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We crossed towards Chile through the Cardenal Samoré Pass. During the tour, we had a look from every natural vantage point in the pre-Andes. |
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The sunrise announced a new journey to neighboring Chile. This time, we abandoned the City of San Carlos de Bariloche to head straight to the Cardenal Samoré International Pass, ex Paso Puyehue. Behind the mountain range, the Cities of Osorno, Frutillar, Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt were expecting us and we would visit them in a ten-day tour.
In the best Osvaldo Rocha style, we headed for Chile humming the cueca that made him and musician Carlos Ocampo famous. The ocasion was totally worthwhile.
We took Route 237, we crossed the source of the Limay River and entered the Province of Neuquén through Route 231, which leads to Villa la Angostura. We bordered Lake Nahuel Huapi, which displayed the matchless beauty of its sceneries as we advanced towards the Cardenal Samoré International Pass, a few kilometers away. This pass lies at 1,314 m.a.s.l. and is open all year round. It is considered the second most important international pass and offers direct communication with Osorno and Puerto Montt through the Southern Road and with the rest of Chilean Patagonia. |
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At that moment, the cueca called “Las dos puntas” (The Two Ends) was played again in the car stereo, thus giving more sense to our trip. First we passed through the Argentinian Customs Office and the National Gendarmery. Then, we repeated the proceedings at the Chilean international police department and, before we had expected, we were already stepping on the neighboring country land.
Beyond the Border
On this side of the border, the road changes its number into 215. Its conditions are excellent. From that point, we began to go down across the native rainforest surrounding the pre-mountain range. Gradually, we started to see sign posts indicating the way to the famous Puyehue hot springs, the Antillanca Volcano with its ski resort and the kilometers left to reach Osorno, where we would make our first official stop. Thus, following don Osvaldo's rhythm, we let ourselves be surprised by the southern landscapes of this beautiful nation.
“When I head for Chile crossing the mountain range
my heart beats with joy: a Chilean girl awaits me.” |
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Marcelo Sola 
Jorge González 