Over the Andes

We have sort of slowed down somewhat and so has our posting, sorry, we will carry on with more diligence. There has been a lot going on the last few days!

It was uneventful dropping the car. After taking our luggage to the Ibis beside the bus station it need to go to the airport. Easy peasy with a bus that goes back to the bus station. It’s actually not as grungy around the bus station as you might expect. It is super busy though, multiple large buses on the move all the time.

A good nights sleep and on the road! Jane booked us executive seats, there are only 3 per row, 2 on one side and 1 on the other. We have the singles one behind the other. Very comfy. It only took $30,000 pesos to get all our bags in the hold, nothing like a little graft to grease the wheels.

The ride was long, 10 hours including 3 at the border crossing. Luckily we made it. They closed the border just after we got through. Not sure why but someone said it was mosquitoes.

We think our mountains are impressive, these rocks are far older and they show it. The Chilean side is very rugged. Craggy and worn. We crossed the pass at 3230 meters, you do the math. I don’t believe any normal pass in Canada is that high. This is the only road between Santiago and Mendoza!






The road was something else. I haven’t seen a road like this in a long time, if ever. The climb starts and switches back over and over. I am not sure what altitude we started the climb at but this road is just, wow. And the traffic. It is bumper to bumper with buses, big trucks and cars, all inching up the road at about 15 kph. Some don’t make it, overheating is a problem on an hour long climb!


Halfway up: Looking Down

8

Looking Up

 

We spent a long time in a line at the border. No need to recount that here, and we didn’t take any pictures, not sure if it’s legal.

The other side of the mountains is quite different. They look almost like huge sand dunes. Just to look at them you could think you could simply walk to the top. I expect the difference is due to the prevailing wind coming from the west. Sarah could probably explain it. The hills are still very tall and rugged.


Finally, Mendoza! It is about 2 million people but appears smaller somehow, I’m not sure why. We get a cab big enough for all the luggage and head to our hotel, Hotel Cinco Soles. It is on the south side of town but has amenities near by. A nice room with a fridge, toaster oven and kettle along with some dishes etc. it should do nicely. It’s Friday we need some food etc. it’s been a long day so we are headed for bed!



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