La daabacay: 01.10.2019
Waking up with a view of the Andes and Lake Argentinos, I've rarely felt such a sense of happiness.
The snow-capped Andes in the background, the lake in front, simply magnificent.
The breakfast is also great.
Strengthened, we make our way to El Calafate "Down Town".
We change money and suddenly have so many banknotes.
In the supermarket, we stock up on the essentials and at the cash register, we have to show our passport, enter the PIN, and sign. Security first!!
Then we make our way to Perito Moreno, the glacier located in Glacier National Park.
Past the lagoon in El Calafate, we head towards the glacier. Flamingos are said to live in the lagoon. It's almost 100 km to the glacier.
We pay 800 pesos per person entrance fee to the Glacier Nacional Park. Card payment is now possible here, contrary to all statements.
It is surprising that there is no vegetation here at an altitude of 100 meters. It may be due to the constant wind.
The first floating ice blocks can be seen in the water and the first view of the glacier after a winding road.
Before reaching the glacier, we have to park our car in a parking lot and take the shuttle bus for the last stretch.
Through a large network of footbridges, you can then visit the imposing glacier.
You can constantly hear cracking and crunching before the glacier calms down and ice blocks fall into the water.
Fortunately, it's still relatively empty here. In the high season, there's probably a long line.
On the way back, we pick up our luggage from the hotel and make our way to El Chaltén. Along Lake Argentino, which is so incredibly turquoise, we drive through the Pampas.
Now we know why we were warned about animals on the road. Guanacos jump over the fences along the road and run across the road.
Curious foxes sit on the road.
The landscape is barren, but you can always see the snow-covered Andes and turquoise lakes and rivers in the background.
Soon you can see the mountain range of El Chaltén. The Fitz Roy.
The town of El Chaltén is quite lively. There are plenty of pubs and it's really busy.
We get an upgrade from the hostel to a new fancy neighboring hotel with a spa.
Since the weather is great, we sit down in a bar and have a sip in the sun with chill music playing.
The glass of wine costs 1.50€.
The people here are really nice and very helpful. So far, we haven't seen many European tourists here, except for a French tour group and Swiss people.
Few Argentinians speak English well, but they always get someone to help you communicate.
We are already so fascinated by the country and its people after just one day.
Unfortunately, the WiFi here is so bad that I can hardly upload photos. I will add them later. So feel free to check again.