Hopping the Chile-Argentina border

December 31, 2023

Our planned route south through Patagonia includes several hops over the Chile-Argentina border. This week we made our first jump by crossing the Andes from east to west, entering Chile. We were greeted by volcanoes, green valleys with crystal clear waters running through, and beautiful so-called Monkey Puzzle Trees (i.e. trees that look like they would puzzle a monkey going up). Amazing. What a treat. Sometimes we feel like we're in a Mario game. We just keep on jumping into warp pipes, leading us straight into new worlds. We're loving it. 

Chile reminds us of Switzerland. A place where we used to live and play in the mountains so often. The mountains here are as inviting, standing majestically amidst clear blue lakes, surrounded by forests and green fields decorated with flowers of all colours. Grazing cows. Wooden houses giving off the distinct smell of freshly cut timber. A brightly shining sun with a blistering heat, while horse flies are circling around our heads, trying to sip on the sweat drops that are purging from our skin. All so very familiar. An odd sensation here on the other side of the world. Still, the towering snow covered volcanoes that are scattered through the land, the tropical trees, and the rugged trails we ride make it very clear we are indeed far, far away. Chile is fantastic. And a wonderful place to celebrate the holidays.

Route: Las Lajas (ARG) - Longuimay (CHIL) - Malalcahuello - San Juan - Melipeuco - Pucón - Coñaripe - Neltume (CHIL) - San Martin de los Andes (ARG)