Patagonia Part 1: Rio Gallegos, El Calafate and the Perito Moreno Glacier

So we left the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires behind to explore the vast expanse of Patagonia. We flew into Rio Gallegos, arriving at 3am in the morning at one of the world's smallest airports we've ever been to (I'm discounting muddy Congolese airstrips in South Kivu). With the first bus only leaving at 09:15, it meant that we had to find a way to kill six hours in a town that was dead, dreary and desolate. After having spent half an hour in the airport terminal we were offered a ride into town by a taxi driver, and took him up on the offer. He dropped us off at the bus station, which was like the town, but with the added bonus of being filled with travellers who were sleeping on the chairs and floors.

When the sun finally came up, it illuminated the run-down industrial estate on which we found ourselves. Stray dogs played tag whilst we forced ourselves to stay awake. Luckily the tiny cafeteria opened at eight and supplied us with milky coffee and toast. Afterwards, as we sat outside waiting for our bus, we found ourselves in the middle of a police drama, as six police cars came to a screeching halt outside the bus terminal, and police officers surrounded the building, looking for a fugitive, or fugitivo. Unfortunately for them, their efforts appeared fruitless, as whoever they were looking for was no longer there, and after a thirty minute search, they drooped off back to their cars and sped off to search else where. A little while later, I am pretty sure I heard small arms fire in the distance, though this could also have been a car engine backfiring repeatedly.

This rather eerie and odd episode left us rather perturbed, and we were glad to get on the bus when it finally did arrive. The vast plains, hills and mountains of Patagonia were breathtaking and improved further with the occasional lama staring back at us.

 

When we got to El Calafate, we hopped in a taxi and went straight to our B&B, where we were warmly greeted by the owner. Having dropped off our stuff, we headed back into town to book a trip to the Perito Moreno glacier and find food for the Christel, who's stomach at that point was growling more than an angry lioness. Trip booked and one large pizza later we headed back to the guest house to catch up on some much needed sleep.

Early the next day we headed off to the glacier, and we'll let the pictures do the talking from here:

One word: Awesome.