Taking off out of PDX we got a pretty nice view of the volcans of the PNW.
After a stopover in Houston and many many hours later, nearing Buenos Aires.
Luján
Our first stop after landing at Buenos Aires is to join Giselle’s family either at their place in BA or at Lujan, which is their campo about an hour west of BA.
Luján parilla by Mariana!
After chilling out in Luján, we did the epic drive west towards Mendoza province, about a ten hour drive. This was our second trip to Mendoza and this time we split the drive into 2 days. Our first destination this trip was Malargüe.
Malargüe
Malargüe is a town in southern Mendoza province along RN40 and is being developed into a center for “adventure tourism”. In the foothills of the Andes and with it’s own dense field of volcanoes it offers year round hiking, skiing, climbing, biking and exploring.
Tucará
Turcará is located on the Chihuido slope, 35 km from the city of Malargüe.
Tucará Aventuras is an adventure park which also happens to have dozens of bolt protected sport climbs, well worth visiting. If you are lucky enough to find a copy of (out of print) Mauricio Fernández’s guide book “Climbing in Mendoza”, grab it! It has Tucára and all of the rest of Mendoza province crags.
Los Arboles de Villegas
After Malargüe, we drove north towards Mendoza. Giselle found us an awesome rental chalet in the heart of the Valle de Uco in the foothills of the Andes, west of Mendoza.
Bodega Salentein, one of many, near Los Arboles.
Potrerillos
A day trip north to Potrerillos to climb Conglomerado, and to see Lago Potrerillos and Rio Mendoza.
Cajón de Arenales
Just 20 minutes west of Valle de Uco lies Cajón de Arenales, a vast valley of granite walls, not to be missed for climbing and hiking.
Jardin Japones sector
Top roping Bonita la Monita, 5+.
Placa de la Mitria sector
El Cóndor Pasa
Pitch #1 of El Cóndor Pasa, 5+, Placa de La Mitria, Arenales
Bruno, Arenales Hardman, we salute you!
The last rap off a long day!
Back in Luján
Farewell until our next visit!