stepping into the patagonian steppe

how do you get an authentic glimpse of the real argentina?

you go on a 7-hour adventure with an argentine man who:

• knows the land intimately

• fearlessly and expertly drives his truck where there are no roads (or on narrow only-for-ATV roads with switchbacks and steep drop-offs)

• tirelessly answers hundreds of questions

• graciously welcomes you into his home for coffee and medialunas

we spent the afternoon and evening with a local realtor yesterday, about an hour and 20 minutes from bariloche, exploring just one amazing property (which happens to neighbor the queen of holland’s).

and it proved to be one of the most extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime experiences ever.

[over 550 photos were taken. here are a few.]

río pichi leufú

horse blending into the landscape

handmade with local stone (on realtor’s land)

headed towards the natural springs

red stone wall

such hospitality, with good conversation as well

one of the springs

the rock formations were incredible

p.s. the awe-inspiring andean condor (the largest flying bird on earth with its 10-foot-plus wingspan) made an appearance yesterday too. five condors flew overhead, one quite close, as we navigated the narrow mountain road. alas, no clear pictures were captured, though our son did get a video of one earlier in the week.