El Chalten

Today we woke in El Calafate but will fall asleep in EL Chalten.

After a late breakfast we wandered around the outskirts of town. It is lovely to see the homes painted on such vivid colours - green, red, purple etc. The roofs are steeply sloped and most gardens have beautiful flowers imcluding lots of lavender which i brush against constantly.

At midday we are picked up and transported to the bus station via going all over town picking up others. We reach our 2 storey bus- very comfortable, only about 1/2 full so we spread out.

What a magnificent view - this first hour is snow capped mountains with vivid green glacial lakes. Then onto the desert tundra with rock covered mountains. I feel im in cowboy country waiting for them to come riding over the ridge.

The road is well maintained with very little traffic. We travelled the famous Ruta 40.

Half way we stop at La Leona for a break it must be close to Butch Cassidy and Sundance territory as there are wanted posters on the walls. I totally forgot they were outlaws in this part of the world. Hmm slightly confused as to why these would be here as they only got to Bolivia, but hey I'll go with it.

Onward to El Chalten tundra and snow covered mountains for the rest of the trip. 3 hours in total, very comfortable and would recommend this form of travel.

We arrive in El Chalten right on time at 4pm a short walk and we arrive at our hostel. It is pretty basic but we have our own bathroom and it is close to town.

In most small towns the toilets do not flush correctly so you must put toilet paper in bin not flush - I continually forget. Bad me.

A walk around town finds lots of bars and camping shops. Not sure what the main pastime here is certainly a toss up between drinking and hiking. Happy hours are between 4 &7 and again 10 & 12. 2 GTs for 120 peso approx $9 - we will take that.

Back to the hostel with wine and cheese to finish the night off.Read more