We spent new years eve day driving along the ancient trade route between Argentina and Chili which winds through the Uspellata Pass in the Andes. The pass is between two huge mountains, one of which, Aconcagua, is the highest peak in N and S America. The first two pics are the Aconcagua peak taken from the ski area just inside the national park. While we were there hanging out in the rufugio we saw several groups of English folks heading off with huge bags full of gear to go climb it
The peak over the rustic Refugio roofs
Pictures don’t really do this justice. The size and color of these mountains was breath taking. The rail bridge crossing the river gives a little scale. The bridge is part of the old Transandine Railway (built around 1900 and operated through 1984). They are trying to get it working again, but are behind schedule. This was the first rail route between the Atlantic and Pacific. Once they finished the Andes pass in about 1904 you could take a train all the way from Valparaiso Chili to Buenos Aires, Argentina. The entire route took 36 hours as compared to sailing around Cape Horn which took almost two weeks.
Old rail bridge in river bed
Potrerillos Reservoir
Big pig joined us for lunch on the way up
lots of whitewater on the mendoza river
Mom said she has enjoyed seeing your travels. Thanks for doing the blog and the pictures. Have a good time the rest of your trip.
Happy New Year! You were not in Bs As for the start of the Dakar Rally! It does look as though Mendoza and the mountains are beautiful. Enjoy!
I know! Would have given anything to see that. Saw some of it on TV at a gas station on the way out to Tupangato. funny to see off road racers riding by the Oblisk in downtown Bs As.