Aconcagua, Mendoza, Malargüe

Hello again from the provincial town of Malargüe, Argentina! Apologies for not posting anything in Mendoza like we promised earlier, but we were only there for a night and the hostel only had one computer (and there was so much to see during our brief stay!).

Our class has covered a lot of ground from Santiago in the past 4 days! We first made our way up the steep western slopes of the Andes to the Argentinian border, where we quickly consumed the rest of our food (as transporting food across the border isn´t allowed) before beginning the arduous process of entry into the country. We stopped at the pass to look at an 18th century brick shelter constructed by the Spanish Royal Mail for shelter during journeys across the Andes. It was also made famous by Charles Darwin, who stayed there during his Andean trek.

Soon after we were able to see Aconcagua, the highest point in the southern hemisphere! Perhaps surprisingly, it is also not volcanic, and the surrounding peaks show beautiful exposures of Jurassic sedimentary rocks.

After camping near Aconcagua (with the best star visibility of the trip so far - we were able to see both the Southern Cross and the Milky Way!), we headed down the gentler slopes of the eastern Andes toward Mendoza, famous for its evidence of Mesozoic rifting and Malbec wine. Mendoza is a beautiful town and felt very european, with an inconceivable amount of sidewalk cafes.

We are now in Malargüe, about 6 hours south of Mendoza, and looking at recent volcanic and tectonic features of the area (as well as flamingos!). Of course, we also made it here in time for the annual festival of goats and sheep, wherein reside gauchos, goat judgings, and dancing! So, cheers for Malargue! Salud!

Tomorrow we head south to examine the compressional and extensional features that define the famous "accordian tectonics" of the Malargüe fold and thrust belt, and will attempt to visit the recently erupted (as in, last week) Llaima volcano. Here´s to hoping we can make it!

I don´t know where the next internet outpost will be, but stay tuned, and enjoy the pictures!


El autobus! Getting ready to start our journey.


The amazingly windy pass to get up the western Andes - I think Jay counted about 34 180-degree curves!


Walking up to the Darwin Shelter.

Chao!