Patagonia is the vast southern end of South America, stretching between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and encompassing parts of Argentina and Chile, with the tall Andes marking the international border. We visited three areas and were awed by the mountains, lakes, and glaciers.

We started in San Carlos de Bariloche, a town in the foothills of the Andes, actually fully inside Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi.

Michael found a nice golf course, Llao Llao (pronounced Shao Shao).

The 18th hole at Llao Llao is pretty, but the 120-yard carry can be a bit tough.

This was our first glimpse of lavender in South America. Lots of it. We expected to see it in Provence last spring but were too early in the season. Here in Argentina it’s at the peak of its bloom.

We’ve found our lavender fields again. At Llao Llao golf course, with the Andes rising behind.

And looking in the other direction, toward the lake.

LOTS of flowers.

Bariloche was established along the shores of the glacial lake, Nahuel Huapi, hundreds of years ago, with Spanish missionaries arriving in the 1600s. It’s also possible that some German war criminals arrived here in the 1940s.

Beautiful iron work outside Bariloche’s cathedral.

The lake has its own sea monster, Nahuelito. We didn’t see it. 🙂

Lake Nahuel Hualpi

We did see something quite rare these days…

You would think Kodak was still alive and well.

Twisting Ronaldo Street, very much like Lombard in San Francisco. Another crooked street is John O’Connor. Yes, a bit of Ireland in Argentina.

The national park has a short circuit (Circuito Chico) and a long circuit (Circuito Grande) around parts of the lake. Michael biked the short route, competing with speeding cars on the narrow twisty road. See his route and photos on Strava.  We also drove the long route, passing seven lakes and numerous waterfalls (cascadas).

Still plenty of water in the height of summer.

Water and mountains everywhere.

Shrines along the road honor Gauchito Gil, a Robin Hood figure from the 1800s. Folks add bright red clothing and scraps of fabric.

Flying over Patagonia’s seven lakes.

After the golf outing, Llao Llao resort was a great spot for lunch, dinner too.

Bariloche is famous for its chocolates, with a chocolate museum, chocolate factories, and numerous chocolate shops, established in the last century by German and Austrian immigrants. Our favorite chocolate shop was Mamuschka. We made MANY stops here.

The nesting dolls at the entrance of Mamuschka spin around, watching the tourists in Bariloche.

Cappuccino, thick hot chocolate, and tasty little bonbons at Mamuschka.

Next, we’re back to Buenos Aires and then on to other parts of Patagonia and glaciers!