Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
or lake. When conditions are very windy, the above options, and El Rincón, are the best:
stay off the peaks!
From Estancia La Oriental, it's a 3½-hour hike to the summit of 1434m
Cerro León
for a dazzling panorama. Immediately east of the summit, the volcanic outcrop of
Cerro
de los Cóndores
is a nesting site, with numbers of condors circling a 300m cliff. Pumas
have also been spotted here and guanacos down below.
Sleeping & Eating
There are free campgrounds at the information center (barren and exposed; no fires al-
lowed); on the steppe at Lago Burmeister, 16km north from the information center (more
scenic and well sheltered among dense lenga forest); and at El Rincón, 15km south. Fires
are not allowed. Campgrounds have pit toilets, picnic tables and potable water. Pack
trash out.
Estancia La Oriental
CAMPGROUND $$$
( in Buenos Aires 011-4343-2366/9568;
www.estanciasdesantacruz.com/LaOriental/laorient-
al.htm
; 3-person tent US$25, s/d/tr/q US$140/175/230/260; Nov-Mar)
At the foot of Cerro
León and the end of the road on Lago Belgrano's north shore, La Oriental is the ideal
base camp for exploring the park's varied backcountry. The ranch mostly caters to
groups, and does a good job with food, 4WD and horseback-riding trips. Two-night stay
required. Guests must register in the park before entering.
Gasoline at the
estancia
is for guests only. Transfers are available from RN40
(US$250).
Information
Visitors must register at the park's information center on the eastern boundary upon ar-
rival. It's stocked with informative maps and brochures. Information can also be obtained
at the National Parks Administration Office in Gobernador Gregores.
Getting There & Away
Access road RN37 is not transitable in winter, and the park is closed then anyway. In
shoulder seasons the road may be impassable - check with the National Parks Adminis-
tration Office in Gobernador Gregores before heading out.