Into the Andes Mountains
Trip Start
Dec 31, 2005
1
13
20
Trip End
Jan 24, 2006
El Chalten,
Argentina
Saturday, January 14, 2006
The deceptively-named National Route 40 highway (which was 80 percent rubble, 20 percent asphalt) was one of the bumpier rides I´ve ever taken, although the public bus was a pleasant surprise. Far from stray chickens running up and down the asiles, it had nice seats that could recline waaaaaaay back. If only the stifling heat had an escape through the windows that did NOT open! In any event, after 2 hours heading east, then north, we hit a tiny (and by tiny I mean 2 buildings, 11 trees, 3 people and 4 ducks) settlement at what we came to call Los Stinky Latrina. It was essentially a pit-stop, with a picture postcard saloon circa Brady bunch goes west and gets locked up in the local jailhouse.
In any case, we were soon underway again - heading north, then west, then presumably east, then north, then west, then south, then north, then west (I think!)
Along the way, we saw condors (3 meter wingspan), guanicos (llamas) and Rhea (Osterich). Aside from that, the landscape continues as wide open expansive flats with mountains on either side, rising toward the west into beautiful snowcapped peaks. This is where we were headed.
We arrived in El Chalten (population 3000) at 11pm. The town is a flyspeck, and not much to look at, but the scenery around the town is awesome (more later).
In any case, we were booked at a hostel (standard accomodation in a town that exists solely for backpackers). Billeted 3 to a room, and shared washrooms amongst the 100 odd guests, its pretty much what youre thinking. I won´´t go into any more details, but I will say that it was a happening locale...pretty much like the cantina on Tattoine (if you remeber you Star Wars move trivia). Creature comforts included an internet room and a bar fully stocked with Quilmes (the local brew) and lemon merangue pie!
**At this point, I´d like to that Robin for the toliet seat covers, they came in VERY HANDY here**
Our group of 11 (we have had a local guide since we started - a wonderful Ecuadorean woman named Sophia, as well as a local trail guide named Walter from Bariloche in northern Argentina) had a few drinks and a light dinner. (I had an omelette con queso y jamon...a local specialty which is essentially a ham and cheese omelette). Beer is served in 1 litre bottles here, so it all went down well.
Lights out at 1am, ready for our trek up the mountains to see mount Fitz Roy the next day. 8am start.
**Pictures to follow, Im working on a 156k connection here
