Reality Tour, South America: Buenos Días, Mendoza!
It’s early in the morning but I wanted to get up and check out the fitness facility at the Hotel Huentala Boutique.We arrived here last night, the last leg of our Andes drive reminding me of America’s Grand Canyon National Park—colors seem to shift from reds and oranges to blues and grays. Cutting a ribbon between the peaks, the view from the bus reveals a much different side to the Andes in Argentina—it appears much rockier than what I remember in Chile. Except for a few cows and horses, I didn’t see any other wildlife. Max says there is the occasional condor.
Our lunch stop is in Uspallata, a small, sleepy Andean town surrounded by tall poplar (alamo in Spanish) trees that gives you the feeling of an oasis in a desert-like setting. Descending into Uspallata, we passed through a small canyon and were treated to the sight of curious rock formations. We learn from Max that this dramatic setting was featured in the Brad Pitt movie, Seven Years in Tibet.
In the shadow of the Andes, Max also relays that some of the world’s best grapes are grown. The rich Malbec, originally of French origin, is Argentina’s signature grape and wine and I can see from our itinerary that in the next few days we will have plenty of opportunity for tastings.
Revelation #3
Some Argentine wines are hard to find at home, so don’t over pack…you can take as many bottles back home as you can fit in your checked luggage as long as they are for personal consumption. It looks like I’ll need to take more stuff out of my checked suitcase. Hmmm…maybe I can just leave some clothes behind…
Huentala hotel in Mendoza...the restaurant and AMAZING dessert we had!
Dinner was in the hotel’s small, yet stylish dining room. Although our room was a bit small, both Debbie and I connect with the unique atmosphere of the Hotel Huentala Boutique – its public areas are nicely appointed, intimate spaces to gather and the artwork is visually engaging. An interesting curiosity is that the lobby of the Hotel Huentala Boutique connects to the Sheraton property next door which has a casino; something fun to check out whether you gamble or not. The fitness area, swimming pool and spa were more than adequate for a hotel of this size.
Later this morning we will be meeting a new local guide who will show us around Mendoza. Last night, our new friend and Chilean guide, Max, safely deposited us at the hotel and then he and the motor coach driver promptly headed back over the Andes in darkness! What a frightening prospect and one I would only attempt with mucho caffeine!
More later,
Melissa
Spanish phrase of the day: Queremos pagar separado. (We’d like to pay separately).
posted by Melissa McKee
Collette Vacations
Tags: Chile, Escorted Tours, Food, Reality Tour, South America
