Laguna Grande and Laguna Diamante
An excursion to the Laguna Grande and Laguna Diamante is another spectacular activity to do from El Peñón. The route starts from the village at 3,400 metres and takes you to Laguna Diamante at around 4,200 metres. The highest point on the route is 4,770 metres.
Arriving at the pass at 4,770 metres, the views were magnificent and there was a steep descent before arriving at the Laguna Diamante. The route was fairly easy up to this point, so I started the descent without thinking too much about any difficulties. To my surprise, halfway down the descent, the road is filled with giant holes left by 4x4s that have dug trenches on difficult ascents. What's more, there's a curve right in the middle of the descent.
The bike started to bounce and I even veered off the road through the rocks. I couldn't brake because the bike was bouncing so much and I was trying hard not to fall off and break everything. Miraculously, I managed to get through without falling. I was afraid for the climb back up.
I chatted to some people in a van doing a tour and they offered to help me back up. But first we had some time to explore the area around Laguna Diamante. When it was time to go back up the slope, I transferred all my equipment to the pick-up and despite the fear, I managed to climb the scary slope without breaking my neck. I was really afraid. Afterwards, I picked up my luggage and headed back to El Peñón.
Laguna Grande
Laguna Grande is Argentina's largest pink flamingo reserve. Three species of flamingo feed in this lagoon.
Le col à 4770 mètres
The plateau at the height of the Laguna Diamante
Laguna Diamante
Las Fumarolas near Laguna Diamante
Despite an altitude of almost 4,200 metres and the very cold climate at these heights, the fumaroles spew water at temperatures of between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius.
