Bariloche - Mendoza

After many hours in the bus and at the bus station we arrived tired in Bariloche (Argentina). The city is beautifully situated on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi and is surrounded by snow-dusted mountains. The area reminds us to St. Moritz in Switzerland. We almost got homesick, but just almost. We rented mountainbikes and rode along the lake. It was beautiful, however the crazy argentin drivers made it dangerous for us. Here you can see, many Italian emegrated to Argentina.

The next day we started our multi-day trekking trip. This time we enjoyed beautiful weather.


The 4 hours walk was exhausting. The trail went over rough and smooth mountains up and down. The view though was awesome and soon we forgot our pain. The next day we had to climp the steep slope at Refugio "Frey" up again which we yesterday with an efford descended. At the top we redecended into the next valley. The valley "Rucaco" showed its beauty with the colourful landscape. However, soon the next ascent to the next pass was due. After 6 hours walking we could enjoy a fresh bath in the ice-cold lagoon next to Refugio "Jakob". Next day, we decided to return to Bariloche because the next part is not marked and includes some rockclimbing. Therefore we hiked 5 hours down the diversified valley along the river, through color changing forests, bamboo and "calafate" bushes. After 18 km (12miles) we expected the bus in vain. Thanks our small spanish-knowledge, we could convince a truck driver to give us a lift back to the town. Otherwise we would have to walk another 2-3 hours to the next busstation.

From Bariloche we headed to San Martin de los Andes along the route "Siete Lagos" (Seven Lakes). This trip took us to one of the most beautiful landscape in Patagonia so far. In SM de los Andes we climed to a view point in a Mapuche Reservat, were we enjoyed the view and reading.

With a rental car we headed to Junin de los Andes along the lake "Huechulafquer" into the national park "Lanin". At 3776m (12587 feet), snowcapped Volcan Lanin is the dominating centerpiece of tranquil Parque Nacional Lanin. Clouds orbited around the peak. It looked like the vulcan is wearing a chinese hat.

For Simones Birthday we headed to Mendoza, the wine capital of Argentina. What a surprise. By public transportation we took of to a bodega (winery) for wine tasting. After some detours we finally managed to get to the winery. The guided tour was interesting but we were looking forward to the tasting though. However we only got one glass (!?) of the winerys cheapest wine. Luckely it was a good one at least.

For Simones birthday we treated ourselfs with a delicious dinner. We have had one of the best steaks/filet ever. Of course a good bottle of argentines wine was not missing.

Next day we hit the road again with a rental car. Uspallata lies in an exceptionally beautiful valley surrounded by polychrome mountains which served as a location for the Brad Pitt epic "Seven Years in Tibet".

Close to the chilean boarder lies one of Argentina's most striking wonders. Situated 2720m (9067 feet) above sea level, Puente del Inca is a natural stone bridge spanning the Rio Mendoza. Underneath it, rock walls and the ruins of an old spa are stained yellow by warm, sulfurous thermal springs. The sudden snowfall caused surprise. Fortunately the weather back in Uspallata was georgeous again.

For the return we took the "Camino del Año", a dirt road sneaks with 365 curves over the mountains. From the Mirador we enjoyed the awesome view to the 6962m (23,207 feet) high Cerro Aconcagua (see on picture; left). It is the Western Hemisphere's highest summit.

Soon we are catching a night bus to Cordoba, where we consider to take spanish classes for another month.