Here it was a furious torrent, quite impassable, and appeared larger than in the low country, as was the case with the rivulet of Villa Vicencio.

On the evening of the succeeding day we reached the Rio de las Vacas, which is considered the worst stream in the Cordillera to cross.

As all these rivers have a rapid and short course, and are formed by the melting of the snow, the hour of the day makes a considerable difference in their volume.

In the evening the stream is muddy and full, but about daybreak it becomes clearer and much less impetuous.

This we found to be the case with the Rio Vacas, and in the morning we crossed it with little difficulty.
The scenery thus far was very uninteresting, compared with that of the Portillo pass.