Puerto Varas Arrajanes; Halbinsel Quetrihue Puerto Varas Puerto Varas Puerto Varas Puerto Varas Puerto Varas Puerto Varas Puerto Varas Puerto Varas Puerto Varas Cascadas de Petrohue Cascadas de Petrohue Cascadas de Petrohue Paso Cardenal Antonio Samoré Paso Cardenal Antonio Samoré Paso Cardenal Antonio Samoré Paso Cardenal Antonio Samoré Villa la Angostura Villa la Angostura Villa la Angostura Villa la Angostura Puerto Varas Villa la Angostura Villa la Angostura Villa la Angostura Villa la Angostura Lago Nahuel Huapi Halbinsel Quetrihue Arrajanes; Halbinsel Quetrihue Arrajanes; Halbinsel Quetrihue Halbinsel Quetrihue Lago Espejo Chico Lago Espejo Grande Lago Lacar San Martin de los Andes Lago Correntoso Cania Colihue Lago Correntoso Lago Espejo Chico Lago Espejo Chico Cascada Vulignanco San Martin de los Andes San Martin de los Andes San Martin de los Andes San Martin de los Andes San Martin de los Andes San Martin de los Andes San Martin de los Andes für Antonio Gil Volcan Lanin Araukarien Rabengeier Volcan Lanin Volcan Lanin Truthahngeier Playa de Yuco Playa de Yuco Playa de Yuco Playa de Yuco Playa de Yuco Playa de Yuco Playa de Yuco Cascadas Chachin Bänderspecht Playa de Yuco Ruta 40 Ruta 63 Travelblog Patagonia 2018 Chile Argentina Route page up page up This journey will touch both Chile and Argentina. Start is the city of Puerto Montt (1) in Chile where we simply end our flights to continue to Puerto Varas (2), followed by the waterfalls of Petrohue. This quick visit of Chile will end by crossing the Andes mountians for the first time via a mountain pass close to Entre Lagos. Villa la Angostura (3) in Argentina is the first city we will visit and use for a hike through the Bosque de Arrayanes situated on the peninsula of Quetrihue (4). Done this we will head up north to the city of San Martín de Los Andes (5). On our way we will pass by the so called Seven Lakes area, we would like to explore a bit more. All dependent on the weather. Finally we shall see real and unique forests of Araukarias, we may see in the front yards of our European neighbourhood. This part is the so called Switzerland of Argentina due to the similarity of the landscape. San Carlos de Bariloche (6) will be the next stop on this travel. It will be a short stay before we will head further south to the city of Esquel (7). Maybe we will have the chance to book a ride on the vintage train called La Trochita. For sure we will spend a whole day in the National Park Los Alerces. The following day we have to leave the Andes Cordillere to show up at the eastcoast of the continent. Trelew (8) and later Bahia Bustamante (9) will be the basis to spot some of the bustling birdlife. First and foremost we would like to see the famous Magellan-Penguins nesting and hopefully growing the chicks. Two days later we will cross the continent again to visit a famous location of petrified forests close to Sarmiento (10). After this we will most likely see the real Pampa, having a lunch stop at the town of Perito Moreno (11) and ending at the UNESCO world heritage site of Cuevas de los Manos (12). El Chaltén (14) and later El Calafate (15) will help us to enjoy the mountains in the most direct manner again. Several hikes will allow us to come very close to the famous peaks as Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre. In the southern part of this national park Los Glaciares we shall gaze one of the last growing glaciers in the world. We hope that we have adequate weather conditions for both experiences. Back to Chile we long for a glaring hole in the clouds to get a glimpse of the alltime cloud hidden Torres del Paine (17) mountains. We hope for only a few minutes nice sunlight falling onto them. The most southern part of the South-American continent will be the last stage of this journey. Ushuaia (19) the southernmost city of the world will be our basis to enter into the National Park Tierra del Fuego. Also here it is all dependent on the weather conditions which could be even harder than 300km further north but we expect to do walks in this park as well. Already on our way to Punta Arenas (the final stop of the journey) we will stop at Onaisin. This location hosts a fairly nice community of king penguins and we guess they are waiting for our visit. We already know that telecommunications infrastructure in both countries is not comparable with other parts of the world. We will visit places which will be cut off from every common infrastructure. Some of them will have electric power for only a few hours a day. All this means that this blog cannot be updated every day. However, we are very curious about this exciting destination hoping to be able to upload as many pictures and reports as possible. This journey will touch both Chile and Argentina. Start is the city of Puerto Montt (1) in Chile where we simply end our flights to continue to Puerto Varas (2), followed by the waterfalls of Petrohue. This quick visit of Chile will end by crossing the Andes mountians for the first time via a mountain pass close to Entre Lagos. Villa la Angostura (3) in Argentina is the first city we will visit and use for a hike through the Bosque de Arrayanes situated on the peninsula of Quetrihue (4). Done this we will head up north to the city of San Martín de Los Andes (5). On our way we will pass by the so called Seven Lakes area, we would like to explore a bit more. All dependent on the weather. Finally we shall see real and unique forests of Araukarias, we may see in the front yards of our European neighbourhood. This part is the so called Switzerland of Argentina due to the similarity of the landscape. San Carlos de Bariloche (6) will be the next stop on this travel. It will be a short stay before we will head further south to the city of Esquel (7). Maybe we will have the chance to book a ride on the vintage train called La Trochita. For sure we will spend a whole day in the National Park Los Alerces. The following day we have to leave the Andes Cordillere to show up at the eastcoast of the continent. Trelew (8) and later Bahia Bustamante (9) will be the basis to spot some of the bustling birdlife. First and foremost we would like to see the famous Magellan-Penguins nesting and hopefully growing the chicks. Two days later we will cross the continent again to visit a famous location of petrified forests close to Sarmiento (10). After this we will most likely see the real Pampa, having a lunch stop at the town of Perito Moreno (11) and ending at the UNESCO world heritage site of Cuevas de los Manos (12). El Chaltén (14) and later El Calafate (15) will help us to enjoy the mountains in the most direct manner again. Several hikes will allow us to come very close to the famous peaks as Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre. In the southern part of this national park Los Glaciares we shall gaze one of the last growing glaciers in the world. Ultimately arrived: After very long flights via Madrid/Santiago de Chile and Puerto Montt we arrived at the real start of this journey: Puerto Varas. We have to recognise that the people there are very friendly and a pleasant ambience fills this little town. Maybe the sandwich day between Dia de Muertos and the weekend does its own task. The streets are full with people strolling around town or at the beachfront. Additionally there is a bike race around the Lago Llanquihue taking place this very weekend where the upbeat is performed by the final ceremonies of the Carneval del Sur. Many actors are very imaginatively costumed as flowers or animals presenting themselves on stage. Every step reminds us about the immigrants from Germany or German speaking countries because of the names of Hotels, Bars Cafes. Also names of towns follow the nostalgia of those people. Unfortunately none of the persons we got in touch with reveals himself as German descendent. At the far end of the lake and covered by clouds we can only anticipate the existance of the perfect volcano Osorno. Ultimately arrived: After very long flights via Madrid/Santiago de Chile and Puerto Montt we arrived at the real start of this journey: Puerto Varas. We have to recognise that the people there are very friendly and a pleasant ambience fills this little town. Maybe the sandwich day between Dia de Muertos and the weekend does its own task. The streets are full with people strolling around town or at the beachfront. Additionally there is a bike race around the Lago Llanquihue taking place this very weekend where the upbeat is performed by the final ceremonies of the Carneval del Sur. Many actors are very imaginatively costumed as flowers or animals presenting themselves on stage. Every step reminds us about the immigrants from Germany or German speaking countries because of the names of Hotels, Bars Cafes. Also names of towns follow the nostalgia of those people. Unfortunately none of the persons we got in touch with reveals himself as German descendent. At the far end of the lake and covered by clouds we can only anticipate the existance of the perfect volcano Osorno. German words and terms are quite omnipresent. Firstly you may not think about it because it seems to be normal to you but after a while you will recognise that especially this particular word was NOT Spanish. German words and terms are quite omnipresent. Firstly you may not think about it because it seems to be normal to you but after a while you will recognise that especially this particular word was NOT Spanish. Endless amount of water: one may think by watching at the roaring and soaring waterfalls of Petrohué. These masses of water are the overflow of Lago Todo los Santos. We may think about all the saints spending their blessing to the area. From the background volcano Osorno is still overlooking the scenery in its own shape and appearance. On a lower niveau of the lively waterfalls we could find a nice and calm – we may say idyllic – place a small waterfalls runs. All the scenery is surrounded by lush forest and bushes creating a nice contrast to the more rugged place upwards the stream. By leaving this more or less wild area we were reaching quickly rolling pasture land sprinkled with many farms. Endless amount of water: one may think by watching at the roaring and soaring waterfalls of Petrohué. These masses of water are the overflow of Lago Todo los Santos. We may think about all the saints spending their blessing to the area. From the background volcano Osorno is still overlooking the scenery in its own shape and appearance. On a lower niveau of the lively waterfalls we could find a nice and calm – we may say idyllic – place a small waterfalls runs. All the scenery is surrounded by lush forest and bushes creating a nice contrast to the more rugged place upwards the stream. By leaving this more or less wild area we were reaching quickly rolling pasture land sprinkled with many farms. Borders: in todays' Europe you are accustomed to cross country borders without any recognition. In most cases you will not see any remains of the old border buildings unless you knew them from the past. Here it is different. Especially between Chile and Argentina. Both countries are still in a certain crises condition. You may not see it by crossing the borders but you feel it personally when passing all the formal procedures for both countries. By entering Chile at the airport you received a printed bill you have to keep until leaving the country again. This is the Visa. We are simply not accustomed with this paperwork any more. Similar things happen by entering Argentina. Firstly the car will be checked about the number of passengers. At the next stop you have to queue at the immigration followed by customs (you have to declare the rented car on a special form). When all was done you can proceed to the final booth where they collect your routing slip. Between both posts you are driving through no mans land. In this specific case it is exactly looking as such. Volcanic shaped mountains, remains of snow from the last winter, rough ice-cold wind is ripping through the geographical border at the hight of the pass Cardenal Antonio Samoré at app. 1300m elevation. Somewhere a rocky needle erects into the cloudy sky. It is the remain of a lava dome where the rest is already eroded. Just after the Argentina boder the landscape resumes its lush appearance. It becomes more quainted and greener. Also animals appear the scenery. Borders: in todays' Europe you are accustomed to cross country borders without any recognition. In most cases you will not see any remains of the old border buildings unless you knew them from the past. Here it is different. Especially between Chile and Argentina. Both countries are still in a certain crises condition. You may not see it by crossing the borders but you feel it personally when passing all the formal procedures for both countries. By entering Chile at the airport you received a printed bill you have to keep until leaving the country again. This is the Visa. We are simply not accustomed with this paperwork any more. Similar things happen by entering Argentina. Firstly the car will be checked about the number of passengers. At the next stop you have to queue at the immigration followed by customs (you have to declare the rented car on a special form). When all was done you can proceed to the final booth where they collect your routing slip. Between both posts you are driving through no mans land. In this specific case it is exactly looking as such. Volcanic shaped mountains, remains of snow from the last winter, rough ice-cold wind is ripping through the geographical border at the hight of the pass Cardenal Antonio Samoré at app. 1300m elevation. Somewhere a rocky needle erects into the cloudy sky. It is the remain of a lava dome where the rest is already eroded. Just after the Argentina boder the landscape resumes its lush appearance. It becomes more quainted and greener. Also animals appear the scenery. Villa la Angostura: is the first town you are reaching after the pass. It is the gateway to the National Park Nahuel Huapi surrounded by mountains and the sprawling lake Nahuel Huapi. Villa la Angostura: is the first town you are reaching after the pass. It is the gateway to the National Park Nahuel Huapi surrounded by mountains and the sprawling lake Nahuel Huapi. Chocolate and Icecream are weets which could be consumed at any time of the year, under any conditions and by everybody – tourists or domestic people. Chocolate and Icecream are weets which could be consumed at any time of the year, under any conditions and by everybody – tourists or domestic people. Event in the rain: it could happen, that spring time is falling through but unless those conditions a planned event has to be started and continued. This happened at the long weekend. Many people took off that Friday used this time for travel or planned contests. Villa la Angostura arranged a Triathlon that very weekend. It contained a Kajak-regatta followed by a Mountainbike ride and finally a run. All very pleasant at 5 degrees Celcius, but participants (all ages) seemed to be prepared and had plenty of fun. Event in the rain: it could happen, that spring time is falling through but unless those conditions a planned event has to be started and continued. This happened at the long weekend. Many people took off that Friday used this time for travel or planned contests. Villa la Angostura arranged a Triathlon that very weekend. It contained a Kajak-regatta followed by a Mountainbike ride and finally a run. All very pleasant at 5 degrees Celcius, but participants (all ages) seemed to be prepared and had plenty of fun. The Quetrihué peninsula hosts a tiny National Park -Los Arrayanes. This is a special kind of trees covering this area with a big number. Special character of those trees is the cinnamon like colour of the stems. Especially in direct sunlight they are glowing somehow surreal in shades of yellow/brown inside the green coloured forest. The lake itself is said having more than 50 shades of blue, but due to the rainy wheather we only saw max. three different colours. The Quetrihué peninsula hosts a tiny National Park -Los Arrayanes. This is a special kind of trees covering this area with a big number. Special character of those trees is the cinnamon like colour of the stems. Especially in direct sunlight they are glowing somehow surreal in shades of yellow/brown inside the green coloured forest. The lake itself is said having more than 50 shades of blue, but due to the rainy wheather we only saw max. three different colours. Siete Lagos: this stretch between Villa la Angostura and San Martín de los Andes should be very charming and delightful. However, our travel was a bit spoiled by some rain and very cloudy conditions which hid all the mountains and forests. Also the Seven Lakes (in real there are many more) were grey but not blue. However, at the many viewpoints we could imagine how lovely, nice and colourful it could look like when the sun was shining. Some compensation was given when lingering around those places waiting for some of the thriving birdlife around us. Some of them are really prying – as we are. Both sides can watch at each other taking all the time needed. There is always hope that some of the clouds disappear giving way for some sunrays to let the colours shine freshly and intense. Aside this it seems that spingtime has begun. Most of the plants carry their light green clothing and first flowers are spreading towards the sunlight. Almost everywhere a kind of bamboo – some may think about horsetail – Cania Colihue, an endemic plant is growing. Siete Lagos: this stretch between Villa la Angostura and San Martín de los Andes should be very charming and delightful. However, our travel was a bit spoiled by some rain and very cloudy conditions which hid all the mountains and forests. Also the Seven Lakes (in real there are many more) were grey but not blue. However, at the many viewpoints we could imagine how lovely, nice and colourful it could look like when the sun was shining. Some compensation was given when lingering around those places waiting for some of the thriving birdlife around us. Some of them are really prying – as we are. Both sides can watch at each other taking all the time needed. There is always hope that some of the clouds disappear giving way for some sunrays to let the colours shine freshly and intense. Aside this it seems that spingtime has begun. Most of the plants carry their light green clothing and first flowers are spreading towards the sunlight. Almost everywhere a kind of bamboo – some may think about horsetail – Cania Colihue, an endemic plant is growing. Using a side track which is normally unpaved we reached the Lago Espejo Chico. The end of the road is almost reaching the shores of the lake. At this time we are completely alone if we don't count all the birds flying around. Some of them already known from other areas but it is always a pleasure to spot and observe them inside this lively scenery. A strong wind is blowing though the valley to the lake. Sometimes laden with some ice pellets. Using a side track which is normally unpaved we reached the Lago Espejo Chico. The end of the road is almost reaching the shores of the lake. At this time we are completely alone if we don't count all the birds flying around. Some of them already known from other areas but it is always a pleasure to spot and observe them inside this lively scenery. A strong wind is blowing though the valley to the lake. Sometimes laden with some ice pellets. The clouds disappear at Lago Correntoso and some curves of the street later some warming sunrays reach a side-valley. At the end of it an imposing waterfall could be found. We loved to watch it from a shorter distance but as always in early springtime paths have not been opened yet or if parts of them had been opened some stretches of them could be impassable. This was the case for us. A broad stream with some strong current stopped us finally. The clouds disappear at Lago Correntoso and some curves of the street later some warming sunrays reach a side-valley. At the end of it an imposing waterfall could be found. We loved to watch it from a shorter distance but as always in early springtime paths have not been opened yet or if parts of them had been opened some stretches of them could be impassable. This was the case for us. A broad stream with some strong current stopped us finally. A few kilometers later we were somehow compensated by Cascada Vulignanco. It is always said that the eastern side of the Andes is the dryer one, but watching all the waterfalls it is hard to believe because all of them are really full of water. The final part towards San Martín de los Andes and Lago Lacar is not very long any more. The weather is clearing a bit and we hope that temperatures will rise regardless the icy blowing wind. A few kilometers later we were somehow compensated by Cascada Vulignanco. It is always said that the eastern side of the Andes is the dryer one, but watching all the waterfalls it is hard to believe because all of them are really full of water. The final part towards San Martín de los Andes and Lago Lacar is not very long any more. The weather is clearing a bit and we hope that temperatures will rise regardless the icy blowing wind. We are leaving the city for our first excursion. We are on our way to the volcano Lanin on the border to Chile. It is really remarkable that we enter into steppe-like countryside once left the city boundaries. All is brown and grey but nothing really green. Alongside the small rivers – this means where is constant water supply – trees are growing and green patches are available. At the roadsides you can find some little kind of chapels. They are assigned to real holy persons but more are designated to local heroes/saints (they are not approved as such from the official catholic church). Argentinians adorise the so called Antonio Gil, who was a kind of highbotn Gaucho – a kind of a South-American Robin Hood. His trade mark is the red colour in which his chapels are designed. We are leaving the city for our first excursion. We are on our way to the volcano Lanin on the border to Chile. It is really remarkable that we enter into steppe-like countryside once left the city boundaries. All is brown and grey but nothing really green. Alongside the small rivers – this means where is constant water supply – trees are growing and green patches are available. At the roadsides you can find some little kind of chapels. They are assigned to real holy persons but more are designated to local heroes/saints (they are not approved as such from the official catholic church). Argentinians adorise the so called Antonio Gil, who was a kind of highbotn Gaucho – a kind of a South-American Robin Hood. His trade mark is the red colour in which his chapels are designed. On our way to our starting point around the basis of this perfectly shaped volcano Lanin we pass by some very special forests. Araucarias are normally known as single trees in the frontyard but here they are building real forests. In this pictures you can see the development of such a tree which could grow up to 30 meters tall. On our way to our starting point around the basis of this perfectly shaped volcano Lanin we pass by some very special forests. Araucarias are normally known as single trees in the frontyard but here they are building real forests. In this pictures you can see the development of such a tree which could grow up to 30 meters tall. It is always fascinating and for a city slicker almost scary, if you drive your car to somewhere, turn off the engine and listen to the nature. Normally you will hear nothing but the wind, the twittering of the birds, the murmuring of the strems, the burbling of the rivers and at last your own breath. From time to time you can see some big birds drawing their circles into the sky. Leisurely they are spanning up into the sky trying to spot some food. In most cases they are vultures. Once spotted the photographer prepares his equipment and a few seconds later this very sky is empty. It is a real miracle how fast those bird could disappear and not seen any longer. It is always fascinating and for a city slicker almost scary, if you drive your car to somewhere, turn off the engine and listen to the nature. Normally you will hear nothing but the wind, the twittering of the birds, the murmuring of the strems, the burbling of the rivers and at last your own breath. From time to time you can see some big birds drawing their circles into the sky. Leisurely they are spanning up into the sky trying to spot some food. In most cases they are vultures. Once spotted the photographer prepares his equipment and a few seconds later this very sky is empty. It is a real miracle how fast those bird could disappear and not seen any longer. If you leave San Martín de los Andes northbound and follow the north-banks of Lago Lacar you will reach a high level valley. The look and feel is similar to an area in Switzerland or Austria. One difference is that you have to keep an eye on the raod and fields because it could happen at any time that catlle, horses or sheep or other wildlife will cross your way. Having more time this area could be perfect for many hikes. But we don't have that much and therefore need to proceed towards the end of the lake and its hidden beaches and bays. Fortunately there is no wind in this part which helps all the colours of this crystal clear and mirror-like water to enjoy our eyes. If you leave San Martín de los Andes northbound and follow the north-banks of Lago Lacar you will reach a high level valley. The look and feel is similar to an area in Switzerland or Austria. One difference is that you have to keep an eye on the raod and fields because it could happen at any time that catlle, horses or sheep or other wildlife will cross your way. Having more time this area could be perfect for many hikes. But we don't have that much and therefore need to proceed towards the end of the lake and its hidden beaches and bays. Fortunately there is no wind in this part which helps all the colours of this crystal clear and mirror-like water to enjoy our eyes. By chosing another turn off you can reach the end of a forest track and the start of a leisure hike toward a waterfall deep inside this forest. An immens number of different trees, bushes etc. could be found there. In most cases there are variants of Rauli, Alerces, Myrtlebushes and Myrtletrees. A little stream at the very beginning could be crossed by a bridge which is not used by humans only. By chosing another turn off you can reach the end of a forest track and the start of a leisure hike toward a waterfall deep inside this forest. An immens number of different trees, bushes etc. could be found there. In most cases there are variants of Rauli, Alerces, Myrtlebushes and Myrtletrees. A little stream at the very beginning could be crossed by a bridge which is not used by humans only. Continue
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Puerto Varas Arrajanes; Halbinsel Quetrihue Puerto Varas Puerto Varas Puerto Varas Puerto Varas Puerto Varas Cascadas de Petrohue Cascadas de Petrohue Cascadas de Petrohue Villa la Angostura Villa la Angostura Puerto Varas Villa la Angostura Villa la Angostura Lago Nahuel Huapi Arrajanes; Halbinsel Quetrihue Lago Espejo Chico Lago Espejo Grande Lago Lacar Lago Correntoso Cania Colihue Lago Correntoso San Martin de los Andes San Martin de los Andes San Martin de los Andes San Martin de los Andes für Antonio Gil Volcan Lanin Volcan Lanin Truthahngeier Playa de Yuco Playa de Yuco Playa de Yuco Playa de Yuco Cascadas Chachin Bänderspecht Ruta 40 Travelblog Patagonia 2018 Chile Argentina Route This journey will touch both Chile and Argentina. Start is the city of Puerto Montt (1) in Chile where we simply end our flights to continue to Puerto Varas (2), followed by the waterfalls of Petrohue. This quick visit of Chile will end by crossing the Andes mountians for the first time via a mountain pass close to Entre Lagos. Villa la Angostura (3) in Argentina is the first city we will visit and use for a hike through the Bosque de Arrayanes situated on the peninsula of Quetrihue (4). Done this we will head up north to the city of San Martín de Los Andes (5). On our way we will pass by the so called Seven Lakes area, we would like to explore a bit more. All dependent on the weather. Finally we shall see real and unique forests of Araukarias, we may see in the front yards of our European neighbourhood. This part is the so called Switzerland of Argentina due to the similarity of the landscape. San Carlos de Bariloche (6) will be the next stop on this travel. It will be a short stay before we will head further south to the city of Esquel (7). Maybe we will have the chance to book a ride on the vintage train called La Trochita. For sure we will spend a whole day in the National Park Los Alerces. The following day we have to leave the Andes Cordillere to show up at the eastcoast of the continent. Trelew (8) and later Bahia Bustamante (9) will be the basis to spot some of the bustling birdlife. First and foremost we would like to see the famous Magellan-Penguins nesting and hopefully growing the chicks. Two days later we will cross the continent again to visit a famous location of petrified forests close to Sarmiento (10). After this we will most likely see the real Pampa, having a lunch stop at the town of Perito Moreno (11) and ending at the UNESCO world heritage site of Cuevas de los Manos (12). El Chaltén (14) and later El Calafate (15) will help us to enjoy the mountains in the most direct manner again. Several hikes will allow us to come very close to the famous peaks as Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre. In the southern part of this national park Los Glaciares we shall gaze one of the last growing glaciers in the world. We hope that we have adequate weather conditions for both experiences. Back to Chile we long for a glaring hole in the clouds to get a glimpse of the alltime cloud hidden Torres del Paine (17) mountains. We hope for only a few minutes nice sunlight falling onto them. The most southern part of the South-American continent will be the last stage of this journey. Ushuaia (19) the southernmost city of the world will be our basis to enter into the National Park Tierra del Fuego. Also here it is all dependent on the weather conditions which could be even harder than 300km further north but we expect to do walks in this park as well. Already on our way to Punta Arenas (the final stop of the journey) we will stop at Onaisin. This location hosts a fairly nice community of king penguins and we guess they are waiting for our visit. We already know that telecommunications infrastructure in both countries is not comparable with other parts of the world. We will visit places which will be cut off from every common infrastructure. Some of them will have electric power for only a few hours a day. All this means that this blog cannot be updated every day. However, we are very curious about this exciting destination hoping to be able to upload as many pictures and reports as possible. This journey will touch both Chile and Argentina. Start is the city of Puerto Montt (1) in Chile where we simply end our flights to continue to Puerto Varas (2), followed by the waterfalls of Petrohue. This quick visit of Chile will end by crossing the Andes mountians for the first time via a mountain pass close to Entre Lagos. Villa la Angostura (3) in Argentina is the first city we will visit and use for a hike through the Bosque de Arrayanes situated on the peninsula of Quetrihue (4). Done this we will head up north to the city of San Martín de Los Andes (5). On our way we will pass by the so called Seven Lakes area, we would like to explore a bit more. All dependent on the weather. Finally we shall see real and unique forests of Araukarias, we may see in the front yards of our European neighbourhood. This part is the so called Switzerland of Argentina due to the similarity of the landscape. San Carlos de Bariloche (6) will be the next stop on this travel. It will be a short stay before we will head further south to the city of Esquel (7). Maybe we will have the chance to book a ride on the vintage train called La Trochita. For sure we will spend a whole day in the National Park Los Alerces. The following day we have to leave the Andes Cordillere to show up at the eastcoast of the continent. Trelew (8) and later Bahia Bustamante (9) will be the basis to spot some of the bustling birdlife. First and foremost we would like to see the famous Magellan-Penguins nesting and hopefully growing the chicks. Two days later we will cross the continent again to visit a famous location of petrified forests close to Sarmiento (10). After this we will most likely see the real Pampa, having a lunch stop at the town of Perito Moreno (11) and ending at the UNESCO world heritage site of Cuevas de los Manos (12). El Chaltén (14) and later El Calafate (15) will help us to enjoy the mountains in the most direct manner again. Several hikes will allow us to come very close to the famous peaks as Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre. In the southern part of this national park Los Glaciares we shall gaze one of the last growing glaciers in the world. German words and terms are quite omnipresent. Firstly you may not think about it because it seems to be normal to you but after a while you will recognise that especially this particular word was NOT Spanish. German words and terms are quite omnipresent. Firstly you may not think about it because it seems to be normal to you but after a while you will recognise that especially this particular word was NOT Spanish. Borders: in todays' Europe you are accustomed to cross country borders without any recognition. In most cases you will not see any remains of the old border buildings unless you knew them from the past. Here it is different. Especially between Chile and Argentina. Both countries are still in a certain crises condition. You may not see it by crossing the borders but you feel it personally when passing all the formal procedures for both countries. By entering Chile at the airport you received a printed bill you have to keep until leaving the country again. This is the Visa. We are simply not accustomed with this paperwork any more. Similar things happen by entering Argentina. Firstly the car will be checked about the number of passengers. At the next stop you have to queue at the immigration followed by customs (you have to declare the rented car on a special form). When all was done you can proceed to the final booth where they collect your routing slip. Between both posts you are driving through no mans land. In this specific case it is exactly looking as such. Volcanic shaped mountains, remains of snow from the last winter, rough ice-cold wind is ripping through the geographical border at the hight of the pass Cardenal Antonio Samoré at app. 1300m elevation. Somewhere a rocky needle erects into the cloudy sky. It is the remain of a lava dome where the rest is already eroded. Just after the Argentina boder the landscape resumes its lush appearance. It becomes more quainted and greener. Also animals appear the scenery. Borders: in todays' Europe you are accustomed to cross country borders without any recognition. In most cases you will not see any remains of the old border buildings unless you knew them from the past. Here it is different. Especially between Chile and Argentina. Both countries are still in a certain crises condition. You may not see it by crossing the borders but you feel it personally when passing all the formal procedures for both countries. By entering Chile at the airport you received a printed bill you have to keep until leaving the country again. This is the Visa. We are simply not accustomed with this paperwork any more. Similar things happen by entering Argentina. Firstly the car will be checked about the number of passengers. At the next stop you have to queue at the immigration followed by customs (you have to declare the rented car on a special form). When all was done you can proceed to the final booth where they collect your routing slip. Between both posts you are driving through no mans land. In this specific case it is exactly looking as such. Volcanic shaped mountains, remains of snow from the last winter, rough ice-cold wind is ripping through the geographical border at the hight of the pass Cardenal Antonio Samoré at app. 1300m elevation. Somewhere a rocky needle erects into the cloudy sky. It is the remain of a lava dome where the rest is already eroded. Just after the Argentina boder the landscape resumes its lush appearance. It becomes more quainted and greener. Also animals appear the scenery. Villa la Angostura: is the first town you are reaching after the pass. It is the gateway to the National Park Nahuel Huapi surrounded by mountains and the sprawling lake Nahuel Huapi. Villa la Angostura: is the first town you are reaching after the pass. It is the gateway to the National Park Nahuel Huapi surrounded by mountains and the sprawling lake Nahuel Huapi. Event in the rain: it could happen, that spring time is falling through but unless those conditions a planned event has to be started and continued. This happened at the long weekend. Many people took off that Friday used this time for travel or planned contests. Villa la Angostura arranged a Triathlon that very weekend. It contained a Kajak-regatta followed by a Mountainbike ride and finally a run. All very pleasant at 5 degrees Celcius, but participants (all ages) seemed to be prepared and had plenty of fun. Event in the rain: it could happen, that spring time is falling through but unless those conditions a planned event has to be started and continued. This happened at the long weekend. Many people took off that Friday used this time for travel or planned contests. Villa la Angostura arranged a Triathlon that very weekend. It contained a Kajak-regatta followed by a Mountainbike ride and finally a run. All very pleasant at 5 degrees Celcius, but participants (all ages) seemed to be prepared and had plenty of fun. Siete Lagos: this stretch between Villa la Angostura and San Martín de los Andes should be very charming and delightful. However, our travel was a bit spoiled by some rain and very cloudy conditions which hid all the mountains and forests. Also the Seven Lakes (in real there are many more) were grey but not blue. However, at the many viewpoints we could imagine how lovely, nice and colourful it could look like when the sun was shining. Some compensation was given when lingering around those places waiting for some of the thriving birdlife around us. Some of them are really prying – as we are. Both sides can watch at each other taking all the time needed. There is always hope that some of the clouds disappear giving way for some sunrays to let the colours shine freshly and intense. Aside this it seems that spingtime has begun. Most of the plants carry their light green clothing and first flowers are spreading towards the sunlight. Almost everywhere a kind of bamboo – some may think about horsetail – Cania Colihue, an endemic plant is growing. Siete Lagos: this stretch between Villa la Angostura and San Martín de los Andes should be very charming and delightful. However, our travel was a bit spoiled by some rain and very cloudy conditions which hid all the mountains and forests. Also the Seven Lakes (in real there are many more) were grey but not blue. However, at the many viewpoints we could imagine how lovely, nice and colourful it could look like when the sun was shining. Some compensation was given when lingering around those places waiting for some of the thriving birdlife around us. Some of them are really prying – as we are. Both sides can watch at each other taking all the time needed. There is always hope that some of the clouds disappear giving way for some sunrays to let the colours shine freshly and intense. Aside this it seems that spingtime has begun. Most of the plants carry their light green clothing and first flowers are spreading towards the sunlight. Almost everywhere a kind of bamboo – some may think about horsetail – Cania Colihue, an endemic plant is growing. Using a side track which is normally unpaved we reached the Lago Espejo Chico. The end of the road is almost reaching the shores of the lake. At this time we are completely alone if we don't count all the birds flying around. Some of them already known from other areas but it is always a pleasure to spot and observe them inside this lively scenery. A strong wind is blowing though the valley to the lake. Sometimes laden with some ice pellets. Using a side track which is normally unpaved we reached the Lago Espejo Chico. The end of the road is almost reaching the shores of the lake. At this time we are completely alone if we don't count all the birds flying around. Some of them already known from other areas but it is always a pleasure to spot and observe them inside this lively scenery. A strong wind is blowing though the valley to the lake. Sometimes laden with some ice pellets. The clouds disappear at Lago Correntoso and some curves of the street later some warming sunrays reach a side-valley. At the end of it an imposing waterfall could be found. We loved to watch it from a shorter distance but as always in early springtime paths have not been opened yet or if parts of them had been opened some stretches of them could be impassable. This was the case for us. A broad stream with some strong current stopped us finally. The clouds disappear at Lago Correntoso and some curves of the street later some warming sunrays reach a side-valley. At the end of it an imposing waterfall could be found. We loved to watch it from a shorter distance but as always in early springtime paths have not been opened yet or if parts of them had been opened some stretches of them could be impassable. This was the case for us. A broad stream with some strong current stopped us finally. A few kilometers later we were somehow compensated by Cascada Vulignanco. It is always said that the eastern side of the Andes is the dryer one, but watching all the waterfalls it is hard to believe because all of them are really full of water. The final part towards San Martín de los Andes and Lago Lacar is not very long any more. The weather is clearing a bit and we hope that temperatures will rise regardless the icy blowing wind. A few kilometers later we were somehow compensated by Cascada Vulignanco. It is always said that the eastern side of the Andes is the dryer one, but watching all the waterfalls it is hard to believe because all of them are really full of water. The final part towards San Martín de los Andes and Lago Lacar is not very long any more. The weather is clearing a bit and we hope that temperatures will rise regardless the icy blowing wind. On our way to our starting point around the basis of this perfectly shaped volcano Lanin we pass by some very special forests. Araucarias are normally known as single trees in the frontyard but here they are building real forests. In this pictures you can see the development of such a tree which could grow up to 30 meters tall. On our way to our starting point around the basis of this perfectly shaped volcano Lanin we pass by some very special forests. Araucarias are normally known as single trees in the frontyard but here they are building real forests. In this pictures you can see the development of such a tree which could grow up to 30 meters tall. It is always fascinating and for a city slicker almost scary, if you drive your car to somewhere, turn off the engine and listen to the nature. Normally you will hear nothing but the wind, the twittering of the birds, the murmuring of the strems, the burbling of the rivers and at last your own breath. From time to time you can see some big birds drawing their circles into the sky. Leisurely they are spanning up into the sky trying to spot some food. In most cases they are vultures. Once spotted the photographer prepares his equipment and a few seconds later this very sky is empty. It is a real miracle how fast those bird could disappear and not seen any longer. It is always fascinating and for a city slicker almost scary, if you drive your car to somewhere, turn off the engine and listen to the nature. Normally you will hear nothing but the wind, the twittering of the birds, the murmuring of the strems, the burbling of the rivers and at last your own breath. From time to time you can see some big birds drawing their circles into the sky. Leisurely they are spanning up into the sky trying to spot some food. In most cases they are vultures. Once spotted the photographer prepares his equipment and a few seconds later this very sky is empty. It is a real miracle how fast those bird could disappear and not seen any longer. If you leave San Martín de los Andes northbound and follow the north-banks of Lago Lacar you will reach a high level valley. The look and feel is similar to an area in Switzerland or Austria. One difference is that you have to keep an eye on the raod and fields because it could happen at any time that catlle, horses or sheep or other wildlife will cross your way. Having more time this area could be perfect for many hikes. But we don't have that much and therefore need to proceed towards the end of the lake and its hidden beaches and bays. Fortunately there is no wind in this part which helps all the colours of this crystal clear and mirror-like water to enjoy our eyes. If you leave San Martín de los Andes northbound and follow the north-banks of Lago Lacar you will reach a high level valley. The look and feel is similar to an area in Switzerland or Austria. One difference is that you have to keep an eye on the raod and fields because it could happen at any time that catlle, horses or sheep or other wildlife will cross your way. Having more time this area could be perfect for many hikes. But we don't have that much and therefore need to proceed towards the end of the lake and its hidden beaches and bays. Fortunately there is no wind in this part which helps all the colours of this crystal clear and mirror-like water to enjoy our eyes.