Blog 9 / From Argentina back to Chile and the Pacific ocean

We are crossing the Andes again and heading back to Chile - via Paso Pehuenche, which is "only" 2550 meters high and a continuous asphalt road.

Argentina still has two surprises for us: right before the border station (which is about 30 km from the actual border, just like the Chilean one on the other side), we notice a flat tire on our camper. Having experienced the joy of changing a tire on a large and heavy vehicle during our trip from Alaska, Gerhard barely had time to crawl under the truck when a car with an Argentinean family stopped and the two sons professionally took over the work as if it were second nature. Our attempt to offer them compensation was politely and firmly declined. Thumbs up for Argentina!

Afterwards, in Chile, we pass by Laguna del Maule. Originally a volcanic caldera measuring 15 x 25 km, the lake has been slightly enlarged by a dam. Over the past few years, there have been uplift rates of up to 25 cm per year inside the caldera, indicating ongoing underground volcanic activity.

It is prohibited to carry fresh food between Chile and Argentina in both directions, and some (limited) checks are conducted. When we voluntarily mentioned that we had a half-rotten melon and an apple, the desired effect was achieved: the melon was officially disposed of, Cosima was able to eat the apple on the spot, and the further inspection was very brief.

Afterwards, the Valle del Maule descends steeply, passing by several hydroelectric power plants. We also pass by the construction site of a new power plant, being built by a completely unknown company called "VOITH".

After getting a rustic replacement tire from "Reifen Carajo", we finally reach the Pacific the next day - despite the very cold water, it is evidently a surfer's paradise.

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Back to Chile, we are crossing the Andes again - Paso Pehuenche, approximately 8400 feet high, and no gravel road.

But Argentina still has two surprises for us: almost in front of the Argentinian border post (about 20 miles before the actual border, like the Chilean one on the other side), we notice a flat tire on the camper. Since our trip to Alaska with a similar vehicle, we know how "nice" it is to change a tire on a truck. Gerhard had just crawled under the car when an Argentinean family stopped and the two sons naturally and professionally took over the work. After completing the task, our attempt to offer them compensation was politely but firmly declined. Thumbs up for Argentina!

Afterwards, already in Chile, we pass by Laguna del Maule. The original volcanic caldera measuring 15 x 25 kilometers has been slightly expanded by a concrete dam. In some of the last years, the caldera has been rising by 25 cm per year - a clear sign of ongoing volcanic activity beneath.

It is prohibited to take fresh food from Argentina to Chile and vice versa - and they check it!

Our tactic - to declare a half-rotten melon and an apple - works: Cosima can eat the apple on the spot, and the melon is officially disposed of - and the inspection is quite brief.

The Valles del Maule descends quite steeply - several hydroelectric power plants can be passed, and one more called "Los Condores" is currently under construction by a completely unknown company called "VOITH".

After getting a rustic replacement tire from "Carajo Tires Shop", we are finally able to reach the Pacific the next day. Despite the cold water, it is apparently a surfer's paradise.