Mendoza

After lots of long bus journeys we spent a very relaxing five days in Mendoza. It is famous for its wine production although me and Billy decided to skip the wine tasting and get at 4 in the morning to trek to the base of Acongagua in the snow. (I know, I know...) However, It was well worth just for the contrast between the warm weather and greenery of Mendoza compared to the Bright white snow and freezing temperatures. We both got to wear our sexy thermal tops and long johns.

Before setting off we went to see the nearby Puente del Inca which is a bridge that has been naturally formed from water errosion.

The trek would not have been too taxing if it hadnt been for us being up to our knees in snow most of the time. When we reached the edge of the National Park we were accompanied by a pack of dogs who didnt leave our side until we had compltede the trek and guided us through when we were unsure which route to take. (See the picture site to see Billy as Doctor Dolittle).

Acongagua itself didnt look much higher than the mountains surrounding it although you could see that unlike the others it consited of glaciers making it a challenging climb. Numerous people have lost their lives attempting the sourthern face (the other routes are much easier) and a mummified body was found part way up that dates back to pre-incan times and it is thought it was used as a sacrificial site.

Billy will probably want it noting that we also visited Mendoza´s football stadium, originally built for the 1978 world cup but renamed the Malvinas stadium after the war.

Photos here - http://picasaweb.google.com/trevallion74/MendozaAconcagua

written by  billyandsophie on May 9, 2008 from Mendoza, Argentina
from the travel blog: South America
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