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On this 10 days tour we'll be driving from subtropical Salta in northern Argentina through the dessert areas of Catamarca and San Juan, through the wine region of Mendoza and the Mapuche-Indian areas of Neuquen to the paradisiac lake district of Bariloche, the door to Patagonia.
Total distance about 3500 km.
The trip can be done in the 4 x 4 off road support vehicle, too!
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Day 1
The trip starts with a beautiful ride through the fertile Lerma Valley and the colourful Canyon Quebrada de Cafayate. We visit the Quilmes Ruins and rest in Santa Maria.
Approx. 300 km.
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Day 2
Now on the legendary Ruta 40 we keep heading south on tarmac and gravel roads through the sparsely populated planes of Catamarca.
Approx. 400 km.
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Day 3
Crossing the rocky pass Cuesta de Miranda we'll reach the Nature Park Ischigualasto (Valley of the Moon) with it's naturally carved bizarre rock formations. Overnight stay in Valle Fertil.
Approx. 330 km.
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Day 4
On tarmac road through bush land and wine plantations we pass San Juan and drive into Mendoza City, the wine capital of Argentina.
Approx. 400 km.
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Day 5
Day at leisure to explore the beautiful city and the wineries, or optional ride to the Aconcagua (approx. 390 km).
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Day 6
On our way south on the Ruta 40 along the Andes we'll pass fruit plantations, lakes and the Volcano Diamante. Going on a small detour we´ll reach the ski resort of Las Leñas in the heart of the Andes. Overnight stay in pleasant Malargüe.
Approx. 440 km.
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Day 7
We'll carry on through basaltic dessert areas into Neuquen and follow a valley high above the river to reach the little village of El Huecú.
Approx. 430 km.
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Day 8
We'll enter the volcanic landscapes of Copahue, Caviahue and Pehuenia, with their snow capped volcanoes, and shining lakes seamed by unearthly Araucaria forests, and we'll enjoy the evening of the idyllic shores of lake Aluminé.
Approx. 300 km.
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Day 9
On the Pehuenia Circle today we´ll enjoy an endless amount of Araucaria trees and lakes and rivers on our way to San Martín de los Andes on the shores of Lake Lacar.
Approx. 280 km.
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Day 10
Today we'll enter the lake district of Bariloche on the Road of the Seven Lakes, and reach the beautiful situated capital of northern Patagonia.
Approx. 210 km.
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