Shimmering lakes, snow-capped mountains, and dozens of cows provided the stunning scenery for our bus ride along the Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Route of the Seven Lakes). We weren’t sure the weather would hold out, but aside from some clouds and a few sprinkles of rain, it did.

After spending a week in much less scenic Mendoza, we were definitely ready for the fresh mountain air of Patagonia. The Ruta de los Siete Lagos runs alongside some of Patagonia’s most amazing lakes. The photos don’t really do it justice, but considering they were taken through a bus window, I think they turned out pretty well.

Now we’re in Bariloche, where we’ll be hiking, relaxing, and eating the delicious chocolate for which the region is known. This is the life.

A snow-capped peak to start off the drive

Even with the clouds, the view across the lake was stunning

No, that’s not drug paraphernalia — these women are sipping mate, the local herbal drink (more to come on that)

Houses over looking one of the many lakes

Street view of Villa de Angostura, our stopover along the way

Cows have the right of way in Argentina and there are plenty of cow crossing signs to prove it

Craggy peak overlooking an azure blue lake

Modern day gaucho on the side of the road

Barlioche, Argentina from 40 km out