Pixel Maniac in the North of Patagonia
08/01/2006 - After a rough flight, we landed at San Carlos de Bariloche. We had been warned by hard core backpackers that it was not worth it as it really looked like Switserland. Well, it may look like it in some areas but the Lakes region is simply gorgeous. We are staying at the Bariloche hostel. We feel like home here. Very friendly staff/owner and very very friendly people to meet. Very good choice. After getting our Ford Ka, we headed to the top of a mountain (Cerro Campanario) to have to take a look at a panoramic view of the lakes. It’s worth it. It’s simply mind blowing. It’s been rated as the 7th best view in the world by National Geographic. Don’t miss it if you are in Bariloche.
09/01/2006 - Visit of the Bariloche area. Little hike in the forests near the Llao Llao hotel (world renowned hotel). Then 3 hours drive to get to the Cascades of Los Alerces. Very pretty drive on a dirt road, surrounded by mountains. We head back to the hostel. We meet a couple of argentinian girls and we invite them on our journey through the 7th Lakes on the next day. In the evening, chat with Cecilia & Horacio from Buenos Aires. We plan a rafting day together for the 11th.
View near the Llao Llao hotel
10/01/2006 - That’s it, we really feel on vacation now. We wake up at 7.00 as we plan a rather long road trip through the Seven Lakes. Visit of Villa de la Angostura. Very hype city for wealthy argentinians. Pretty area but nothing amazing. After realizing we were ñaking our way to Chile. We get on the 7th Lakes Route. You cannot miss this one. 40 kilometers on a dirt road through gorgeous landscapes. We stopped at several spots to enjoy the views. In the Afternoon, we reach San Martin de los Andes. Nice resort on the shore of a lake.
View from top of hill in San Martin de los Andes
It´s already 6PM and we head back to Bariloche. We have the choice of going back the same way or taking a longer route through Junin de los Andes. We all vote for the longest way, on a hard road. What a journey back. If the 7th Lakes area is green and humid, what we see is dry dry dry. The way back is just fantastic.
PS: Argentinian drivers are crazy. There are no rules. Just make up your own and try to find out what the other driver is planning to do. If you get a speeding ticket, you can get away with a tip. They are not interested in giving you a fine.
