Argentina video
My cycle ride through Argentina would mark the second leg of my South American cycling adventure.
Please scroll down to watch the videos from Argentina or visit my Youtube channel where you will find all of the videos from my cycle around the world.
The end of a long day, Argentina/Chile (1 minute)
After spending the day climbing for 100km over the Andes Mountains I crossed the border and descended 20km down into Chile. As I descended a huge storm followed me down the mountain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIPLgUgg6Dc&w=500&h=400
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
La Difunta Correa, Argentina (1 minute)
All along the roadside were huge piles of plastic bottles. It turns out these are shrines to La Difunta Correa who died in the 1840’s. According to legend during the Argentine Civil Wars the husband of Deolinda Correa was forcibly recruited.
When he became sick, he was abandoned in the desert by the Montoneras [partisans]. In an attempt to reach her sick husband, Deolinda took her baby and followed the tracks of the Montoneras but her supplies ran out and she died.
Her body was found days later by gauchos (cowboys) who were driving cattle through the desert. They were astonished when they saw the dead woman’s baby was still alive, feeding from her “miraculously” ever-full breast. The men buried her body in present-day and took her baby with them.
Cattle ranchers and cowboys built small altars to La Difunta Correa, The Deceased Deolinda Correa, along several routes throughout the country, with images and sculptures of the Deceased. Today, this tradition is continued by truck drivers who leave bottles of water as votive offerings “to calm her eternal thirst”.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Paso Internacional Los Libertadores, Argentina (1 minute)
The border on a map between Chile and Argentina is at the centre of the tunnel even though the immigration posts are located further down the mountain. Thankfully, as most of the drive through the tunnel was uphill I had a lift.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Cycling the Andes, Argentina (5 minutes)
3 days, 230km, 4000m of climbing, horrendous headwinds – it was time to cross the Andes…..
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Staying at a winery, Argentina (3 minutes)
This would be my final night in the wine region of Argentina before heading for the border with Chile.
What better way to end a day of wine tasting than staying at a winery and the place i stayed was magnificent – Bedega Cecchin in Maipu, Mendoza.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Bodega Cecchin, Maipu, Mendoza, Argentina (3 minutes)
This would be my final visit to the wine region in Argentina and where better to visit than to a Bodega that opened in 1898. Renso was going to be conducting my wine tasting and had chosen 5 wines for me to taste.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Cycling Ruta 40, Argentina (4 minutes)
Ruta 40 runs for over 5000km from the very north of Argentina to the South of the country. It is a cyclists paradise – a smooth road surface that winds it’s way over mountains, through river valleys, across deserts and into spectacular wine country.
Here is a snippet of how often the scenery changes even within a very small distance so much so that I guarantee that you will never be bored by the amazing landscape (although the head winds may drive you crazy)
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Hostal San Bernardo, Guandacol, Argentina (3 minutes)
Hostal San Benardo is a little oasis in the middle of the desert near to the village of Guandacol. They grow their own fruit and make artesan wine.
If you ever find yourself cycling ruta 40, or are passing through the area, make sure that you go and stay.
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All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Thermal Baths, Nacimientos, Argentina (5 minutes)
After a long day on the bike getting battered by crazy winds a local told me that there was a thermal spring in the nearby mountains. I bought myself a bottle of wine in the village and headed off in search of the baths.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
El Shincal, Londres, Argentina (3 minutes)
El Shincal was the southern most capital city of the Inca empire. Today, the ruins are being excavated and here is a short video to give you a better idea of the amazing setting that the city was located in.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
Patron Saint Day, Tilcara, Argentina (2 minutes)
I had cycled into the town of Humahuaca to find a fiesta in full flow. The fiesta was to honor the Virgen de la Candelaria, or Virgin Mary, who was the Patron Saint of the town.
All of the videos from my cycle around the world are available on my YouTube channel by clicking here
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Take care and if you are out cycling – ride safe.
Cheers
Stewart