We departed early. But there was a long line to wait for the petrol in the only YPF petrol station. No jokes… The next possible feeling station could be 300 kms away… Petrol is slightly cheaper here – we arealready in the Region of Patagonia: 47,50 pesos per litre.
Just after leving Chos Malal we were registered by the police and we crossed a long bridge on big Neuquen River – great opportunity for pictures. Then it was more than 100 kms through the semi-deserted hills. At Las Lajas we left for sometime our Ruta 40 heading by RN242 to the border of Chile. The was good decision: the landscape changed soon: lovely green pastures, flowers, picturesque araucaria trees. Highly recommended area. But we were climbing the same time to the snowfields of the Andes. Just before Argentine border control post it was necessary to turn left to RP23, and this was the beginning of the harsh gravel. Scenery for next 90 kms was fantastic, but the road ver challenging…. 🙂
-Finally we reached in the afternoon big Alumine Lake – it was like a mirror for the snowy peaks. Alumine village has nothing to offer but Alumine River Canyon we were going onward on the dusty gravel road has a lot of fantastic views. After full day of heavy driving we reached beaitiful little town of San Martin de los Andes at 7 pm. 450 kms only done today, but on the gravel it was still a challenge. Great day! So far the car has no damages. 🙂
