Lago Roca

After weeks of driving, surviving the trauma of a transportation break down, and several funky showers, we were ready for a break. We found a little slice of camping heaven in Lago Roca where we could unwind and enjoy a few creature comforts while relishing the outdoors. After a great visit to Perito Moreno Glacier, we decided not to head back into El Calafate (the closest town) but took yet another unknown dirt road in hopes of finding a little peace and quiet. We hit the jackpot! Lago Roca is the southern section of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares in southwest Argentina. Nestled alongside the lake is this fantastic, full service campground complete with a clean community kitchen, restaurant and bar, pool tables and a rec room, and shower facilities so nice they beat some hotels we’ve stayed in. Our campsite provided us with spectacular views of the mountains, glaciers, and lake. We decided to stay and relax for a few days. The weather was very cooperative, and after a wonderful dinner of breaded chicken cutlets and veggies prepared by Chef Michael, we sat out under the southern sky and star gazed while enjoying a little vino tinto. During the days, we set up the hammock and did a little wildlife watching, spotting many different bird species, wild hares, horses, and the occasional fox. We also took a few nice walks, including one to a cave to see 10,000 year old cave paintings done by some of the earliest locals. We enjoyed every moment of our time in Lago Roca. The morning we left, as we packed up our campsite, we were treated to a visit from a family of Magellanic Woodpeckers – a female, an adult male, and a juvenile male. We couldn’t take our eyes off them! They put on quite a show for us, digging and clawing large grubs out of the dead trees. The juvenile tried and tried, but couldn’t quite get it. He would squawk, and it was Dad to the rescue with a juicy snack! What a show! And a wonderful way to end our time in this amazing place.