A prompt start with our driver Miguel today to head to the high mountains. The drives here are gifts that just keep giving, around every corner there is another amazing view, this time of the Andes. We drove for around 3 hours with a brief stop at the Potrerillos Dam which created a stunning reservoir providing water to Mendoza, and from the looks of it also a holiday area with lots of boats on the lake. Whilst still lovely and sunny we could definitely feel the air cooling as we drove higher. So high that we passed through a small ski resort – Penitentes Ski Centre, not sure would fancy braving the rather rickety looking chairlifts but otherwise the buildings were like an Alpine ski resort.

We reached our destination – the viewpoint of Aconcagua, highest peak in the Americas at 6,962 metres. We were at the entrance to the Provincial Park, a good few days’ walk from the base camp and even from here it looked magnificent (and chilly – we were armed with beanies and buffs). We did a hour long walk next to a small lake with super clear water, looking upwards towards the snow capped mountain. Sadly we didn’t have the 12 days’ spare to complete the climb!

Headed back down the mountain road stopping at the Puenta del Inca, a naturally formed bridge of calcified rocks that used to house a spa before a landslide destroyed the accompanying hotel, but incredibly not the local church standing next to the hotel ruins as if it was built yesterday. Our final stop was for a late lunch at a traditional parilla – ie lots of meat cooked on a huge indoor fire – the chef was working hard. The local dogs were lined up outside waiting patiently for scraps, they’d certainly had enough looking very well fed! Homeward bound we passed several roadside shrines covered in bottles of water and red ribbons – we learnt from Miguel that these were to remember a folk saint Difunta Correa who according to legend died crossing the desert carrying her infant baby who survived her. Our driver had been to the place of her death to get his new car blessed with a red ribbon to protect him on his travels. We subsequently noticed so many of these shrines.

A long day out but wow the views!

A more relaxed start next day heading to Luján de Cuyo, one of Mendoza’s three wine areas, with our driver Javier today who had organised all our trips this week (lots of good chat as his English was impeccable). First stop an American owned vineyard Finca Bandini. This was a beautiful small to medium sized vineyard where we got a personalised drive through the vines on a golf buggy (girls loved this!). The mountains behind provided a stunning backdrop. After our buggy adventure it was onto the important part – wine tasting before 12 noon…! We tried 5 of their wines including a rose Malbec and several red which were all great, not yet exported to the UK so we took a bottle with us to consume before our next flight! Girls were happy with colouring and cake. Then it was time for lunch at one of the top TripAdvisor rated vineyard restaurants, Fogon at Bodega Lagarde. We sat in the sun and had some great food (although think the view at the Cafayate vineyard had previously spoiled us!). Meant for a relaxed evening at home…

Our final day in the hills it was back along the mountain road again (we were getting good at recognising the way now!) to the Agua Termas Cacheuta, or hot baths. We had been a bit nervous beforehand reading that post Easter lots of the outdoor baths closed (too chilly!) but it proved a lovely relaxing few hours. Lots of big stone indoor and outdoor swimming pools of different temperatures where we basically just sat around and chatted. The outdoor pools had the backdrop of the mountains. Lots of locals, although we did meet a retired American couple who had sold their house and been travelling in an RV for 7 years…something for us to aspire to in the future?! The girls were very pleased that one of the outdoor slides was open so whizzed down that several times – we declined to join them from the comfort from a lovely warm pool. Home to chill, have a relaxed final dinner in Aristides neighbourhood, and pack ready for tomorrow’s 8hr bus journey through the Andes to Chile.

Can’t believe our month in Argentina is up, it’s been such a varied time with stunning natural sights. Sure we will return in the future.

S, K, L, & H x