In this hot weather in Brazil, how about a change of scenery and a chill in the air? Argentine Patagonia? Nearby destination, with sensational landscapes and jaw-dropping accommodations, such as the Arakur, luxury hotel in Ushuaia. Summer is the ideal time to do the trip because in winter it’s too cold, we can’t bear to go on outdoor trips and some hotels even close.
O Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa It is considered the best hotel in the region. Opened two years ago and member of Leading Hotels of the Worldit became famous when actor Leonardo di Caprio stayed there during the filming of The Revenant, which, incidentally, earned the actor his first statuette.
It is located in the middle of the Cerro Alarkén Natural Reserve, a viewpoint (250 m) with panoramic views of Ushuaia e of the Beagle Channel, in the mythical Tierra del Fuego, na Argentine Patagonia. Indeed, Ushuaia It is the most extreme city in South America, which is why it is known as “End of the World”. The hotel is 15 minutes from the city center and 20 minutes from the port and international airport. There is shuttles free return to and from the center throughout the day.
It is from the port that boat trips leave for the Beagle Channel, which divides Chile from Argentina and where the Atlantic and Pacific oceans meet. We arrive at Martillo Island, where we can see penguins and sea lions. Unmissable! (You can also go by bus and see the penguins up close but the journey takes much longer).
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O Arakur is also close to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, another incredible tour. The park is beautiful, with 70 thousand hectares, several trails, lakes and snowy mountains. You can even get your passport stamped with the “End of the World” logo at a post office, really fun!
Inside the park is also the end of Route 3, which crosses all of Patagonia along the Atlantic coast and is part of the Pan-American Route and goes to Alaska. Mandatory stop for photos.
It is recommended to hire a guide to walk around the park and learn all the history of the place. We were accompanied by a local guide from the Brasileiros agency in Ushuaia who was great, very friendly and spoke Portuguese.
The Cerro Castor ski resort is also not far from the hotel, for those more sporty. But pay attention to the time of year to see if there is enough snow to ski. The hotel offers transport to the station.
Returning to Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, It was designed by Argentine architects Rubén Cherny and Augusto Penedo and brings a contemporary and at the same time sustainable aesthetic, as it reuses rainwater.
The design is sober, clean and elegant. Natural materials were used, such as aromatic woods, and leather coverings on the ceilings and stones on the walls, reused from the structural foundation of the place. The lobby is quite large, with six cozy living rooms heated with fireplaces. Ideal for having a drink or coffee and enjoying the views of the waters and snow-capped mountains.
O Arakur It has 131 rooms and suites, which draw attention to their windows with panoramas of the bay, the city and the forests. A device touch It has automated functions, such as setting the alarm clock at the indicated time to gently open the curtain, allowing the sun’s rays to enter, complete with the soundtrack and everything.
The La Cravia restaurant has typical cuisine fueguina , such ascentolla – the giant crab found in the Beagle Channel – ; roast lamb and black hake, rare fish with a unique flavor. In addition, of course, to having an authentic grill Argentinian, ready to grill the best and most tender cuts, such as chorizo steak and ancho steak. Without forgetting that Patagonian wines are extraordinary.
At the lobby bar you can also try a variety of drinks and wines from the regions of Mendoza, Salta, Cafayate and Neuquén.
Highlight is the spa, ideal for relaxing after a day of intense tourism. There are saunas, Scottish showers, a gym, a pool bar, as well as a manicure and pedicure service. The heated pools were designed for the location where they are located – equally designed to emphasize the views: the largest is 17 meters long, and a second, the in & out pool, features two internal hydromassages.
On the outer deck, two more hot tubs Outdoors, they are perfect for watching the sunset – stunning, by the way. It’s worth remembering that between December and March, it can start at 9pm! I was freezing cold to take this photo, but a self-respecting blogger couldn’t miss this opportunity.
The hotel also offers outdoor activities, such as guided trails through the reserve (from 30 minutes to 2 hours), photographic excursions to observe native fauna and flora, walks along the Arroyo Grande (1 km) and navigation through the Beagle Channel.
There are also helicopter rides, 4 x 4 car rides around the emerald lakes (Escondido; Fagnano; Laguna Esmeralda) and trekking to the glaciers. In winter, the Husky dog sledding slide is another very interesting attraction.
A Argentine Patagonia It was a destination that really impressed me, due to its beautiful landscapes. O Arakur is the ideal hotel for those who want to discover Ushuaia and have luxurious and comfortable accommodation.
Thanks to Leroy Travela tourism agency that prepared my entire itinerary and chose the best hotels in Patagonia.
By Renata Araujo
Photos: Renata Araujo and Disclosure
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