Argentina
- 1 - 14 March 2009 - Trip of a lifetime!
This will be one of the best trips that you’ll ever do. The flying, the country, and the people are incredible!
The Flying
The flying is all big site stuff in thermic conditions. We’ll be flying Cuchi, Merlo and Nono, all in the Alta Cumbres.
Cuchi is your first glimpse of flying in Argentina and as you approach take-off you notice the Condors circling in the thermals and finally you get your first glimpse of landscape in front. It really does look like something out of Jurrasic Park with lush vegetation and a crystal clear river meandering along the valley. The take-off is clean and easy but once airborne you have a choice; either a left or right to go for the house thermals which can be quite strong, or to head out to a lower ridge called “Permenincia” which has a soft, continuous, upslope flow and even lower experience pilots can fly for hours on end. Landing at the bottom is in a huge cleared field; again, really easy. Gathering your glider you have a 3 minute walk to the river for a cooling dip and a cold drink from the snack bar.
Merlo, like Cuchi is on the edge of the Alta Cumbres mountains although it is much higher site. The take-off looks very much like an alpine piste with the ground falling steeply away for over 1000m to the flat lands below. The ridge that the take-off sits on stretches for over 150 km and is breathtaking to fly. Both the take-off and landing area are, again, big, open and easy. In the evenings at Merlo we head into town which is a bit like Val d’Isere meets the wild west –very, very cool.
Our final destination is Nono, a picturesque town that attracts a lot of artists and has a very eclectic feel. There are 2 take-offs and both offer superb opportunities for easy thermalling as well as outstanding XC potential. As with Merlo , Nono is on the edge of the escarpment however unlike Merlo , with height there is a ridge behind the take-off that can be accessed. The main landing field has a terrific little cantina as well as a great river to swim in.
To make the most of the flying we’ve got 3 local pilots as guides. For this sort flying, experienced local guides are essential and save us a great deal of wasted time as well as providing retrives.
Video of flying in Argentina http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcpE80SRBS8
Accomodation
Visiting 3 separate areas we will have 3 separate places to stay. We’ll be in comfortable, well appointed cottages, all with pool and in beautiful grounds. The price is based on shared bedrooms, however private rooms are available at a small extra charge (£18 per night).
Details
The trip will begin at the airport in Cordoba and you’ll be dropped of at the end of the trip at the airport in Mendoza. If you wanted to stay on you can either travel by plane or bus. The buses are really comfortable with seats that open into flat beds and are inexpensive.
All meals except for 3 dinners are included. On these nights we’ll visit some very special local restaurants where you’ll be able to try some of the regional specialities. Each morning you’ll have breakfast provided and it will include familiar things like eggs, toast, tea, coffee and cereal as well as traditional Argentinean rolls and mate (Argentinean tea).
Lunch is provided and is usually a good selection of sandwiches, snacks, fruit and drink, although, occasionally we’ll have a bar-b-q.
Evening meals are provided on 10 of the 12 nights and this is where you get to really experience the 'asado' (or Argentinean bar-b-q). If there is one meal that typifies Argentina it’s the asado which is part meal over an extended period and part social event. If you eat meat, the Argentinean beef tastes like nothing you’ve ever had before; the flavour is incredible! If you're not a meat eater, no problem; there is a terrific selection of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Our guides double as drivers and because they’re local they provide you with a real insight into life in modern day Argentina.
As well as flying, we’ll have the chance to hike and horse ride, visit bodegas to sample the fantastic wine, as well as white water rafting.
This is simply the best trip you’ll ever take; you turn up at the airport and everything just seems to flow from that point on. There’s nothing for you to do except fly and enjoy yourself!
The cost of the 13 day trip is £1350 (Flights not included)
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