Four Itchy Feet

January 23, 2025, Sendero to Cascada del Ñivinco, Lanín National Park, Argentina.

While driving along Route 40 and traversing the Seven Lakes region, we encountered the Sendero to Cascada del Ñivinco. “Sendero” means “trail,” and “cascada” translates to “waterfall.” We quickly entered a dense forest of Araucaria trees, which only grow in this part of the world. Approximately a mile into the 1.6-mile trip to the cascade, we were forced to remove our shoes and cross approximately 50 yards of frigid, calf-high water. What was initially refreshing proved to be an almost unbearable cold plunge for our feet. Soon, we reached the cascade and had to do the plunge all over again to reach its foot. We immediately lay down on the rocky pebbles to take in the scene: families gathered at the foot of the cascade, enjoying a meal, a card game, and, of course, the ever-present mate tea being passed around. We soon entered a trance, closing our eyes for a micro-nap. One of the hikes highlights was having a wild horse come close to us as he was gracing on nearby trees. The return trip was just as pleasant, and after 3.2 miles, we were able to continue north to San Martin de los Andes.