For many Patagonia is just a brand for trekking clothes, but I think I now understand why they took the brand. Just having spent less than 48 hours in the northern most part of the huge Patagonia region in Southamerica, you clearly understand the value of picking this region as your brand. Here is stunningly beautiful …
The journey from Chos Malal down to San Martin de los Andes was much more curvey than the many previous days, and that was indeed welcome. Navigating besides high volcanos and vast flat landscapes was slowly replaced with trees, more trees and then mountain peaks and trees – and one thing that really got me in a great spirit was the smell of the trees. Having done almost 8.500km so far and I think this was one thing that I have missed – almost dangerous to your senses.
Before I entered the nice town of San Martin de los Andes, I drove into the Lanin National Park with the highest volcano – Lanin – as the constant backdrop for many kilometers of road. My first big volcano was in New Zealand in 2015 and understanding the pure power needed to create such a monster, I tend to admire and have huge respect for these creations. I still need to have an active one on my life-CV.
The town is in summertime a mountainbike and trekking meka – in winter time it’s a ski resort. But to be honest I did not see that many slopes or lifts – not like you see in Europe. So a bit puzzled on where they are hiding them. Buildings and shops do though reflect some kind of connection to wintersports.
I stayed at the old Post Hotel close to the Lago Lacar – one of the 7 lakes that I passed on route to Bariloche and the fancy resort area of Llao Llao. The lakes did as they were supposed to – create stunning sceneries for the lense and eyes, and it was indeed tough not to stop every 5km for a new shot. At a short brake I was accompanied by a local duck family – I expect they often get some treats from the travellers – I was a disappointment to them though.
The 7 lakes was passed in cold weather with a slight drizzle for 30 minutes, but as morning turned to day weather improved to the usual sunny state, but now with more resonable temperatures around 20-22. In the last and biggest lake, Lago Nahuel Huapi, wind was coming hard from northwest swirling sand and dust into the nice and rich Bariloche. This is definitely so far the richest area seen in Argentina – almost all buildings are new or renovated to exceptional standard (compared to other places in Southamerica).
And I think I found the largest and most expensive hotel – the Llao Llao Hotel beginning at USD 1.100 per night. Well placed and I hope a butler comes with the price. I was quite happy with Katy’s Hostel just next door.
In the afternoon I took a 12km trek to Lago Perito Moreno again with another set of images only imagination – or Patagonia – can deliver.
