Passing the Andes was quite spectacular. Climbing to a maximum altitude of 12,500 feet took quite some time. I think we were going uphill for more than two hours. At the summit I could feel the reduced levels of oxygen. My breathing rate increased and my fingers started tingling. Not to mention it was also very cold. The best part of this pass is the number of switchbacks (that's when the road zigzags back and forth). We counted over 20!!
Yesterday we left Mendoza for Villa de Merlo, a tourist town south of Cordoba. We decided to take a short cut and take an unpaved route through the mountains. It was one of the most challenging parts of the trip. The road was covered in crashed stone, the type with sharp edges which could easily puncture a tire. It was over 1 hour long and with some surprises along the way, like a big puddle of cow waste right in the middle. Even though none of us wiped out crossing it we all got sprayed with it, including our bikes. Now every time we start up in the morning and the bikes warm up we have a nice reminder of that little adventure lol.
Today we continued from Merlo through "Altas Cumbres" south of Cordoba until Villa Maria, our stop for the night. This route was quite amazing. Another set of dangerous switchbacks going up into the hills and then driving at high alititudes where there is barely any vegetation nor human presence. Unfortunately it rained and was quite cold up there so we didn't stop to take any photos.
Two more days left of riding. Wed and Thur will be pretty boring as we are getting closer to Buenos Aires and the land is pretty flat, mostly farm lands. The plan is to arrive in Baires on Thursday and return the bikes on the same day. My relatives will meet us on the outskirts of the city and guide us to the rental shop.
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