Unexpected highlights

So here we are once again in the seemingly endless expanses of Argentina and for the time being we continue in a similar way to what we have become accustomed to: curving for hours through the pampas (if there are any curves). This time, however, it is foreseeable, because two days after crossing the border we want to arrive in Mendoza, one of the bigger cities in this area and starting point for the Aconcagua, with more than 6900 metres the highest mountain in South America. But before we can finally head for the mountains, we have to - what a surprise - visit a mechanic once again. Even though we replaced some parts during our stay in Pucón, the steering still shakes when we brake.

We end up in a small garage at Daniel's and explain our problem to him. To our surprise, he first wants to do a test drive, something we have never experienced before. After a short round, he is sure that the front brake discs are deformed. Actually, it's not a big deal (except for the price, of course), the only problem is that our type of car and thus the appropriate spare parts are not available in Argentina. But Daniel is not that easily put off. He notices that the product numbers of our brake pads match those of another car and so he goes out to get brake discs that might fit. The special thing about all this: Daniel always keeps us informed, something we have never experienced in South America. When he shows up again with the parts, they actually fit. They are quickly fitted and the second test drive shows that the problem has indeed been solved. As a farewell gift, Daniel even gives us a local wine, we are completely perplexed. Definitely the best mechanic we have met so far, and there were quite a few...

Now that the necessities have been taken care of, we finally set off for the mountains. Along the countless vineyards we head towards Aconcagua, whose massif stands out on the horizon. On the way, we pass a popular destination for the locals, a turquoise lagoon on whose shores barbecues are held and over whose waves kite surfers roar. We are looking for lunch and by chance end up in a restaurant that is packed. We find out that there is a special Valentine's Day menu today. This day, which is obviously celebrated here, was not on our radar. But of course we don't miss out on good food, especially if the price is right. So, surrounded by Argentinian couples and families, we enjoy the local speciality, grilled meat, for the first time.

After this feast, it's really uphill for us. From 750m in Mendoza we climb to almost 3000m, where we plan to spend the night. For Beni, who has had a bad cold for a few days, equalising the pressure is very difficult, so he has a severe headache and spends the evening with his head over a pan of steaming water. In fact, this brings a little relief so that we can set off the next day in the direction of Aconcagua.

Due to the horrendously high prices for the summit ascent, we quickly put this out of our minds. Nevertheless, we want to climb to the base camp, which lies at about 3400m. An almost three-hour hike, during which we always have the summit in front of us, leads us to this camp. Although it is relatively quiet here at the moment, we still enjoy the atmosphere and the wonderful view. Of course our legs are tingling and we would like to climb another peak, but due to Beni's condition this is really out of the question. So we have no choice but to descend. Nevertheless, this trip was definitely worth it!

Fun Fact: Only one pass further and we would already be back in Chile, or more precisely in Portillo, where we were skiing a few months ago...