Another rainy day here in Seattle, another delayed post. Though, this time I am sipping coffee at 5pm. I think I am truly getting old.
Day 1
Last day in Mendoza, got picked up early to do an Asado tour
Now I truly regret now spending more time there – if I only knew there was mountains up north
Remarkable similar to Eastern WA.
Then it’s a short flight to Bariloche!
Beer night to call it a day!
Day 2
Next day I’ve decided to bike around the Circuito Chico
I didn’t take many photos, but it was definitely harder than I thought. Well, being a winter polar bear up north doesn’t help 🙁
Lunch at this Little Swiss village
A famous hotel
Random campground for a beer
Of course, I was ambitious enough to go for another hike
It appears to be raining… still warm however
At night I finally made my own food again with local beer and noodles!
Day 3
A little running / meander day. Partially was because I really needed to decide where to go next. I did really pour planning. I should have just flown directly to El Calafate from Buenos Aires. This detour ended up costing quite a bit on flights, the extra time I could have done Chile and circle back on land.
I think I just grossly underestimated how high of a season was.. High for the Argentinians and high from other North American and European travellers. I was my most expensive trip so far. While it was great, but I think the ROI factor made slightly less optimal
Did a lake run. 4km one way
Evening happy hours.
Day 4
I ended up moving to another hostal. I think one thing that’s stressful about in a touristy destination is the the top hostels get all the crowds but the hostel I was staying had barely had anyones. No English speakers, and the host didn’t know how to process non local payments either… Definitely one of those more volunteers than guests hostels.
My new hostel is much more inviting…
It was way earlier than checkin time. I planned on a longest trek in a single day so far
Met a few girls on the hike. They were lovely. They were also going to stay the night on the top, where I was doing out and back. I would love to stay at the mountain top.. But getting a reservation is a big issue, nevertheless
One cool thing about most parks in Patagonia is that there are mountain lodges (they call it Refugios) at the top so that you can stay just bring food without having to carry all the heavy gears with you. Too bad I didn’t take a picture however.
Took a while to come down and got back to town before sunset. Managed to use my broken Spanish to ask an Argentinian couple to share a Uber ride. We ended up grabbing beers after. Lovely couple. The wife is a professora in a University. Speaks good English.
Late night snacks.. I deserved it.
Day 5
Quick breakfast at my hostal
The chocolate spread thingy is bomb
It’s just another slow chill day, didn’t do much
Everyone in the hostal is master chef. Miss those energy.
Day 6
Another slow day
Day 7
Flying to El Calefate
Starlink on my bus
Arriving in El Chalten
The heart of Patagonia
Cute German Brewery
Famous Patagonia Lamb Stew
Flitz Roy
Reviewing the photos makes me feel that Patagonia is one of the few places photos look better than actual experiencing
Cozy swiss like cabin brewery
Obviously, the USA is falling apart
Expenses
Not cheap – mostly on transportation
| Week 62 | Currency: | ARS | 1369.25 | |||
| Day | Food&Drink | Lodging | Transportation | Other (tickets/tours etc) | Day total | Country |
| 1 | $22.13 | $37.19 | $367.12 | $85.30 | $511.74 | Argentina |
| 2 | $22.13 | $37.19 | $34.85 | $0.00 | $94.16 | Argentina |
| 3 | $23.34 | $37.19 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $60.53 | Argentina |
| 4 | $32.27 | $21.91 | $10.22 | $0.00 | $64.40 | Argentina |
| 5 | $32.27 | $21.91 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $54.18 | Argentina |
| 6 | $36.00 | $73.03 | $5.77 | $10.95 | $125.75 | Argentina |
| 7 | $69.16 | $34.99 | $434.45 | $46.25 | $584.85 | Argentina |
| $237.30 | $263.40 | $852.41 | $142.51 | |||
| Total | Grand Total: | $1,495.62 |
That was all truly incredible! What great food and amazing views everywhere you went. That is perfect you find some beer and new friends everywhere you go. I also like how they had Starlink on the bus and imagine that will keep spreading more and more nowadays.