Where do I begin? We left our apartment in Bariloche and headed north toward the Northern Patagonian national parks. This is truly a mesmerizing area, medicine for the soul. Our route took us, besides regular roads, over a 63-kilometer stretch of unpaved rough roads, and thank God we had 4-wheel drive, because, in some parts, we would not have made it. But was it ever worth it! This stretch went right through the center of Lanin National Park, an amazing place, reminiscent of the most scenic byways of the American Southwest.
This is Northern Patagonia at its best. The numerous lakes and rivers are, so we are told, so full of large size trout, that fly-fishing is the regional sport; people in waders can be spotted here and there.
We reached the town of San Martin de los Andes way past lunchtime, but still in time to enjoy a delicious ribeye steak and a large garden salad. The town is simply lovely; clean, well-kept, full of activity and reminiscent of central European resorts.
One hour further north we reached our destination and home for the next three days, Junin de los Andes. A much more laid-back place than its sister town an hour to the south; Junin is non-pretentious, and the town per se is nothing to quote about, but the surrounding area is simply pristine.
This duo travel through S.A. funding themselves by performing for kids in public squares.
We are housed in an Air B&B owned by a most gentle man named Eduardo. The place is steeped in funk. Old photos, books, and paintings surround us. Feels like a genuine Patagonian home.
Where we stopped for dinner we met two old geezers (like me); he from Atlanta, Georgia, she, a woman from Kazakstan. They are riding their motorcycles through South America and she has her own Youtube channel where she posts updates. He rode his bike all the way from Atlanta, and has been on the road since June 2019. One of the perks of foreign travel is that you meet so many folks with whom you can share stories.
From the standpoint of pure scenery, this has probably been the best day yet of this journey, and there is still so much to discover. Tomorrow, we will explore the area in more detail. Until then, much love from the Rizzottis.
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