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

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 when I get to do stuff like writing and editing photos. Since we have 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 the National Park Calilegua today. We thought of visiting a waterfall and going swimming in natural water. Turns out it 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 was 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 a small table outside 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 a 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 balcony. The colours of the day are changing, and the moon is taking the sun’s 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. And 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 euros 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. 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 the 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. This 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 we’ll make it there!

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 sandstorms 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 batteries. Cause tonight we’re gonna go out. Like out out. Wild.

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