Day 655 – South America – Argentina [Uspallata to Potrerillos]

05/02/22

44.5km

  From Uspallata (Argentina) to Portrerillos (Argentina)

South America

A very windy and overcast day in the lower Andes, alongside a busy road

Uspallata’s cultural centre

I set out of Uspallata this morning, running past the beautifully colourful mural of the cultural centre. I was set to run on Road 7 all day, which is the main route to Mendoza (well… it actually goes all the way to Buenos Aires on a straight line!). I found some side trails for a few kilometers out of Uspallata and met some early morning horse riders. It was nice and quiet and I knew it was a treat.

Early morning horse riders

I joined Route 7 again and it seems 90% of the traffic were semi trailers, all headed towards the Chilean border. Less traffic on my side of the road… but yet again, these semis are taking risks and passing when there’s a double yellow road, it was quite hairy at times. James was investigating alternative routes. Just about 11km before the “Guido curve”, there’s a tourist attraction, an old railway bridge. It crosses over the Mendoza river and looks like a nice walking trail (even maybe from Uspallata itself). It was not mentioned on Google Maps as a possible itinerary, but it looks like it goes all the way to Potrerillos. If I had known… that’s definitely where I would have chosen to run.

Mendoza River, meandering amongst the lower Andes

Anyway, the road was not too bad – the sky was overcast and I did not get to see the full range of colours and brightness the mountains had to offer. Nonetheless it was entertaining enough for me. I had a mighty headwind all the way. I don’t mind it so much, as I always remember my days with BoB the stroller, and how then it would have been extremely difficult. I’m way better equipped now with a small backpack on my shoulder! It was so cold at times I had to wear my windbreaker and windproof trousers.

Potrerillos boasts a nice lake, I saw a kitesurfer in the distance as I approach. I will get to run around the south part of it tomorrow on my way to Mendoza. It’s the weekend and it seems the place is a very popular getaway destination, very busy!

Enjoy the video of today’s run: https://www.relive.cc/view/vPv4y4n4J3O

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: