361km over the Andes Mountains in a double decker bus. I had researched which bus, where to sit, etc and booked a Cata Bus departing at 9.30am and due to arrive at 5.30pm, with a stop at customs on the way. I had also managed to secure the front two seats, on the right hand side, on the top deck.
It was chaotic in the bus station, as loads of buses/coaches leaving within a few mins of each other, to various destinations. We had arranged a driver to take us to the station he kindly took us to the Cata kiosk to check in and then showed us where to wait for our bus.
We only had hand luggage with us, which we took onboard, but there was very little room for anything, fortunately we were able to put the bags between the two lots of seats at the front. We set off on time to join the morning traffic, but we were soon out of the city and climbing into the Andes on the Internacional Los Libertadores Pass.
I didn’t account for the sun streaming through the windows, which despite the air-conditioning, was a little warm at times.
The pass is part of the Pan American Highway, the Chile side is much steeper and as we neared the border, there were 29 switchbacks curves, which go from 2,200m to 2,850m, you then come to the Portillo ski resort. Saw a couple of cyclists on the road, very brave or foolish! We then drove through the Cristo Redendor Tunnel, which is at the highest point of 3,200m and reach the Chile and Argentina border.
We stopped at the border for customs, each passenger was individually checked through and our luggage x-rayed, which took about 2 hours before we were on our way again. Thankfully as everything was explained in Spanish two passengers kindly helped out with English translation!
The scenery was just as fabulous, but not as steep a road. We passed the stunning Lake Potrerillos and some kayaks and white water rafters on the river, although is was more brown than white! We also saw roadside shrines, with loads of plastic bottles, it seems they are to folk Saint Difunta Correa and generally places where travellers stop to pray (no photos).
We then passed through Upsallata and our bus pulled in to help a bus that had broken down, we took on their passengers and set off again. We arrived into Mendoza 5 mins before we were due, amazing!
We had arranged transport to our hotel, the Amerian, couldn’t believe the size of the room. After the journey though, the odd glass of local wine and food were the order of the day. Of course after putting our laundry in!