We stayed at Estancia Helsingfors in late February 2022. Our trip was deferred from early 2020 due to the pandemic border and facility closures. We are very, very happy to have finally done this trip. Helsingfors was one of the highlights of our trip to Patagonia. This is a peaceful and quiet place, in a beautiful setting on Lago Viedma. The view across the lake to Fitzroy is spectacular, especially at sunrise and sunset. The hikes to Laguna Azul and west toward the head of the fjord are terrific. While we had some rain at the beginning of our stay (which is uncommon at this time of year) we were pretty lucky in that the normal windy conditions abated -- the lake was flat calm, with little icebergs from the Viedma glacier floating in front of us. The entire staff was gracious and accommodating. The food was superb -- I think Chef Nico would be welcomed at any restaurant in the Americas or Europe. Our room was well-appointed and very comfortable. Relaxing in front of the fireplace in the library with a nice glass of Malbec after our hikes was a great way to forget the craziness of the outside world. If you're looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the popular Patagonia hiking trails, you should really consider staying at Helfingfors for at least three or four nights. It was a great experience for us.…
I don't know how anyone could give this place less than a five star review. The setting is out of a fairy tail. The staff is amazing. The guides are very warm and knowledgeable. The food was truly amazing. I will cherish the time I spent at Helsingfors and hope that I someday have the opportunity to return.
We were there in November, so it was very early in the season. It was such a wonderful and special experience to stay here. If you like being miles away from civilization and surrounded by absolutely stunning scenery, you will like Helsingfors. The rooms are comfortable and have a lot of space to store your belongings. The staff was phenomenal. Justina, one of the tour guides, has so much knowledge about the flora and fauna in the area and is so kind. All the staff were so friendly and we got to know each of them a bit during our afternoons when we would have coffee/tea/matte and some light snacks. The food was absolutely outstanding. There was not a meal we didn't enjoy. We felt it was a perfect combination of activity (hikes or horseback rides in the morning...but usually not starting until 10AM, so you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn), and relaxation (afternoons drinking coffee/tea and sitting by the fire). Yes, it is expensive, but we felt the experience was worth every penny. My only wish is they would include at least one glass of wine or drink of choice with dinner for what you're paying. Also, the lodge itself (not the rooms) is a bit chilly, at least in November. I was always wearing a fleece to meals and when sitting by the fire. My other wish is they would provide transport on more days, but I understand why they can't. Basically Pablo, the manager, is the one who picks up and drops off in Calafate. We would have stayed longer if the transport services were more frequent. Now that we've been on the road...I would say it is definitely doable on your own if you rent a 4x4 vehicle. I wouldn't try it with anything else. We just didn't know how bad the road would be, so we decided to use their service. I feel like we could have driven it on our own, but it probably would have taken us longer. Pablo knows the road well and knows exactly where the problem spots are. If you have the opportunity to visit Helsingfors, DO IT!…
If you are thinking of booking Hosteria Helsingfors, DO IT!!!!!!!! We had THE most incredible stay here. It is expensive but considering how remote it is and that all food and excursions (and transfers if you arrive/ leave on the correct day)are included, actually very fair. It is in the most incredibly beautiful, remote surroundings. The hotel is warm and cozy. We arrived in the rain and spent a wonderful first afternoon sitting by the fire. Our next two days consisted of amazing walks led by Justina - a fabulous guide. The food was some of the best we had in Argentina and beds some of the most comfortable we have stayed in. We got engaged here and the staff opened a bottle of champagne in our honour - really unexpected and kind. We just wished we had stayed longer. I would definitely recommend arranging dates so you are picked up/ Dropped back on the days the hotel offer or that you hire a car. If you do, make sure it is 4wd as the roads are hairy!! Probably the best hotel we stayed at!!!…
Pablo and his team have some challenges but try hard to make the stay enjoyable . Milena, Deborah, Justina and our Gaucho Gonzalez ( speedy to his friends) provided a comfortable stay but unlike some of the other places we stayed in the area they just didn’t seem to be genuinely interested in us, except for Gonzalez. Food good with Chef Nicholas creating some lovely dishes , hike to Blue Lagoon is not be missed, horse riding fun with great horses. At end of the season and we felt things were being run down rather than reorder , I can understand that but just say so . BTW the Patagonian wind blew like anything at one stage blowing me nearly off my feet. Be prepared.
My first visit here was at the end of 2015. Loved it then and this visit was even better. I was here this time for 2 nights just 2 weeks ago. Helsingfors is in a secluded location on the SW corner of Lago Viedma. Nothing else close by except a small Los Glaciares NP ranger station near the start of the Lago Azul trail. It is very peaceful here. The staff is great, the common areas are great, the sleeping rooms are great and the food it great. Can't recommend it enough. It is very peaceful here.
This is an outstanding lodge. The friendly and personable staff are so helpful, knowledgeable, and caring. This place is rich in history and the blue lagoon walk is challenging and breathtaking!! I’d recommend this place anytime!!!
Our first night at Helsingfors, they cooked a special asado of scrumptious lamb. We sat eating it in a gorgeous valley by the lake. There was even a rainbow! The next day, we rode horseback up to the Blue Lagoon, and had outstanding ravioli for dinner. What’s not to love here?
I stayed here for two nights as part of a Wilderness Travel group. The grounds, rooms, and common and dining areas all are charming. The first night we had a great lamb roast over an open fire with dining al fresco. The second night we had a lovely four course meal in the dining room, my only complaint would be the most costly wine list of our entire tour by far. Appetizers and pisco sours in front of the fireplace were especially memorable after a beautiful (but wet and chilly) hike to Laguna Azul. Staff are warm and professional and will do their best to help you feel at home. Internet was available, although slow (as might be expected given the location). I had room 5 which was darling, although somewhat small and without great privacy given the main window onto the front walkway from the bedroom. Due to the location (80 km down a gravel road), be sure to stay for at least two nights to make it worthwhile and to soak up the charm of the place.…
My wife and I traveled Argentina for 20 days on our honeymoon, and our three nights at Helsingfors were the highlight of our trip. We organized a transfer directly with Helsingfors to get us to the location. I would not recommend renting a car to try to reach the lodge, as you definitely need a 4x4 to cross some of gravel road that you travel for over 70km. As you arrive at Helsingfors, you are immediately stunned by the untouched beauty of the surroundings. Horses run free in the surrounding hills, which added to its charm. The food was the best we had in all of Argentina, and that is after dining at some of the finest restaurants in Buenos Aires and Mendoza. You will not go hungry either, as they make sure to feed you well as there are no alternative options around for 80km. The staff was so engaging, and sought to make our stay the most memorable as possible. This included a room upgrade, champagne surprise....really special thoughts at all times of our trip. The excursion to the blue lagoon cannot be missed. I suggest taking the horses the first 5km, and finish the last 2k hiking. It was also so nice to know that almost everything (except alcohol) was included in the price: excursions, food and guides. It really let you relax and enjoy the beauty and helsingfors experience. Thank you to the entire team that works so hard to make Helsingfors an incredibly special place. Not to be missed. …
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