It all started with friends. There was no dramatic turning point, no attempt to escape stress or completely change her life. Hiking and trekking have simply become a way for Lucila Barletta to spend time with loved ones who share her passion for nature. What started as a casual one-time activity gradually turned into something she could hardly imagine her free weekends without.
FRIENDS, TRAILS AND A PASSION FOR NATURE
The moment when she realized that hiking would turn into her favorite weekend pastime came during her first hike to Cerro Champaqui in Cordoba, Argentina.
“Definitely, I remember my first trek to Cerro Champaqui. Reaching the summit after several hours of hiking and seeing the landscape from the top was an unforgettable experience. That’s when I realized that hiking wasn’t just another weekend activity; it was something I wanted to keep doing,” Lucila recalls.
For her, though, the real appeal of hiking has little to do with physical endurance. It’s the landscapes, the fresh air, the sound of birds and the feeling of being surrounded by open space that keep her coming back. Being away from social media, the noise of the city and the endless list of things to solve also makes switching off from work almost effortless. Out on the trail, there is simply nature, and time to enjoy it.
After several hikes, Lucila learned that enjoying the adventure starts with being prepared. Her backpack always has three essentials: a compass, warm clothing, and enough water and snacks. Fortunately, she has never forgotten anything crucial. “After several hikes, I understood a simple lesson: good preparation makes the whole experience much more enjoyable,” she states.
However, even the most careful preparation cannot protect you from unforeseen situations and bad weather. During one of her orienteering competitions, the team had a map with checkpoints where they had to collect stamps. Everything was going according to plan until a sudden gust of wind blew the map away in an unknown direction before they were done. Without this, it was impossible to continue the task, so the team had to start the competition again the next day.
“Everyone was upset; it was very unpleasant. Today, it’s one of those stories that makes us laugh out loud. This is also the beauty of hiking: absolutely from every hike you come back with a new story, memories that warm your soul or make you have fun,” Lucila added.
TOP THREE HIKING DESTINATIONS IN ARGENTINA
A country with a myriad of stunning landscapes, Argentina has much to be discovered. When it comes to hiking, this executive recommends several places to explore.
Patagonia is her favorite place, and every time she returns, she discovers something new. The scenery is simply breathtaking: vast glaciers, crystal-clear blue lakes and majestic mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails she has ever experienced, and it’s easy to understand why people from all over the world travel here specifically to explore them.
Catamarca is something completely different. Its landscapes feel almost otherworldly, with vast deserts, volcanic formations, high-altitude lagoons, dunes and colorful mountains. Hiking here is less about following a classic mountain trail and more about exploring places that look as if they belong on another planet.
Cordoba is a great choice if you want variety. The region has everything from gentle trails to more challenging mountain routes, with beautiful valleys, rocky peaks and plenty of opportunities to explore nature at your own pace. It’s a place where both beginners and experienced hikers can find a trail that suits them.
“One destination I dream of hiking is Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. It’s famous for its incredible mountain scenery, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and some of the world’s most iconic trekking routes. It would be an unforgettable experience,” Barletta reflects.
HOBBIES WORTH RETURNING TO
Kayaking was another hobby that became part of Lucila’s life. She discovered it through her close circle of friends, who were already into the sport, and soon found herself enjoying the time on the water.
Alongside kayaking, she also enjoyed swimming. It became a regular part of her routine: she used to swim three or four times a week after work before joining a group that introduced her to open-water swimming. As a result, she took part in several open water races, which were challenging, but at the same time allowed her to test her strength and endurance.
“When my daughter was born, my priorities and schedule changed. Finding time for kayaking and swimming became much more difficult, and both activities gradually disappeared from my routine. However, I’d definitely like to return to them someday. I find these activities very relaxing, and they’re a great way to clear my mind,” she comments.
THE DRIVE TO GO HIGHER SHAPES CAREER
Lucila Barletta joined Belatra Games in January 2021, starting to work in the administrative team. At that time, iGaming was a completely new direction for her. But the industry quickly caught her attention with its dynamism, constant innovation, and international communication.
Over the years, her responsibilities grew, and she began to climb the career ladder. Today, she is the Head of Accounts LatAm at Belatra Games, working closely with partners across the region.