the Parks Board station from which scenic-view roads branch off to lakes Burmeister, Belgrano and Volcán. We stop off at the old El Rincón ranch and Mount León.

Horseback ride to the Mansilla Lagoon and Piedras Clavadas:
Duration: 1 day.
We leave early in the morning, riding across the Patagonian steppe to the Mansilla Lagoon, habitat of black-necked swans, flamingoes, grebes and southern wigeons. We continue through an area called Piedras Clavadas, a series of impressive 150-meter-high geological formations full of marine fossils. After a picnic lunch, we return to the house.

This excursion can also be done in a 4WD to the Mansilla Lagoon, continuing from there on horseback to Piedras Clavadas and returning for a snack in front of the lagoon, enjoying the view and the sounds of the birds.

Horseback ride to the Aguila Plateau:
This ride is done with a local guide.
We ride up to the Aguila Plateau, from which we have an excellent view of Mount San Lorenzo, the Andes and Perito Moreno National Park with its lakes. We will stop by some Tehuelche parapets that are being studied by Parks Board anthropologists, who will show and explain to us what they are doing.

Hike on the Viento Trail:
Duration: 2 hours.
We hike along the Viento Trail to a moraine from which we have a panoramic view of Perito Moreno National Park on one side, and the Belgrano River valley on the other. We cross the river on a rudimentary bridge and return to the ranch house.

Hike to the Mansilla Lagoon:
Once at the lagoon, you will be given printed birders’ information.
We can also drive you to the lagoon.

Accommodations:
-3 double rooms with private bathroom.
-1 quadruple room with private bathroom.
-Shelter with capacity for 34 people (bunk beds), share bathroom, kitchen and services.
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Location:
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Aprox. Distances:
International Airport Comodoro Rivadavia 617 Km
El Calafate 453 Km
Nearby cities Perito Moreno 296 Km
El Chalten 311 Km
Bus Station Gob. Gregores 190 Km
Perito Moreno 296 Km
Border cross Paso Roballos 260 Km
Chile Chico 356 Km
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Pictures: Estancias de Santa Cruz, Patagonia - Luis A. Franke

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