Thursday, 12 January 2012

Carretera Austral #3: Rio Tranquillo-Coyhaique

We arrived in Coyhaique yesterday after 2 days cycling from Cerro Castillo in rain, snow and strong headwinds; we finally experienced what we expected of Patagonian weather. For the last 5 weeks, up to Cerro Castillo, it was dry and hot, 25-30 C.

From Rio Tranquillo we cycled to Villa Cerro Castillo in 2 days. The first 25 km north of Rio Tranquillo were some of the worst road conditions we have had with lots of loose gravel, corrugations and busy traffic, which slowed us down a lot. Also, both Tony´s front and back racks broke, so we spent a few hours along the road side repairing the racks with wire (which you can find anywhere along the road). In Villa Cerro Castillo we took a day off cycling and went for a day walk into the national park. The weather had changed with strong winds and rain so we didn´t quite complete the walk we had in mind, but it was still very scenic.

The weather has now improved again and tomorrow we continue further north towards National Park Queulat.

Road between Rio Tranquillo and Cerro Castillo

20 km west of Villa Cerro Castillo, looking towards the national park Cerro Castillo

Villa Cerro Castillo and the start of the asphalt road to Coyhaique

Rock paintings, hand prints, near Villa Cerro Castillo

White mountain tops after 3 days with rain/snow. View from our accommodation in Coyhaique.

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