Yesterday we were up bright and early and enjoyed coffee and croissants for breakfast before being picked up just after 8.00am (was meant to be 7.30am!) We were one of the last pick ups for our day trip into the Andes, so it wasnt long before we were on our way.

We drove out of Mendoza towards the hills and struggled to keep our eyes open before the first stop at a view point to the man-made Poterillos Damn. The lake was quite impressive and unless told you wouldn't have thought it was man-made. We continued on in the mini-bus and stopped for a breakfast break at Uspallata. A small town with great mountain views. We declined breakfast but enjoyed stretching our legs Once back on the bus we drove deeper into the mountains, passing the Peniented ski centre (which was closed for the season) before heading to the stunning Inca Bridge. It is one of Argentinas best natural wonders and is a naturally formed bridge covered in sulphur residue making it look almost like its made from plasticine! Unfortunately the bridge was closed due to safety reasons but we got some good pictures of it and the neighbouring spa house, before wandering round the adjecent market. Back on-board it was just a short journey to the best viewpoint we were going to get of the Aconagua mountain, the tallest mountain outside the Himalayas. We walked along the rocks for the best photo opportunities , although the wind nearly blew us away at points!

Once we had finished taking photos we were back onto the bus heading towards the Chilean border. We headed up to 4200 meters and to the highest point we could drive to Las Cuevas and the Cristo Redentor. The drive up was hair raising but the views of the Andes at the top were stunning. It was so cold that we ran around the area quickly posing and taking photos of the views and the massive statue of Christ before taking refuge back on the mini-bus!

Once we left the area we headed down the windy hill back to Uspallata for a late lunch. We enjoyed bread and pasta before managing to stay awake listening to power ballards, arriving back in Mendoza around 7.00pm. We spent the evening stocking up at the supermarket and doing a bit of bag shopping before bed.

This morning was a less early start. After another breakfast of coffee and croissants we were picked up at just after 9.00am to go horseriding!

We made a few more pick ups before heading into the mountains, arriving at the ranch just before 11.00am. We quickly mounted our horse (a hungry one named India for Sarah and a temperamental one named Socketo for Laura) and rode off slowly into the moutains, after strolling throught the countryside for a while, spotting the decaying skeleton of an old horse, we stopped for a Mate and bread break! We warmed up next to the fire for quite a while then set off again, this time trotting along at points. We arrived, freezing back at the ranch just after one and said goodbye to a couple of people on the half day trip before waiting for lunch The four of us (us, Bella and a french girl) huddled around the BBQ for warmth when finally bread, tomato salad and wine were brought out. We tucked in, shivering but dressed in warming ponchos and a biker jacket (Laura!) that the french girl had managed to get for us. Next up we were served the meat and vegetables from the bbq, they were gorgeous with a lovely smoked taste. Afterwards we enjoyed some fruit but were left hanging around for ages before the horses returned to us. At around 3.00pm we finally set off on the horse again, this time climbing up and down steeper mountains. We, once again, stopped for mate and to warm against the fire, then we headed back towards the ranch. We thawed out on the bus journey home, arriving back at the hostel after 6.00pm.

We had a drink and a freshen up then got a taxi with Bella to the bus station. We sat in a cafe and said our final goodbyes to her at around 8.00pm before waiting for our bus at 10.00pm. Whilst waiting Laura saw someone trying to steal a ladies backpack, luckily she was foiled but it made us a bit tense. We boarded the bus and set off on time, enjoying an unexpectedly nice tea of meat and potatoes, with cheese and ham salad and a glass of coke! Unfortunately the film was the same one as we had had on our previuos bus journey so we attempted to sleep in the comfy chairs.