We made it to Argentina! The first stop was Bariloche, considered to be part of the Patagonia region, and the most southern destination of our trip.
On the first day we hiked up Cerro (hill) Otto which features stunning views overlooking Bariloche, the 100 km long Lake Nahuel Huapi and Andean mountain peaks as far as the eye can see. At the top of Cerro Otto is a touristy restaraunt that spins providing a 360 views (think Space Needle) of the area. To save time and our fatigued legs (from all our outdoor activities) we rode the Funicular (gondola) back down to town.
After seeing a glimpse of the surrounding peaks we decided to invest a full day venturing into the mountains. On the recommendation of a Swiss traveller we headed up to Refugio Frey. The 10 km trail started from South America's largest ski resort, Cerro Catedral. Towards the top we were rewarded with jagged peaks surrounded by trees turning to their bright autumn colors. The refugio, which serves as a accommodation for climbers and backpackers, was set on a beautiful lake surrounded by towering rock formations. We scrambled up between the towers for an idyllic lunch spot before the return hike. By the end of the eight hour day we had hiked 15 miles plus the scramble and were dead tired, but very satisfied.
Before we caught our bus to Mendoza we spent half a day exploring the streets of Bariloche. There were several chocolatiers that smell soooo good, you just can't help but buy something. As part of the in route entertainment during our 17 hour bus ride, they passed out bingo cards and Sue won a free bottle of wine! A good start to our time in the wine capital of Argentina.
More to come from Mendoza Argentina.
Views of Lake Nahuel Huapi from Cerro Otto
Inside the Funicular
The hike up to the refugio.
Another Refugio on the way up. Half a cabin was built to complete an overhang in the rock.
Gorgeous fall colors everywhere.
Refugio Frey
We scrambled to the top of the ridge, in between the towers, directly above Graham's head.
Empenadas at our cliff edge lunch spot.
One of the many chocolaterias in Bariloche. So good.
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