“The Spirit of the Glaciers”

PROGRAM

The Spirit of the Glaciers is an ideal program for those who are willing to discover remote corners of our land, while enjoying all the comfort that world travelers seek.

Life on board Leal Cruise is the highlight of the day. A selected group shares the wonderful experience of sailing in Lago Argentino, in search of the “Spirit of the Glaciers”.

From the quiet and warm inside it is possible to bask in the harmony of nature at its best.

 DEPARTURES: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

Embarkment: 9 AM/ Disembarkment: 4 PM

PREVIOUS NIGHT: Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays/ Embarkment 7:30 PM

SEASON: Aug 07 – Apr 08

Embark: Mon - Wed - Fri

Transfer from El Calafate to Puerto Bandera (50 km) at 8 AM. After boarding the crew is introduced and an informative talk is given. At 9 a.m. the boat departs heading north to Punta Avellaneda across the "Brazo Norte" of "Lago Argentino". The first icebergs to appear indicate the closeness to Upsala Glacier, one of the largest in the national park, with a width of almost 7 km. In the Canal de las Americas, lunch is served while enjoying a beautiful view.

Night on board:

Framed by the colors of the sunset, passengers will admire the Spegazzini glacier, a large ice river that descends through a rocky slope falling over the lake, emphasizing its high walls.

At "Puesto Las Vacas", we anchor and passengers can gather around the fire to share a drink before dinner. A clear night can be ideal to observe the stars.

Disembark: Tue - Thu - Sat

After a delicious breakfast, passengers cruise across the "Canal de los Tempanos" up to Bahia Alemana where lunch is served. The craft continues its navigation until it reaches Perito Moreno Glacier, where awe-inspiring chunks of ice of all shapes and sizes crumble, causing amazement and delight. The exclusiveness of being there at the right moment, with no other audience than the passengers of "Leal", is the greatest reward.

Return to Puerto Bandera. Disembark at 4 p.m. and transfer out to El Calafate.

 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BOAT

Designed by people with more than ten years of experience in boat cruising in Patagonia, this boat is capable of sailing oceans and lakes.

It was designed and built by the end of 1999 by the well known shipyard “Tecnao”, in San Fernando, province of Buenos Aires.

It’s a monohull of elegant style, high depth of hold and wide breadth of beam, which give large and comfortable interiors and stability whit high waves.

·         Length of the ship: 20 meters.

·         Breadth of Beam: 5.80 meters.

·         Draught of the vessel: 1.50 meters.

·         Hull’s and structure’s material: naval steel.

·         Engine: 2 x 320 HP detroit diesel.

·         Cruising speed: 14 knots.

·         Electricity: 12 , 24 y 220 volts (with an emergency diesel lombardini 22 kva).

INTERIOR DESIGN

·         Five double and two single cabins, each with an exterior view (to the lake), private bathroom and shower.

·         Main hall with tables, living room and bar.

·         Music and library.

·         Central heating.

·         Cold and hot water.

·         Kitchen, convector oven and fridge.

·         A stern deck, a prow deck and a main deck over the main hall.

·         Satellite Phonebox  (with extra charge to passengers)

 CREW ON BOARD

Captain and two sailors.

National Park specialized bilingual guide (Spanish - English)

 SECURITY ONBOARD

§         Satellite Phonebox.

·         Radio, VHF

·         GPS, radar, automatic pilot, compass, echosounder and log line.

·         Central system of fire alarm and fire extinguisher.

·         Maximum capacity : 14 passengers.

·         Lifejackets for all passengers (adults and children)

·         Lifeboats with capacity for 50 people.

MEALS

Cafeteria Service: Water, sodas, coffee, tea, chocolate, orange juice. Toast with different jams, chocolate and different varieties of pies.

Lunch (Day 1)

Appetizer: cold cuts and cheeses

Main Course: Grilled loin brochette with criolla sauce, andine potatoes and carrots.

Dessert: Tiramisu.

Dinner

Appetizer: Smoked cuts.

Main Course: Ravioli stuffed with salmon mousse, with soft tomatoes fondue.

Dessert: Chocolate fondant on a strawberry coulis.

Lunch (Day 2)

Appetizer: Spinach delight with cheese sauce au gratin.

Main Course: Chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto and sage, on onions and mushrooms omelette.

Dessert: Tyrolese apple pie.