Parque Arqueológico Colomichicó

In the northwest corner of Neuquén Province, in the town of Varvarco, is a well marked hiking trail to reach the Colomichicó archeological park.

The 6km trail ends at a height of 1800 meters where many petroglyphs are found, which were left by the native Pehuenche 1500 years ago.

Lagunas de Epulafquen

In the far northwest corner of Neuquén is a provincial preserve of lakes at the base of the Andes mountains. A long drive through the arid dusty roads from the town of Chos Malal made this a very remote place to visit in the middle of summer.

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For at least half the 200km drive south of Malargüe in Mendoza Province, Ruta 40 disintegrates into a mix of broken concrete, dirt and gravel. It is flat, though slow and desolate until crossing into Neuquén.

San Carlos de Bariloche

Still plenty of snow in the Bariloche mountains, but all warm sunny days.

Zapala

Mesa land formations in northern Patagonia province of Neuquén.

Patagonia Lakes of Lanín National Park

Sunset on Volcán Lanín from Lago Quillén

Lago Nonthue from near the top of Cerro Mallo, and one of the many road bridges in the parque.

Another view of the volcán on the way to Lago Tromen

Old Trees

Primeros Pinos just west of Zapala, on the way to the northern Patagonia lakes.

Leaving Bariloche

July 31st

After 3 days straight of heavy rains in town, now heading north to Mendoza. 19 hours via bus. Will wait out a big storm and then backtrack to Las Leñas ski resort.

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rain, rain, rain....

July 27-30th

Many diversions in Bariloche. You certainly do not find food or nightlife like this in Chile. Eat until 1am, then stay out until 5-7am every night.

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Cerro Catedral

July 27th

The ski resort overlooking the lake town. Conditions are only ok, and the terrain hardly compares to Chillan.

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Bariloche

July 25th

Bariloche Argentina on Lago Nahuel Huapi. A proper ski town with year round activities. Probably the biggest in South America, though not known to be best in skiing.

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On to Argentina

July 24th

Through the Puyehue National Park. One of the few passes in southern Chile lake district into Argentina Patagonia.

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