While we were camped at a peaceful lake in Central Chile, snow was predicted in the mountains, where the border stations are located. Since Maya’s international health permit was expiring soon, we needed to prevent getting stuck because of road or frontier closures. So, at the end of March, Mark, Maya, and I left Chile with no intention to return. Unless we decide to sell our truck camper in Santiago, its capital, whenever we are done with this adventure. 

Region in Argentina covered in this post

Southern part of our route to Mendoza

Middle part of our route to Mendoza

Northern part of our route to Mendoza

Loncopué

Entering Argentina for the last time was smooth, but involved a lot of bumpy roads and disappointing campsite hunts for one reason or another; the strong winds, incessant traffic noise, and an anxious Maya being the main culprits. We encountered countless sleepless nights on our drive north. 

(As always, click on or hover over photos in galleries to read their captions.)

Returning to Argentina one more time

Sunset before the winds picked up

Camped in Codihue, before moving to a less windy region

When we moved to a different town and found a relatively peaceful, wind-protected, and grassy spot among the herds and shepherds moving their animals from their summer grounds in the Andes Mountains to the winter valleys and farms, we felt better. It was cool to be a part of “the pack.”

Our camping spot along the river in Loncopué

Being part of the herd

People, horses, and dogs crossed this river throughout the day.

Sunny and still morning, before the winds picked up

Still cold enough to freeze at night!

Here are two videos to get a better feel of the camping scene:

Caviahue

Then, it was time for an unexpected highlight in Argentina. Caviahue contained a few attractions based on our resources, but it was located at an even higher elevation, meaning it would freeze at night. Since this causes condensation and discomfort issues, we wanted to keep our time there to a minimum and managed to complete all our excursions within 24 hours.

Memorials inside the rocks and mountains

A remote existence

First glimpse of Volcano Copahue

First, we drove to this fascinating, beautiful, and diverse area and hiked along a clear lake to a stone bridge. Erosion had impacted the volcanic rock here, creating this natural arch.

Walk to the stone bridge or arch

Explanation for this natural phenomenon

The natural bridge with Maya and me on top

A cool volcanic feature

Mountain reflections in the lake

Scene along the lake

Then, we reached and admired patches of monkey puzzle trees. Also called Araucaria (or Pehuen in the local language), it is the national tree of Chile and of the Argentinian province, Neuquén, where we found ourselves. 

Driving towards a monkey puzzle forest and waterfall trail

The skinny canopy of monkey puzzle trees

Monkey puzzle trees come in many sizes

Close-up of the spiky branches of the monkey puzzle tree

Monkey puzzle trees

Local, indigenous name for the monkey puzzle tree

Among the branches of the monkey puzzle tree

Staring up the monkey puzzle tree

Patterns on a monkey puzzle tree bark