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To the Chile Border

While in Mendoza, I took another bus tour to the "mountains" around Mendoza.  We visited Villavicenio, which is now a closed, old hotel and thermal spa.  It was nestled in an indention in the mountains next to a mountain stream.  The property was filled with gardens and trees which were planted by the original owners.  The stone, thermal baths were scattered throughout the gardens.  I imagine this would have been an exquisite and tranquil place in its day!

The Villavicenio Hotel and Termal Spa was on the road called the "Year of Curves" that wound its way up the 3200 meter mountain with one curve for every day of the year - yes, 365 hairpin turns on a one lane, dirt road!  This road was featured in the movie "Motorcycle Diaries".

Next, we went through the town Uspallata.  It is a very important town in the mountains for it is an oasis for all the surrounding area.  It definitely looked like an oasis, too, with all its trees and streams.

The tour continued through Potrerillos (known for its river rafting), Penitentes (a ski resort where 2 people can go ski for a week for 900 pesos - $300), and other gorgeous, colorful, arrid countryside. 

One of the highlights of the trip was going into Aconcagua Provincial Park and looking at the 6962 meter mountain of Aconcagua.  This mountain is the Andes pride and joy for it is the 3rd largest climbing peak in the world.  People come from all over the world to do the 14 day trek to the top.

We also ventured to the Chile border.  Along the way, we were stopped by the police several times who would inspect all vehicles for drugs.  We didn't actually go through the official border crossing, but went on a mountain road that was half in Argentina and half in Chile.  So, with the Jesus statue keeping us from blowing away, we stepped into Chile!

On the return trip, we stopped at Puente Del Inca which was the spot where a hotel and thermal spa once stood.  An avalanche in 1965 took the hotel, but went on each side of the church keeping it intact.  The spa was very interesting for it looked like it and the natural bridge were made out of stalagmites and stalagtites.  Because of all the minerals in the area - sulfer, magnesium etc. - the area was filled with beautiful colors of red, yellow, and teal green.  The colors really warmed up the sparse countryside! 

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