Sun was shining, more or less. The air was cool but getting warmer. We all set of for a full day excursion to the Altiplanic Lagoons two hours south east of the the hotel. The day promised spectacular scenery, plenty of wildlife and a picnic lunch by the Piedras Rojas (red rocks). The area we were visiting was 4,000m above sea level (~13,000ft). We had been taking high altitude medication which we acquired in Bariloche from the hotel doctor (who was around 12 years old and happy to prescribe anything and have it promptly delivered to the hotel). All good.
It was a long drive, over mostly dirt roads, gaining altitude. As we approached the area we would explore we saw our first Vicuñas, a member of the llama family but smaller.
As we descended to the salt lagoons we could a glimpse of a strange rabbit-like animal with a big tail. I think they called it Viscacha
Finally, we reached the lagoons and marvelled at the amazing scenery.
And, yes, there were Flamingos!
It was quite a spectacular and unique place. Quite chilly since we were 13,000 ft up.
And, we had a nice picnic by the red rocks, behind which could be used as a convenient toilet.
Then somebody spotted a couple of Vicuñas with a just new-born calf. It must have been born just minutes before and we watched as it got up and tried to walk about, bambi - style. They let us get quite close which was surprising but probably smart to keep away the pumas, their natural predator.
It was a remarkable sight to see the baby gain it footing and conficence, within minutes.
On the return journey we saw other ostrich-like animals in the distance.
Since it took 2+ hours to return we took advantage of a local ice cream vendor who just popped up at the right moment.
This was definitely a grand day out.
We weren’t too impressed with the hotel food but discovered an “alternative” menu with burgers, steaks etc. This worked out well.