It was a free day in El Calafate. Rodrigo had several options available for us – Big Ice or Mini Ice trekking back at the Glacier, or an excursion to a gaucho ranch. Instead we opted to chill out and have a rest day. After a late breakfast, we walked with Gary to the bird sanctuary, Laguna Nimez. There we walked along Lago Argentino and saw flamingos, hawks and other interesting birds.
It was another beautiful warm spring day, requiring several applications of sunscreen. We then set out to explore the souvenir shops along Front Street (nod to the folks – the main street is always front street).
Given the dry, dusty climate, we were in need of hydration and settled on a local artisanal brewery called La Zorra. After sampling several of the 15 beers on tap, I settled on a Golden Beer, while Jody opted for an unfiltered IPA. We each had a “Rustica” salad – corn, cheese, roasted squash, egg, pesto.
The beer and salad hit the spot. But we still were craving something sweet (we are developing an Argentinian sweet tooth), so a stop at Tito Gelato was necessary!
Next stop: Lava…Andina, were we were successful in getting all our laundry back!
Then we hit a bakery and supermarket to stock up on a few snacks for the 6 hr bus ride to Chile. We walked back to the hotel to have a nap and then back to the village for happy hour Negronis at a nice little bar in an alleyway.
We were accompanied by one of the wild dogs of Argentina, which roam the streets, join you for awhile, then leave to chase cars.
Our dinner was organized by Rodrigo with reservations at 8pm at La Zaina, known for its lamb marinated in red wine. It did not disappoint! It was a great little place, full of people, with walls lined with liquor bottles, labels, stickers, pictures and money. It had the feel of a converted garage, but was perfect for the last night of our stay in Calafate.
We obviously stopped once more for gelato on the way back to the hotel, and encountered lots of dogs along the way.
