Road tripping from Calilegua to Cabra Corral, a flat tire, Ruta 40 and entering wine country in Cafayate.

November 5, 11:18

I’m catching up on some writing while Helena is driving. It’s kinda tricky cause her driving style isn’t the relaxing kind. But it’s the only time of the day where I get to do stuff like writing and editing photos. Since we’ve got only 3,5 weeks to drive across all of northern Argentina, we don’t really have time to chill or days where we can do nothing. Every day is either a long day in the car or doing something touristy. I know it sounds like I’m complaining, but I just need some time to recharge and rest.

November 6, 21:24

We went to National Park Calilegua today. We thought to visit a waterfall and go swimming in natural water. Turns out is was only forest and nature. I mean, still really beautiful, but just no water. So when we arrived at our lunch stop in San Francisco and the owner said that there is a waterfall nearby, we got really excited. And he didn’t lie, it technically was a waterfall. Just a small one. So still no swimming but at least we saw some water. And we got to see the park!

Right now we’re sitting outside in the little garden of the hotel, at small table outside of our room. We’re planning our next stop, which is going to be a big lake! And we’re gonna stay at a fancy hotel with a swimming pool with a view of the lake. So definitely swimming tomorrow! Sometimes you gotta work a little for what you want.

November 7, 20:07

Omg this is FANCY. We drove only four hours today to a big lake/ reservoir ‘Cabra Corral’ and booked a 4-star hotel for the night. So we have two double beds, a private balcony with view, there is a huge swimming pool and we are getting breakfast in bed in the morning. All for a total of 37 euros for the two of us. It’s like a reward. So after we arrived here at 14:00 we immediately went to the pool. Obviously. We ordered a charcuterie board and shared some of the bread with the little birds flying around.

Right now I am sitting on our little balcony. The colours of the day are changing and the moon is taking the suns place. Those (almost) nothing days are really good for my battery level, so I am really really happy to be here today.

November 8, 17:58

We’re at a garage. They’re gonna fix another car first and then it’s our turn. About two hours ago we stopped at a place on the side of the road to eat some empanadas. Just when we were about to taste the delicious Argentinian food, a Belgian girl told us that one of our tires was flat. Somehow we didn’t even notice, but luckily she did. So I went to the shop owners to ask in broken Spanish if they could help us change the tire. I should be able to do it myself but it felt much safer to ask someone else for help. And they did! Super nice and quick, cause in like 15 minutes the tire was changed! So happy! We finished the empanadas and drove the last 45 minutes to Cafayate, which seems to be a super cute town! So after the car is fixed we’re going out for some food and wine, cause we just entered wine country baby!

November 9, 16:04

Look at this view! We just ordered a bottle of sparkling wine. We wanted to order only two glasses but the price for the entire bottle was only 2,50 euro more, so we kinda had to.

We’re sitting at a cute round table with a perfect view of the vineyards and the mountains. It’s almost too warm to eat in the sun, but the view is worth it. This is our third stop at a winery, and after this lunch we have one more tour and tasting. Funny that not even one year ago I had tastings all the time and was usually even the one giving them. While now, all I do is drink juices. So having three tastings on one day, with a total of 20 wines to taste, is A LOT. But so much fun! Especially to experience this here with my cousin, who also works in wine business. Super nice to do together!

November 10, 08:51

We’re on the moooove. The plan is to drive all the way to San Juan. Which is a total of 870 km. We didn’t book any accommodation yet in case we get too tired and won’t make it there. But we had a good start leaving at 08:30 so we have good hope!

November 11, 18:30

We are in Mendoza! Yesterday we just kept driving. A full day of 12,5 hours and 1040 km in the car, and we made it to Mendoza! We drove on the popular Ruta 40 over a beautiful mountain range, there were sand storms and clear blue skies, we sang along with Queen and drove too fast listening to AC/DC. It was a great day.
But now. It’s like the tiredness came a day later. So we spend the day chilling, walking around town and recharging our battery. Cause tonight we’re gonna go out. Like out out.