Final days in Argentina

Skating rink in Bariloche

On Thursday the 25th came our trip to visit the first and only (so far) Jack Nicklaus designed course in South America, Chapelco Golf and Resort. Located close to the charming mountain town of San martin de los Andes, this Nicklaus Course absolutely lives up to the name of the designer. Despite being open for only a few months, the course was in great shape, and we were treated to a lunch and introduction by the owner of the property, whose family has owned the land since the early 1800’s. In addition to golf, the resort offers a luxury fishing lodge alongside one of the best fly-fishing rivers in the region, and miles of uninhabited terrain for hiking, biking and horseback riding. There is a Loi Suites Hotel that is due to open in December 2007, which will offer guests luxurious accommodations right along the golf course, and only a few minutes from the town of San Martin de los Andes.


On the following day, the group got to experience at least a part of the scenic ‘7 lakes’ (Tres Parquest Siete Lagos) – with a fantastic guide from the National Park to provide history and explain local flora & fauna. Due to rain, we didn’t get to see the full route, but did see enough to understand why this route is famous for its incredible vistas of lakes, mountains, rivers and unending beauty. The group had a few hours to explore the town of Bariloche – a lively town that reminded my somehow of a cross between Chamonix, France and Queenstown, New Zealand. In spite of being ‘between’ seasons (winter & summer), the town was brimming with activity, with a very international feeling. People of all ages and nationalities were wandering through the shops and strolling along the walkway along the lake. A couple of us even found an antiquated skating rink, housed in a building jutting out over the lake. For 20 pesos, we rented skates and wobbled around the rink (the skates had not been sharpened for months, if not years!). This was one way to feel like a ‘local’, as I am certain that we were the only tourists on the rink, sharing the ice with mainly Argentine youth practicing their ‘ice-tango’.
Fam participant Jorge Hess - photo by Alejandro Adur & Daniel Lopata

After the flight back to Buenos Aires, we were whisked away to a highly professional Tango show at Esquina de Carlos Gardel. The show was fantastic, very sensual and professional, and everyone in the group was ready to hit the dance floor out on the town afterwards to a little practice!

Finally, the last night in Buenos Aires… To the gang of San Telmo…A few of the stragglers of the group had a night out ‘unescorted’ – the night before the election. San Telmo square showed us a great time, and a memorable final night in Buenos Aires.

Many thanks to Susan Marples and Georgina Paolino of the Argentina Tourism Board, and also Alejandro Adur & Daniel Lopata for the professional photos, who made this trip possible. The hard work that was involved in organizing a trip of this type was much appreciated, and hopefully will payoff in spades once we all get out and sell this truly incredible golf destination.