Andes, Cwm Hyfryd - Adventure
Mountain Biking, Refugio Wilson, Cwm Hyfryd
Trevelin is the starting point for this mountain bike ride. Soon after leaving Trevelin you will be riding along a hilly country lane called Callejon Owen Williams that leads to Refugio Wilson, an old settlement that was occupied by the Welsh at the beginning of the 20th century. Some of the ascents need a good level of fitness in order to ride up, but there will be plenty of time for those who need to push to catch up. There are panoramic views and several points of interest on the way.
You will reach Refugio Wilson for a lunch stop where you will see the old school and the old house that belonged to Wilson. From here, you will go on a short walk before mounting the bikes once again for the descent down to Cwm Hyfryd passing by lake Brychan on the way, and finally returning to Trevelin. You will need to bring suitable footwear and clothing for mountain biking and a small rucksack to carry your lunch.
Horse Riding, Pentre Sydyn, Cwm Hyfryd
A full day riding the paths of Bro Hydref, Trevelin, Pentre Sydyn and Aber Gyrraints. You will see the wonderful landscapes and the characteristic wildlife of the region as you wander through sub-Antarctic forests and Patagonian steppes. In Pentre Sydyn, you will visit the historical museum that interprets the events of the 1902 plebiscite.
Experienced equestrians can then follow a path that ascends the Craig Goch ridge and follow in the footsteps of John Daniel Evans and the other Welsh pioneers of 1885. The colonists observed the valley and uttered the words ‘Oh what a beautiful valley!’ in Welsh and named it “Cwm Hyfryd”. Less experienced riders can return to Trevelin along more leisurely lanes.
White Water Rafting, Río Corcovado
A full day excursion travelling south through Dyffryn Oer for about 80 kilometres (50 miles) to the village of Corcovado. All the necessary equipment including helmets, neoprene suits, dry jackets and safety jackets will be provided. You will need to bring spare footwear, swimming clothes, a towel and dry clothes. You will receive safety and technical information from a professional expert who will prepare you to face the waters of Río Corcovado.
The journey in the raft takes about an hour and a half in clear whirling waters through high canyons. The difficulty of the stretch of water is easy to exciting, depending on the time of year and quantity of water, and is suitable for everyone above 8 years of age. Prior experience is not necessary.
Canyoning, Río Percy, Cwm Hyfryd
Canyoning means traversing through water carved canyons by walking, scrambling, abseiling, climbing, floating or swimming. You will travel to an iron bridge that is 25 metres (82 feet) above the Río Percy, near the Los Alerces National Park. Here you will learn to abseil off the bridge and practice floating techniques under the guidance of an expert guide.
After lunch, you will trek upriver along the top of the canyon for about 2 hours and then abseil down to the bottom of the canyon. Here you will take part in water activities and then float down to the bridge using you new skills. You will be provided with equipment that will include helmets, neoprene suits, harnesses, ropes and safety jackets. You will need to bring footwear adequate for walking in rough terrain and for use in water, a towel and a warm change of clothing.
Camping, Lago Bagillt Nature Reserve, Cwm Hyfryd
Lago Bagillt Nature Reserve is located 30 kilometres (19 miles) from Trevelin, Cwm Hyfryd, beneath the Cerro Cónico mountain that forms the limit with Chile. Cerro Cónico’s glacier is the source of the transparent waters of Lago Bagillt, which lie at an altitude of over 1,000 metres (3,280 feet). You will be transported to the point where the access lane to the reserve meets the road.
Here you will begin the trek to Lago Bagillt, a distance of about 18 kilometres (11 miles). The trek takes about 6 hours and the first day ends with a wade across the Arroyo Bagillt stream, about 60 centimetres (2 feet) deep. Camp will be set up at the base of Cerro Cónico. The second day you will trek to a magnificent viewpoint before making an ascent to reach a ridge which will take you to Cerro Cónico glacier from where you will descend to the camp for the evening. The final day will be a trek back down the access lane.
The excursion is of medium difficulty and led by a professional mountain guide. You will be provided with equipment that will include tents, stoves and cooking utensils, plates, cutlery and provisions. Members of a group will carry the provided equipment between them. You will need adequate footwear for rough trekking, sleeping bags and suitable clothing. You will also need short trousers, towels and footwear suitable for wading across Arroyo Bagillt and a means of keeping your equipment dry. It is possible to camp out more or less nights as desired.
Trekking, Los Alerces National Park
Los Alerces National Park near Trevelin is one of the largest in Argentina and is famous for its Alerce trees. There are very few traces of human activity and the park is bursting with magnificent landscapes, lakes, rivers and numerous waterfalls, all surrounded by the Andes mountains swathed in thick forests. The Alerce tree is a Patagonian cypress and some examples in the park approach 3,000 years of age and 70 metres (230 feet) in height.
This is a unique opportunity to enjoy nature at its best by trekking along one of the 20 or so marked footpaths with a professional park guide. The footpaths vary in difficulty, elevation, length and the time that they take to complete. Choose a path that suit your abilities and requirements with your guide and walk through unspoilt paradise.
La Hoya Mountain Centre, Esquel, Cwm Hyfryd
The mountain centre at La Hoya, at a height of 1,350 metres (4,430 feet), is located in the northern extreme of Cwm Hyfryd about 13 kilometres (8 miles) up mountain from Esquel. The mountain centre is set amidst pine forests, volcanic peaks and streams with clear waterfalls. The peaks reach a height of about 2,150 metres (7,054 feet) and there are 60 hectares (150 acres) of ski slopes, 9 ski lifts and 24 ski slopes.
The skiing season normally lasts from sometime in June until October. During the season, it is not only possible to partake in Alpine skiing but also snowboarding and ride snow bikes. In the summer, the activities of the mountain centre are trekking, abseiling, climbing, and traversing mountain bike trails to a height of over 1,600 metres (5,250 feet). There is a restaurant and a café available during the active seasons.
