In Patagonia… In Style

Total Solar Eclipse December 2020

On December 14, 2020 a rare total solar eclipse will darken the mid-day sky for more than two minutes along a narrow band over the Patagonia region of Argentina. In this iconic landscape, Las Balsas Relais & Châteaux hotel has crafted an exclusive super-all-inclusive 5-day program. This one-of-a-kind luxury total solar eclipse experience includes private estancias, helicopter transfers, spa treatments, gourmet cuisine, five star lakefront accommodations, outdoor adventures, and a spectacular eclipse day event at a prime viewing location expertly transformed into a luxury basecamp—and it’s all for just 20 guests. Will you be one of them?

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December is summertime in Patagonia and the best of the region’s celebrated natural beauty and distinct culture are presented to guests through guided hikes, immersion in estancia culture, Argentinean wines, excursions on crystal clear Lake Nahuel Huapi, and proud Patagonian traditions.

The total solar eclipse is the jewel in this package and every detail has been polished to ensure that Las Balsas guests experience each stunning moment of the eclipse in catered comfort under the vast Patagonian sky surrounded by the Andes. An astronomy professor is also at your disposal and a professional photographer will advise you before and during the eclipse so that you can capture the magic of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

There is no other December 2020 total solar eclipse package like this on earth.

Join us!

Exclusive Eclipse Basecamp

At Estancia Catan Li, catered comfort pampers guests before and after the mid-day eclipse. Here you will see full totality as the moon covers the sun, darkening the epic Patagonian sky over the rolling prairie and snow-capped Andean peaks for two minutes and nine seconds.

Private Helicopter Transfer

Scenic flights in Bell 407GX helicopters whisk guests over the Andes between Las Balsas and the Estancia Catan Li private eclipse viewing location in less than an hour. While other eclipse travelers are stuck in traffic, our guests are already waiting for the show.

Guided Activities

Guided explorations of Patagonia’s famous natural beauty are at your fingertips. Hike through national parks, enjoy boat excursions on clear waters, visit waterfalls, try your hand at fly fishing, or indulge in the Las Balsas spa and heated indoor/outdoor pool. It’s all included.

Argentinean Cuisine & Wines

As a Relais & Châteaux hotel, exquisite cuisine is a hallmark of Las Balsas and the total solar eclipse package is super-all-inclusive including all food and all drinks, all the time. Argentinean wine pairings, traditional asado barbecues, and dishes for every taste await you.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Friday, December 11, 2020

Transfers from Bariloche Airport to Las Balsas Relais & Châteaux hotel in private vehicles or private boat (weather permitting) for check-in and welcome

Free time at Las Balsas including spa treatments, nature walks on the hotel property, and lakeside relaxation

5:00 pm: Official welcome

6:00 pm: Brief guided meditation in tune with Patagonia with live piano accompaniment

8:30 pm: 5-course dinner with Argentinean wine pairings

DAY 2

Saturday, December 12, 2020

7:30 am – 9:00 am: Breakfast at Las Balsas

9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Guided excursions of your choice

12:30 pm: A la carte lunch at Las Balsas

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Spa treatments and an introduction to the basics of solar eclipse photography with US professional photographer Eric Mohl

7:00 pm: Transfers to nearby Estancia Rincon Grande, a 12,000 acre working cattle and sheep farm on the Patagonian prairie along the Limay River

8:00 pm: Traditional Patagonian asado barbecue and bonfire at Estancia Rincon Grande

10:30 pm: Unspoiled Sky astronomical exploration of the dark skies above Estancia Rincon Grande led by noted Argentinean astronomy professor

11:30 pm: Transfer back to Las Balsas

DAY 3

Sunday, December 13, 2020

8:00 am – 10:00 am: Breakfast at Las Balsas

10:30 am: Guided full-day activities of your choice

4:30 pm: Return to Las Balsas and welcome back reception

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm: Spa treatments at Las Balsas

6:30 pm: Live music followed by a la carte dinner at Las Balsas

DAY 4

Monday, December 14, 2020

7:00 am – 12:00 pm: Helicopter transfers from Las Balsas to our exclusive total solar eclipse viewing site at Estancia Catan Li

8:00 am – 12:30 pm: Brunch and activities at Estancia Catan Li

11:45 am: Eclipse cycle begins—the two minute and nine second totality begins at 1:06 pm

1:30 pm: Traditional asado barbecue featuring beef raised on Estancia Catan Li

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Helicopter transfers back to Las Balsas

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Spa treatments at Las Balsas

7:00 pm: Live music and dinner a la carte at leisure

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
USD $7,500 per person double occupancy plus tax (excluding airfare)
SUPER-ALL-INCLUSIVE

Saturday, December 12, 2020 arrival can be arranged
Itinerary can be extended