Bariloche and the Volcanic Stops

We make a cut from East to West across the region, country and continent. Back on the Patagonian West side, should be mountainous, green, most likely only the wind will stay the same.

National Park Arraynes

First thing we did was cut clear across Patagonia and Argentina from East to West, from Puerto Madryn to Futalaufquen (sounds like an insult) in National Park Arraynes. As the above picture shows, 800km of nothing until actually getting to the park and boom, green, mountains, rivers and of course… oh you know.

This place turned into National Park de Cerrado (Cerrado means Closed) real quick as each and every hike was closed with a big Cerrado sign, even the 5 minute ones. The big parking lot where people actually had to pay was open though, even though all the hikes from it was closed and they were just printing money. We luckily walked there. We asked a dozen rangers if they will be open tomorrow, replies varied. But the next morning we walked to the mountain Cerro Alto El Petiso as it was highly recommended.

Ran into a cool ranger though ok the walk back. He was cool cause he knew the year Germany beat Argentina in the world cup final. Then he was cool cause he opened the hike for us. But in reality, none of that mattered, he was cool cause he had a huge machete and was chopping anything down that got in his way on our walk back to the hike.

Cerro Alto El Petizo

Gets its own mini chapter cause this thing was brutal. After an hour hike through mega thick and steep jungle where I wish I had a machete

We got to the next part which was a river climb, with a couple hundred river crossings. This proved to be very challenging.

This turned out to only be half way, and the next part was a sandy ridge we had to do on our hands and knees. After this it became rocky and steeper, we actually had to call it quits.

Always a bummer to have to turn back, but after 5 hours we were exhausted and still had so much to go. Going down is always way more brutal too. Third of it had to do dragging ass.

El Tronador, Pampa Linda

This park just south of Bariloche was really difficult to get to, only cause the street had one way designated times. That and the 35km ripio road took well over an hour. Was a tough one.

Pampa Linda is the area below this thing. Tons of hikes to do there, pretty cool place. Camped with a Permanent view of the thing and perfect starry nights. Anyone know how to take pictures of stars at night with an iPhone?

First things first, if Tronador has glaciers, it must have…. waterfalls! This should be the best one ever though because of its name. Garganta Del Diablo!

Was also another lake of glacier water filled with icebergs. They were supposed to be black from volcanic rock glacier but they just looked dirty. So no pic. And of course on our drive back…

Bariloche

Tourist town. Although a very german tourist town. Looked very European and was full of german names and german beer. Thought I was getting away from this stuff. Had a ski resort Villa Cathedral next to it. The ski resort didn’t impress me at all, guessing rich American bastard children go there and brag about everywhere they skiied, just like Torres del Paine. Key note, Bariloche has a mountain that I must honor with my presence.

Cerro Otto has a lot to offer.

And many stunning panoramic views. Also a ski lift and climbing aerial garden etc, you know, typical stuff.

Got outta Bariloche and went a bit north to another german tourist town.

After that to San Martin where I got a massive sandwich, no pictures of it though, only in my stomach. This entire drive is something like the land of 7 lakes or something. We stopped at each one for a view along with hundreds of others always trying to get a picture of their car along with the lake. Don’t get why, just a lake. Was pretty but not even waterfall pretty (minimum requirement)

Few more small stops, then on to…

Volcano Lanin

Thing was pretty impressive. Saw it from so so far away. Another glacier on top, who is surprised!

Stayed here for a day or two for some R&R. Finally had my first South American beer with a German Name.

As always where there are Germans, there are german “experts” who go out of their way to invent their own measurement system and they have a 100 slide PowerPoint explaining why. Anyone up for 473 cubic centimeters of beer? I’m gonna order like that from now on.

Volcano Batea Mahuida

Gesundheit. This one was great, easy to do. Nice little stroll.

Most importantly, actually recommended from both the tourist office and the park ranger, you have to go to Mirador los Antennes. Very tranquil. So we hit it up on the way out, exactly what we thought it was… tranquil.

So enough of the lake region, let’s go get some wine! Off to Mendoza!