MENDOZA - PENITENTES

The City of Mendoza was founded on March 2, 1561 by Captain Pedro del Castillo. It is located approximately 750 m above see level and immediately east to the main range of Andes. It is a beautiful city of about 111,000 people. Another 800,000 people live in the surrounding metropolitan area.

Originally, the area was inhabited by three indigenous groups: the Incas, Huarpes and Puelches (los indios pampas). Those people lived off of the agriculture products, hunting and fishing. To provide water for their fields during dry season, they built an efficient and ingenious irrigation system consisting of numerous canals distributing water from the Mendoza River. This system is today the water source for the City of Mendoza and the surrounding vineyards. Argentina produces roughly 50% of the total wine production in South America, furthermore the Region of Mendoza produces around 70% of the total Argentinean wine production.

After a short flight from Santiago, I arrive at the local airport where a representative of Aventuras Patagonicas helps me get my duffel bag and drives me to the Hyatt Hotel. The hotel is located across the street from Plaza Independencia, the central part of the city.

I have a few hours to explore the city with it's beautiful pedestrian walks and outdoor restaurants. It is the middle of the summer and temperature exceeds 35°C. The city has a distinct European atmosphere mostly due to Spanish architecture. Plaza San Martin is a favourite place for siestas and dates.

Next morning after breakfast all of us assemble on the front steps of the Hyatt Hotel for a traditional photograph of the team.

Upper row (from left): Bill, Terry, Laura, Rodrigo, Steve, Lee, Steve

Lower row (from left): Don, Emilio, Jack, Daniel, Jen, Wesley

After that, we travel 180 kilometers on the highway framed by colourful rock formations. Shortly after leaving Mendoza we get the first glimpse of the high Andes.

We stop for lunch in Uspallata (which was used as a base for filming "Seven Years in Tibet") and later continue along Mendoza River. The river carries a lot of silt from the glaciers. It looks like coffee with milk.

Penitentes is a small ski area, which is also a starting point for trekking and climbing expeditions approaching Aconcagua via Vacas Valley. We spend a night in Ayelen Hotel.

In the evening it is time to enjoy the last dinner in the local restaurant and prepare our backpacks and duffel bags for transport to the Base Camp.