Up early and away, first stop Chile Chico. Which was only 111 km on the map but took almost four hours. Very, very steep and twisty and parts extremely potholed – some lakeside descents quite frightening and I did most of it in 4WD. But compensated for by some of the most spectacular scenery I’ve ever seen: the snowcapped Andes in all their glory and the sun reflected in gorgeous lakes.

The view leaving Puerto Guadal …

….. along the way ….

… until arriving at Chile Chico, where I had a coffee, bought some pisco and filled the tank (crazy thing to do with Chilean prices and so near the border, but petrol was scarce when I left Argentina).

Immigration and customs a breeze both sides, though the young gendarme seemed keen to have explanations for every item I was carrying. But it didn’t take long, he was friendly and chatty and keen to visit SM de los Andes and I wasn’t in a hurry.

Then through to Los Antiguos, where I was not tempted by the Ruta 41 where Tiso and I had such fun a few years back (see here). No desire to learn more about menucos.

I would have liked to drive along RP 41 a little but lunch seemed a more sensible option.

On to Perito Moreno, on some good (straight and flat) tarmac, and arrived in time for lunch and to check in at my best hotel so far. Yes, a proper hotel, and a comfy one – the favourable dollar exchange encouraged me to splash out a bit.

The name of the hotel refers to the Cave of the Painted Hands, a UNESCO world Heritage site which I hope to visit tomorrow. More here.