Chocolate heaven

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It took 2 and a half days from El Chalten to Bariloche. Can't tell you how many kilometers but it was a long long way. We stayed at Perito Moreno and Esquel on the way. Perito Moreno is a small town, a bit run down but is quite charming all the same. We opted for a cabana upgrade again and shared with 2 others. It only cost US$3.20 for both of us. Next day we stayed at Esquel, at a hostel on a hill overlooking the town. There was another Dragoman truck there. They only had 6 people compared to our 29. We were considering hijacking their truck.

Mostly the roads were straight and unpaved. The scenery was very monotonous making it hard to play eye-spy on the way. The best wildlife we saw on the way was an Armadillo. We had never seen one before so were quite pleased, even though the truck actually ran it over.

Next day we arrived at Bariloche. Bariloche is famous for chocolate and as an elite resort town. The beauty of the town in incredible. It is situated on the lake front and surrounded by hills and mountains. It is a bit like a swiss village except for the shanty town on the outskirts. The main square has people selling photos with St Bernard dogs. We had a relaxing time in Bariloche, eating ice cream and wandering around town and next to the lake. It was great. Rae had a massage at one of the posh hotels.

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Photos

First day out of El Chalten
The long windy road through Patagonia (although most of the road was straight)

Perito Moreno
Our cabin .. not our car

Toilet stop
Girls to the right behind the biggest bits of scrub they could find. Boys had no problems

Esquel
Getting ready to leave Esquel. Cameron on the left, Gertie on the right

Chocolate factory
I think they were disappointed with how little we bought after getting lots of free samples

On the shores of the lake
Near our hostel in Bariloche

Cathedral in Bariloche
Couldn't get in and some lousy bugger had graffetied it