Pucon, Chile

What a lazy day!! We slept late and awakened to yet another rainy day in Pucon - it had been raining solidly now for the 3 days we have been here and we have yet to see the volcano!! Today we just spent around town - bought our bus tickets onwards further into the lake district and then explored town ending up in a coffee shop where we tried a submarino - basically a glass of warm milk where you dissolve chocolate into... perfect for cold rainy weather.

We rest of the day we spent with Cameron - a Scotsman we met in Mendoza and caught up with again here - watching movies, and staying warm in front of the fire. Like I said, a lazy day

Tomorrow we have to move on again - we are crossing over again, back into Argentina to visit the lakes around San Martin de los Andes and Bariloche... hope for better weather :)

Parque Nacional Huerquehue

We left our (warm) hostel early morning heading out of town to the nacional park (see above). On the way there the rain was coming down without relief and just before the park turned to snow... We decided to carry on and had a beautiful (but cold) walk through the park. Amazing trees, mountains, lakes and yes, snow. Such a beautiful day, but oh, so relieved to make it back to our warm hostel, warm food and a warm shower :)

CHILE

The overnight bus took us further south, into Patagonia - into the Chilean lake district. We arrived early morning in the small town of Pucon. A beautiful little town, wooden buildings, a lake with black beaches and an active volcano... only the volcano was hidden in clouds and RAIN. Lots of RAIN.

We managed to find an amazing little hostel with warm down duvets. Another place to come back to and properly explore with your own transport!!

Crossing over

On the 27th we crossed over from Mendoza in Argentina to Santiago in Chile. This journey took us over one of the highest parts of the Andes mountains!

On the Argentinian side the bus passed through a semi desert region - ironically used for the filming of Seven years in Tibet.

The border post was quite an interesting experience, but we managed to pass through without insident. On the other side we went down a crazy steep pass with 28 hair-pin bends...!!!! CRAZY

And just like that we were out of the mountains and 30 minutes later in Santiago - what an amazing journey.

That evening we caught the next bus south towards the little town of Pucon - in PATAGONIA!!

Thermal Baths, Mendoza

We've had an amazing time in and around Mendoza. We enjoed the amazing tree lined streets, the massive park of San Martin and the amazing evening markets.

We heard about hot-springs in the mountains around Mendoza from other people in our hostel, thus we headed out of Mendoza towards the Andean foothills today. Luckily the owner/manager of the hostel joined us (Nicolas) and helped us get to the bus station on time, find the right bus and also where to get off. The specific hot strping we went to is just...well, there. In the mountains next to the river, with no other people...no fancy resort...just wonderfully peaceful.

Had a wonderful day at the river & hot-springs before we caught the afternoon bus "home" to Mendoza.

Tonight we have to pack, because we're heading over the Andes to Chile tomorrow morning!

Camping in Potrerillos

After our horse ride we set up camp just outside the town of Potrerillos in the andean pre-cordillera (foothills), next to a beautiful mountain stream.

We had a lovely time camping, enjoying the spectacular views of the Andes and exploring the area on foot. The weather during the day was pleasant, but the evenings and early morning showed the true colours of the mountain climate!!

What an amazing place to explore, photograph and just and stare at the mountains.

Horse riding in the Andes at Potrerillos

We set off after our morning of wine and chocolate tasting for a horse ride in the andes followed by another braai. 50min drive out of Mendoza at Potrerillos town, which is situated around a man made, milky, turquoise coloured reservoir. We each got a horse suited to our facial expressions and set off for a three hour out ride - it was magic. We even spotted a Condor, thanks to the help of Diego the guide. The evening melted away around a table with heaps of every kind of meat and yummy wine, with Diego playing guitar. On route home the bus dropped us off at a camping spot 4km from town in a canyon by a river where we set up tent.
Hilgard is my hero for once again braving the intimidating, intuitive beasts that he so fears and forsaking a motorbike ride - climed onto a horse for his darling wife. Thats a true example of love if i ever saw one.... guess i'll have to go for motorbike lessons.

maipu bike and wine tour pics

Cycling in Maipu Wine Region, Mendoza

We spent a morning before heading to the Andes cycling and tasting wine (chocolate featured more than wine) in Maipu just outside of mendoza. It was a beautiful sunny day on lovely old, red, ladies bicycles with baskets in the front for purchases :)

We tasted the real malbec beauty of the region and feasted on Olive oil, olives, olive paste, boutique chocolate and liquores all before 12pm...mmmm (including russian death (a local made chemical concoction), dulce de leche of all varieties and some delicious port wines).

It was delicious

Iguazu Falls (Brazil side)

Today we caught a local bus over the border, into Brazil to view the falls from "their" side. We followed little walkways along the side of the falls and even right across some!!

I do not know how to describe the sheer size and volume of the falls. It just makes you realize how small we humans really are. What a beautiful place!!

Guira Oga, Puerto Iguazu

Our over-night bus trip to Iguazu Falls was quite an experience. South Africa please take note of the following: we each had a massive big seat, that could (nearly) fully recline, with a rest for your legs. We got blankets, pillows and 3 meals!! Some whiskey after (early) supper and beer and champagne with the late supper... Very comfortable bus!!

We decided to save the waterfall for a "full day" and on our first day here we decided to visit an animal sanctaury: GUIRA OGA - they help rehabilitate wild animals that have been hurt or captured by humans. They help birds and mamals of all sizes - maccaws, toucans, eagles, owls, vultures...even small crocodiles and turtles :) The centre is situated within the massive rain forest that surrounds the little town of Peurto Iguazu. Quite a special place

Our last day in BA

Our last day in Buenos Aires broke sunny and pleasant. After a breakfast of cereals, bread, fruit and good coffee we headed into the streets looking for street art. The area around our hostel was decorated with some amazing art and we followed this deeper and deeper into town. We worked our way along cobbled, tree-lined streets back towards the centre of town. Here street bands were performing and church bells ringing!!
On our way back to our hostel we came across colourful parades from Bolivia - all marching towards the central square. Loud, colourful and inspiring!!
Empanadas for lunch before we caught the over-night bus to Iguazu falls in the far north of the country.
What a special city!!