Surrounded by nature,
San Carlos de Bariloche is a city for lovers of
gastronomy, culture and
party nights, as for those who enjoy
hiking, trekking, skiing and even
water sports such as rafting, kayaking or lake bathing.
This city located southwest of the province of Río Negro is ideal to visit at any time of year, because in each of the seasons it changes its colors, its landscapes and the activities that can be done.
If you are thinking of visiting
Bariloche, here are some
tips for you to add to your tours:
Get to know the Centro Civico
No visit to Bariloche is complete without a walk through its Civic Center in the city center . The municipality, the police, the administration of National Parks, a historical museum, customs and the Sarmiento Library work here.
It stands out for its characteristic clock tower , the monument to General Roca, and is the scene of festivals and celebrations (such as the Snow Festival, fairs and carnivals).
The Civic Center is a a good example of the construction style of Bariloche with its building made of cypress, larch and tuff stone from Cerro Carbón. It is also the reference to locate in the city. From there, Miter Street and other main streets are born, and in its surroundings most hotels, restaurants, bookstores, shops and chocolate shops are located.
This area of the city is considered a National Historic Monument and It is ideal to explore it with peace of mind, discover its corners and details or look out over Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Take a picture on the Bariloche sign overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi
Another of the favorite places for people who visit this Patagonian city is the walk along the coast of Lake Nahuel Huapi, it is two blocks from the center in the Port area (Juan Manuel de Rosas 71). In this area of the coast you will notice a giant sign that says "Bariloche", where people approach and take some very beautiful photos, in which the lake and the Andes mountains are mixed in the background. It is an ideal place to take photos for facebook and instagram.
See the Mapuche Totems on the Nahuel Huapi coast
The totems located two blocks from the Civic Center and in front of the coast of Lake Nahuel Huapi (October 12, 157) are two wooden replicas that were installed within the framework of the "In situ" program, which was developed in Bariloche in the year 2013.
These are two buried sculptures about eight feet high that symbolize the Mapuche man and woman, facing east. This type of totem is usually found in the neighboring country of Chile, in the regions with the greatest presence of this culture, that is, from the Maule region to the south. In Temuco, for example, they say that four figures would have been used to seal the "armistice" between that original town and the State of Chile, in the middle of the 20th century.
In Bariloche the sculptures were made by the Chilean artist Bernardo Oyarzún, who participated in the cultural proposal along with 9 other artists with a great career. The call was made by the Secretary of Culture of the Nation that proposed that art leave museums and galleries, and dialogue with the urban space.
Visit the Skatepark Bariloche
Another place that can be very entertaining for the little ones is the Bariloche Skatepark with 2,900 square meters of skating and more than 20 obstacles, where every day and at any time you can see local young people doing different stunts. It is located on the city's waterfront, between Rolando and Palacios streets, about three blocks from the shopping center.
The track was designed by a leading skateboarder Marcelo Bejanele “el moska” from Mar del Plata. The skate park has world-class characteristics with very precise measurements so that Olympic skaters can also train on site. The track has shafts, guardrails, steps, and ramps. The use of the facility is free and for all ages, the use of bicycles, skates, skateboards and even kick boots is allowed.
Visit the Museum of Patagonia “Perito Moreno”
This important museum was inaugurated by the National Parks Administration in 1940. It occupies the East Wing of the Civic Center and was declared National Historic Monument.
Today it brings together an extensive collection that is divided into four rooms: Natural Sciences, Prehistory, Ethnographic ay la Regional. In them you will be able to find the different animal species of Patagonia, interesting geological and paleontological samples of the region. There is also an interesting collection of rock art, instruments made by the ancestors of the Tehuelches and Mapuches.
In the regional history room, there is the testimony of what was the long and bloody struggle that ended with the Conquest of the Desert, which dismantled indigenous ethnic groups.
Eat more chocolates rich of Argentina
Bariloche is the national capital of chocolate. They have even records! Its inhabitants came to manufacture the largest chocolate bars in the world: one 130 meters long, in 2014 another 150.5 meters long and in 2017 one 200 meters long with 1,500 kilos of chocolate.
In the city center there is at least one chocolate shop per block. Just walk down Miter Street (the main one) and they offer you to taste all kinds of chocolates. In addition, every year the National Chocolate Festival (March 28 to April 3) is held, where the main street is filled with chocolatiers and the air is impregnated with that impossible aroma to resist.
To enjoy the typical flavors of Bariloche you just have to go to the center of the city, where you will find a wide range of places. The most traditional chocolatiers are: Benroth, Frantom, Mamuschka, Tante Frida, Del Turista, Rapa Nui, Noncello, Arrayán, Patagónico and Abuela Goye.
Don't stop asking for the traditional chocolate bars (black and white). There are also chocolate bars filled with dulce de leche, almonds, blueberries, raspberries, pistachio, rum, cookies and coffee.
If you want to make a fun plan, I recommend the Museo del Chocolate (See Map), where you will learn the history, see how the chocolate is prepared and to finish the tour you will to be able to taste some flavors before going to the store.
Another option when you pass by the Rapa Nui chocolate shop (See Map) is to go to your ice skating rink . It is inside the confectionery, has 500m2, is suitable for figure skating presentations and ice hockey meetings. The entrance ticket includes skates, helmet and gloves. Open every day and they have skating classes.
Delight in the local gastronomy
En Bariloche you have the ideal combination: the unique and exquisite flavors of Patagonia, the talent of the most renowned chefs and the most natural ingredients. There are excellent places to eat in Bariloche, the vast majority located near the center of the city. From elegant restaurants that cook the best trout in Patagonia to neighborhood bars where you can binge on hamburgers and good craft beers.
The city has something for all tastes and pockets. My recomendation? In “La Girafa” you will be able to eat the best meats in town, the fried veal milanesas or lamb seem to be the most requested. While “Friends” is a good option for something more relaxed like resto bar, where you can order a craft beer with a delicious homemade burger or a tenderloin sandwich or salmon .
Smoky fondues (cheese or chocolate), stimulants goulash and the traditional trout, wild boar, deer and smoked cheeses, are other traditional flavors. You will also find on the menus delicious dishes with red or white meats sautéed with local mushrooms, trout en papillote (cooking a food in a heat-resistant wrap), with white wine or black butter. Other dishes that are impossible to resist are stuffed pasta (salmon, trout or lamb). While the Patagonian lamb on the grill or the typical barbecue prepared by experts are another of the best options. To finish the gastronomic route through Bariloche, you always have to leave room for desserts: mousses, sweet cakes, homemade ice cream , hot cakes and crepes suzette , colored by natural sauces of raspberries, blackberries, elderberries and musk.
As for the drinks, a good accompaniment cannot be missing in any regional dish, it can be a craft beer or its traditional fine wines from cold areas and Rio Negro champagnes.
Another must-see in Bariloche gastronomy is curanto , it is a particular preparation of meats and vegetables. They are cooked underground, on hot stones and wrapped in nalca or maqui leaves that allow you to enjoy an ancient tradition of the region.
Drink the best beers
Who said beer is ideal only in summer? Bariloche breaks with this and offers its own beer route all year round. Not only will you find beers of excellent quality and varieties, but you will also be able to enjoy them with spectacular views of the mountain and Nahuel Huapi Lake.
Breweries are a strong point and this is one of the "capitals" of artisan production, which later spread throughout the country. However, none compares with the local flavors, they have special cereals and the peculiarity of being made with melt water!
If you want to try the best varieties I recommend you visit:
- Cerveceria Patagonia (See Map )
- Manush (See Map)
- Kunstmann (See Map)
- Lowther (See Map)
- Berlina Tap Room (See Map)
- Konna (See Map)
- Brooklyn (See Map)
- Blest (See Map)
When choosing flavors, be sure to try HoneyBeer (Blonde with honey), Ra uchBier (Smoked Black), Black DoppelBock, the Scottish and the fruit trees.
Have tea at the Llao Llao Hotel
Located in the middle of the nature, the
Llao Llao Hotel It is an emblematic and luxurious icon of Bariloche, with a compelling history: it was abandoned several times and even suffered a fire, but it managed to reinvent itself and place itself among the most imposing in the world. It has all the services and if you are not planning to stay in this luxurious and exclusive hotel, you can also choose the option of visiting its facilities and having a snack at the famous
“Llao Llao Tea” . In addition to offering you all the
strand teas that one can imagine, they have an excellent patisserie, where the
cakes, tartelets, scones, muffins, brioches, brownies and mini smoked salmon or raw ham sandwiches. If you want to try one of their cakes, don't miss the candied orange cream or the traditional apple strudel.
Another option that we highly recommend at Llao Llao is to enjoy an afternoon at the Spa! You will be able to use the facilities and enjoy the incredible landscapes. You also have the pools at your disposal, you can do hydrotherapy, use facial and detoxifying treatments.
Important: always book in advance.
Eat the best brunch at El Casco Art Hotel
Just
11 kilometers from the city center is
El Casco Art Hotel. It is another of the classic accommodations in Bariloche and offers one of the most sophisticated cuisines in Patagonia . Among the recommended ones are the
brunchs , which you can enjoy in the internal room or on the terrace with one of the best views of the lake and the mountains.
The brunchs They stand out for being delicious and have seasonal fruit juices, all kinds of infusions and coffees. They also have savory and sweet dishes, such as burrata with tomato jam , black olive ice cream and basil crumble, accompanied by country breads. Other options are the salmon bagels with cheese, arugula and tomatoes. If you choose to add something sweet to your brunch, they offer bowls with fresh fruits (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and banana) honey and oatmeal.
Stroll through the Feria de los Artesanos
If you like them markets, a good opportunity is to visit the artisan fair on Urquiza street , where you can take home a 100% local souvenir. You will find fabrics and ponchos made from pure sheep wool, hand-spun and loom-woven. Beautiful plates with Mapuche and Tehuelche motifs are also offered.
The artisans specialists in cold ceramics and porcelain display impeccable sculptures. Another very frequent handicraft on the walk is the articles made with stones. Pendants, earrings, bracelets, key chains, charms and decorative elements. Some of the most worked stones are rhodochrosite, onyx, lapis lazuli, fluorite, tiger's eye, coral, malachite, Andean opal and amethyst. There are also stalls of native wood sculptures, spirits, beers and chocolates.
Make the best hiking and trekking circuits
Bariloche is one of the Patagonian cities that It offers a greater number and variety of circuits suitable for hiking and trekking. Most of them are accessible, do not require much demand and have landscapes that will leave you surprised. The most recommended are:
Cerro Campanario
Cerro Campanario is located 35 kilometers from the center of Bariloche can be reached with
bus line 20 (passes through the center of Bariloche) or
by car through Bustillo avenue until kilometer 17. The activities you can do on the hill are: From its viewpoints see the best views of the city and its lakes. You can also see the Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, the El Trébol lagoon, the San Pedro peninsula, Victoria Island, the Otto, López, Goye, Bellavista, Cathedral, Chapel, the Llao Llao hotel and the groves of Colonia Suiza. To climb to the top of Cerro Campanario, you can get there by walking along forest trails, it is approximately 2 kilometers from the base (30 minutes of walking), the trails are perfectly signposted, it is a simple walk that does not require much effort.
Another way to ascend to the summit is with the
chairlift to Cerro Campanario (Av. Bustillo km 17,500), it takes you to the top in about 7 minutes. The summit is about 1050 meters from the base
. The chairlifts end at the top confectionery, where you can enjoy the best homemade pastries (cakes, sandwiches, chocolates, alfajores and stuffed breads), daily specials (meats, minutes, fish, pasta and vegetarian sandwiches), drinks and infusions (tea, coffee, natural juices and hot chocolate), while you see the landscapes through a great window facing west. Here you will have a 360 ° view, where you can take beautiful photos of the lakes and mountains.
Cerro Catedral
It's a worthwhile place visit 365 days a year. It is located at 1,030 meters above sea level. The ascent begins from its base about 19 kilometers from the city The views are impressive! You can see the Cordillera, the city in the distance, the lake Nahuel Huapi, and the small Villa Catedral. To get to the base of the Cerro, you can go by car or by bus with the line 55 from the center.
In summer, it is ideal to go hiking while getting in full contact with nature. With the
tour to Cerro Catedral you will be able to tour its summit for half a day accompanied by an expert guide who will explain everything you need to know along the way. The highlights are the panoramic views of the Nahuel Huapi and Gutierrez lakes and the vision of all nature and of the hills in all directions. It's magic!
Do
mountain bike is another option to enjoy landscapes and adventure. The departures are from the shore of Lake Gutiérrez and trails are followed to the base of the ski center, where then a fun descent begins to the starting point. There are 24 kilometers of gravel, dirt and mountain circuits.
Cerro Tronador
The
Cerro Tronador is a giant that sleeps:
an inactive volcano that is shared on the
border between Argentina and Chile. It is the highest hill around Bariloche and the only one that
remains white throughout the year due to the glaciers it has on its summit. If you go up, you will be able to appreciate the seven glaciers that its height protects. Before it was possible to climb them, but today they are constantly melting due to Global Warming.
During the walk you may hear the characteristic sounds produced by the glaciers on the summits due to breaking and detachment.
If you want to know this hill in the most complete way, I recommend the
excursion to the mountains and glaciers of Tronador. It is an adventure through the southern area of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, where you will meet the most curious glacier in the region: the Black Ventisquero.
The walks are made through the typical forests of Coihues until reaching the base of Cerro Tronador, where hikers are given a delicious lunch to recharge their batteries while enjoying the views of Lake Mascardi. Then the circuit continues towards the Black Snowdrift . Also called Black Glacier, due to the sediments that give it a dark color that differentiates it from the rest.
If you are looking for a more demanding, full-day tour, I recommend the
Premium circuit . It is an 8-hour tour, where you will not only be able to admire the beautiful Tronador volcano but you can also fully know one of the most beautiful and impressive areas of the
Nahuel Huapi Park. They will traverse. forests, valleys and waterfalls until reaching one of the most spectacular and hidden glaciers located on the summit of Tronador. The walk will continue through rapids and waterfalls that will take you to Los Alerces. Here you will find an unmissable variety of different lakes.
Cerro López
If you are a lover of heights, Cerro Lopez cannot be missed ! Going up the magnificent Cerro López for eight hours allows you to admire the impressive waters of the lakes and ends at a height of 2075 meters above sea level. Without a doubt, it is a unique experience!
In the case of making the ascent on foot at three hours of the route, there is the
López Refuge, where you can enter and then continue the hike to the summit. There are also
4x4 ascents up a steep mountain road , between the centenary coihues forest and high lengas. The curves of the road are natural viewpoints that overlook the immensity of the great Nahuel Huapi National Park, with views of the lakes, islands and mountains, ideal for taking the best photos. Then you can continue on foot. You dare? You are going to venture through the forest and the mountains, on a hike of low to medium difficulty. And in winter, the adventure continues with snowshoes.
Cerro López is located 25 kilometers from the city center.
Spend a night in a mountain hut
Refugio Frey
At the foot of the emblematic Frey needle and at 1,700 meters , is this refuge that was inaugurated in 1957 and is open all year round. The traditional path to get to Frey begins at the parking lot at the base of Cerro Catedral. The walk takes about 4 hours and presents no difficulties.
The kitchen and dining room are located on the ground floor of the refuge, while the bedrooms are on the first floor. There are 35 beds and it is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers. The kitchen is equipped with saucepans, plates and cutlery, as well as basic condiments and hot water 24 hours a day. There are also toilets with running water.
If you are a trekking lover, we recommend you do the
full-day hike to Refugio Frey you will visit different landscapes. It is about 10 km leaving from the base of Cerro Catedral. It is a fairly quiet climb but the last section is usually a bit more difficult. For this reason, it is essential to take into account good footwear, comfortable clothing and water.
During the walk you will cross several streams and you will be able to enjoy incredible views of the Gutierrez Lake, of Valle Van Titter and the Cordillera de los Andes.
Refugio López
This refuge painted in pink color is located at
1620 masl and can accommodate about 80 people. The duration of the
trekking up to Refugio López is three hours and different can be observed during the tour peaks. From the López stream at kilometer 22.5 (Circuito Chico), before crossing the bridge on the left hand side and next to a kiosk, a well-traveled and well-marked path begins to the refuge.
It has several steep slopes and after crossing a bush area to enter the forest again there is a bifurcation of paths. The one on the left is smoother and the one on the right, somewhat more difficult and steeper.
Refugio López is the one that offers the most panoramic view beautiful over Lake Nahuel Huapi. Cerro López was named this way by Francisco P. Moreno in homage to the author of the National Anthem, Vicente López y Planes.
This mountain refuge is owned by Carlos Sonntag, one of the best mountain guides in the town. It is the largest and most comfortable refuge of all those found in the city of Bariloche. It consists of two large bedrooms, a spacious dining room and bathrooms with running water. It is closed only in the winter months.
Refugio de la Laguna Negra
En one of the many obligatory steps for adventurers who visit San Carlos de Bariloche. It is approximately five hours of walking. You will find a mirror of dark water surrounded by snowy hills at 1650 meters high.
Comfortable shoes and light clothing are two of the essential elements to start the trip. The route to “la negra” starts from Colonia Suiza, where you reach the path that starts about 300 meters east of the bridge of Provincial Route No. 79, over Arroyo Goye. It is very easy to get there and it is also well signposted. Another option from the city center is
take a bus line 10.
The first kilometers are of moderate ascents but the final section is a little more complicated due to a steep snail towards the lagoon. Throughout the tour you will be able to enjoy the Goye stream which always remains to the right of the path. The road also crosses a Alerces and Cipreses valley. From the west you can see the peaks of Cerro López and from the east the cordon of Cerro Bella Vista. Other typical vegetation that can be seen in the area are the Cohíes, Ñires and Lengas. Many of the trees fallen by the intense winter snows are used as bridges. It is one of the most beautiful walks in the area.
Near the objective in the fourth hour of walking, the valley continues giving different colors to the vegetation until get to the Bivouac Stone. It is there where the Christmas stream pours its waters into the Negro. It is also an ideal place to rest, eat or sleep, before embarking on the final zigzag.
In the final section you will leave the valley to fully immerse yourself in the mountain for an hour and a half. One of the most surprising facts about this long journey is that you never know how close you are. The Lagoon is never seen until the moment you come face to face with it. Surrounded by a knot of rocky and snow-capped mountains, the Black Lagoon is right in the center, as if submerged in a crater. On one side next to the water you can see the refuge.
The refuge bears the name of Manfredo Segre and has capacity for 60 people. It remains open during the summer season and has overnight service, meals, bathrooms, kitchen and kiosk.
Skiing in very cool options
Ski professionals consider that in Bariloche there are the best tracks in South America. Between June and October the winter resorts explode because everyone wants to enjoy the snow by snowboarding, sledding and snowmobiling, Nordic skiing and heliskiing. Without a doubt, Bariloche is full of options and here are the best ones:
Cerro Catedral
Is
the best ski center in Latin America and can be enjoyed during the months of June to October. Cerro Catedral owes its name to its peaks that resemble towers of a medieval temple. It is located just 20 kilometers from the city of Bariloche. It can be reached by car (by Av. Bustillo until the access to the Ski Center) or with
buses passing through the shopping center.
It is located at 1,030 meters above sea level It was the first ski slope in South America and today it is still the most complete winter resort. It has 53 well-marked slopes of various difficulties that reach 2,000 meters in height. The most important snow festivals and international competitions are held at Cerro Catedral. Among them, the lowering of torches stands out at each beginning of the season, a night show that is gaining more and more followers.
If you are interested in enjoying all the facilities and activities offered in this winter center, I recommend
the week or the
3 days of skiing. In both packages you will be able to experience this incredible sport. It doesn't matter if you don't have experience, classes are offered with professional instructors. The packages also include accommodation, transfers, ski equipment and entrance passes to the track.
Centro Esqui Nordico
Five kilometers from the city of Bariloche on the steep slopes of Cerro Otto is the Centro de Nordic Ski , a perfect place to ski. It works throughout the winter season (June to August) maintaining the slopes with snow machines. As its name suggests, the center is dedicated to the Nordic specialty, where skiers can move between forest trails and even go uphill thanks to the special shape of the ski.
The Escuela del Centro rents the equipment and gives fun classes from 5 years of age. You can also practice other sports such as quadricycle tours, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
On this track of more than 3000 meters you will also find a toboggan run. The circuit is carefully delimited with different degrees of difficulty for all tastes and ages. The tracks are surrounded by lush forests of lengas, European pines, ñires and others, among many other species.
Cerro Otto: Tobogganing and lunch with panoramic views
Cerro Otto is located behind the city of Bariloche with views of the lakes Nahuel Huapi, Moreno, the Peninsula San Pedro and Victoria Island. At the top is the emblematic revolving confectionery of Bariloche where you can take advantage of a good hot chocolate. Further down, on the same hill, is Piedras Blancas, a large sled run (6 hectares) that opens in July and August.
At kilometer 5 along the Faldeo route is the base of Cerro Otto, a hill that bears his name in honor of Otto Meiling, a former mountaineer revered as the most prominent representative of mountaineering in Bariloche. The cable cars (or "la manzanita") are also another way to get to the top where as you go up, the view becomes imposing. After 12 minutes and at 1,405 meters above sea level, you will find the revolving confectionery . At a comfortable and pleasant speed, it allows you to see the landscape in 360 °. Fully glazed and heated by a hot air system that allows you to relax after each activity.
It has a capacity of 250 people seated and in it you can taste delicious smoked foods such as deer, wild boar, trout or salmon, as well as sweet delicacies accompanied by coffees, original teas and the inevitable hot chocolate to recharge your batteries.
Inside the complex there is also even an art gallery with exact copies taken directly from the originals of the three most important works by Michelangelo Buonarroti, including El David.
Another very nice activity to enjoy in the
Cerro Otto is the nordic night. You will marvel at the nocturnal landscapes of the place, while enjoying a delicious homemade dinner in a refuge in the middle of the mountain. The tour starts from the city to Cerro Otto, where you ascend in trucks to its summit. Once there, an ATV circuit begins for 1 hour to a viewpoint, from which you can see the city of Bariloche fully illuminated.
Navigate to Isla Victoria and Bosque de Arrayanes
Sailing on a catamaran through Lake Nahuel Huapi is one of the experiences that every person visiting Bariloche should have. The boats leave from
Puerto Pañuelo (25 kilometers from the city) and their first point of arrival is Victoria Island, where they are offered
guided excursions through beautiful trails full of conifers, giant sequoias, coihues , birch, fir, acacia and pine. It is also a great reserve of native animals (Pudu pudu) and exotic animals (red deer and golden pheasants).
This island is protected by the Nahuel Huapi Park. It has an area of 31 kilometers. You can also find cave paintings that indicate the presence of indigenous communities that lived in other times.
Once the entire Victoria Island is covered, navigation Continue towards the Quetrihue Peninsula , where the famous Arrayanes Forest is located, unique in the world for its size, density and development. In the Los Arrayanes National Park are the ancient trees of the same name and form a forest that was the inspiration for the creation of the Walt Disney movie “Bambi”.
The Arrayan is also called quetri, cuthu or palo colorado, it belongs to the myrtaceae family. These specimens are one of the most characteristic and beautiful species of the lake region of the Patagonian Andes. It is a tree with persistent foliage and its forests are classified as "always green", since it does not fall in winter. Its growth is slow but it can reach between 8 and 15 meters in height with a trunk up to 70 centimeters in diameter, which is very twisted.
A A very important characteristic is its cinnamon-colored rind product of the concentration of tannin, it is smooth, silky and cold to the touch. Its flowers are small, white and hermaphroditic. They give it a beautiful coloration in the summer, in addition to its pleasant perfume. The fruits appear in late summer and remain in the fall. They are spherical berries, purple-black and fleshy in color.
In the Arrayanes Forests you can find other trees, shrubs and animal species such as the Pudú (smallest deer in the world), the Huemul , Huillín, foxes and the Monito de monte. There are also several exotic birds such as the Condor, Aguilas, Halcones, the Patagonian Woodpecker, the Austral Parakeet, and the Araucana Dove.
Do kayak on rivers and lagos
Another of the water activities that you can do in Bariloche and its surroundings it's kayaking. It is a fun and healthy way to explore and enjoy nature. Here are the best circuits:
- Lago Moreno: It is a lake of glacial origin. One of its peculiar characteristics is that it is divided into two portions of similar dimensions, the so-called Lago Moreno Oeste and Lago Moreno Este. Its waters are warmer than those of the other lakes in the area. It has several beaches, some of them are easily accessible by means of paved roads or by boats. On its coasts there are two small tourist towns: Colonia Suiza and Villa Llao Llao.
To the south of the lake you can see from the boats the Cerro López and the Cerro Goye. To the north, it is separated by the Llao Llao peninsula from the nearby Nahuel Huapi lake, in the which empties through the small stream Angostura, through a series of hills and two small hills: Llao Llao and Campanario.
This lake can be traveled by kayak throughout the year and in two modalities:
Full day , it's 2 hours rowing with views of all the hills and forests. While the option of
Half day is one hour and a half of rowing, of low difficulty with the possibility of also seeing the forests and the magnificent views of Cerros López, Cerro Capilla, the famous
Hotel Llao Llao and Cerro D'Agostini.
- Lago Nahuel Huapi: The reason for its waters intense crystalline blue color are due to the fact that it is a lake of glacial origin. It has an area of 557 km² and is situated at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level. It stands out for its depth and its seven branches or arms: Campanario, de la Tristeza, Blest, Machete, del Rincón, Ultima Esperanza and Huemul.
Its intense blue color, its islands and the landscape that surrounds it, make it one of the most attractive places in Patagonia. Along its coast you can find different types of beaches. This incredible lake can be explored by kayak in one of the
4-day expeditions . It is one of the most complete in the Nahuel Huapi National Park. It is designed for lovers of touring kayaking. Participants must be willing to row more than 20 kilometers per day with the accompaniment and planning of a guide.
Another option is to do the
3-day excursion with a lower level of demand and with an average of 5 hours of paddling per day.
- Brazo Tristeza: The tour begins at Bahía López, 30 kilometers to the West of Bariloche. During the Brazo Tristeza kayak excursion you will enter this corner of the Nahuel Huapi National Park , where a few minutes after starting you will be able to see the imposing López and Capilla hills . Little by little they will paddle the 15 kilometers in length (it is a circuit for an advanced level), passing through impressive waterfalls, by the Mount Tronador (3,484 meters) with its characteristic snow and glaciers in The hills. You will also travel its coasts with vertical walls and lonely beaches. At the bottom of it, a sandy beach will be the place where they will spend the night together with all the necessary equipment of tents and food. During the afternoon there will be a short trekking near the Victoria waterfall . At nightfall you can enjoy a dinner on the shores of the Lake.
The next day, after a full breakfast, continue the journey with a trek to the Frey Waterfall , where you can see the Valdivian jungle and specimens of millenary larches. Then they will return to the camp to take the kayaks and return to Bahía López. If you are interested in this circuit but are looking for less paddling hours, I recommend the
full day excursion.
- Lago Mascardi: It is a V-shaped lake, ideal for fishing and sailing. It is located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park and has numerous places for camping and picnics. One of its arms is aligned in a north-south direction (the Cathedral arm), while the other is oriented in an east-west direction (the Thunderer arm). Close to the vertex of the two arms is Isla Corazón.
This lake is reached by taking Route 40 south, heading towards El Bolsón and travel approximately 30 kilometers from the city.
The
2-day kayak excursion is ideal for those who have no previous experience and wish to explore the entire Mascardi Lake. The rowing time between the two days is 5 to 6 hours. The circuit starts from
Camping Wiritray (of the Mapuche Community) to Camping “Los Rápidos”. Upon arrival in the afternoon you will be able to enjoy a mate with bills and free time to explore the surrounding forest and Lake Los Moscos. Then in the evening there will be a dinner consisting of a traditional Creole barbecue.
The next day, the journey continues through the most remote area of Lake Mascardi with incredible views from the Bonete and Tronador Hills. They will also make a stop for photos and a snack on the Island Piuke Huapi. While lunch will be on a lonely beach and in the afternoon they will arrive at the head of the Lake next to the mouth of the Manso River , there they will have a snack and then return to the city.
Another option is to do the kayak excursion in 1 day. The paddling is more intense. It is done along the Tronador Arm of Lake Mascardi, located in the southern area of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. You will see the striking turquoise waters, Patagonian forests, views of the Tronador and Bonete hills. There is also a stop for lunch and take time to relax. The paddling time is 4 hours.
Explore the Cascada de los Cántaros and Puerto Blest
Los Cántaros Waterfall is a waterfall water located in the Los Cántaros river, within the Nahuel Huapi National Park. The river is less than a kilometer long, but falls more than 100 meters between the lakes Los Cántaros and Nahuel Huapi , forming a beautiful waterfall that is located about 852 meters above the lake. sea level.
To get to this incredible natural scenery you can take the
navigation to Puerto Blest and Cascada de los Cántaros. The tour begins leaving Puerto Pañuelo (25 km from the city) and navigates approximately 1 hour through the most important branch of Lake Nahuel Huapi: the Blest. Passing by the Centinela islet, where the remains of the
Perito Moreno (outstanding Argentine scientist, explorer and geographer) rest, arriving at the Cascada de los Cántaros.
Then you disembark and walk through the exuberant vegetation of the Valdivian jungle, until you reach the Cántaros Lake (origin of the waterfall). Here you can also see one of the oldest larch trees in the region with more than 1,500 years.
Then the navigation continues for only five minutes to reach
Puerto Blest, an incredible place where you can visit the bay and get to know the margins of
Lago Frías , where the waters are strikingly green as a result of coming from one of the glaciers of
Cerro Tronador , natural border between Argentina and Chile.
Visit San Martín de los Andes by the road of the Siete Lagos
This is a walk that crosses 352 kilometers through the Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks and ends in the beautiful city of San Martín de los Andes. The
“Camino de los Siete Lagos” is a short route that all those who visit Bariloche usually do and can be done quietly in
car (4 hours long with stops), bicycle or with a
excursion (11 hours).
The tour from Bariloche begins on route 40, crossing Lake Nahuel Huapi towards
San Martín de los Andes. Throughout the tour you will find well-marked viewpoints where you will be able to observe Victoria Island and the Quetrihué Peninsula. After an hour's drive you will arrive at
Villa La Angostura , a small but very picturesque town that is worth stopping in.
The road continues along the RN 234 (sections of gravel road), where you will be able to see the Correntoso and Espejo lakes . From here, the journey continues to the town of Pichi Traful , located in the North Arm of Lake Traful.
Continuing along Route 234 you will see lush forests, where the famous Vullinanco waterfall is located. It has about 30 meters of fall and is divided by an immense granite rock into two slopes .
Continuing along the road we find Villarino lakes on the right and Falkner Lake on the left, both lake basins are separated by a fine stream that joins them.
Arriving at the end of the tour you will see the Lake Machónico and Lake Lacar in the city of San Martín de los Andes.
Throughout the circuit you have your camera ready because you will be able to take incredible photos of the mountains, blue lakes and forests!
Hire the exc visit to the Chico and Grande Circuit
The circuits are the best option to know Bariloche. The difference between the two is simply the length and size of the tour. These circuits are done together with expert guides who show you the city from a practical and in-depth point of view. The Amphitheater, forests, lakes, small towns full of color… Everything planned for an ideal express tour.
In the
Small Circuit Tour (60km - 4 hours) you will be able to tour the city, Cerro Campanario, where you will enjoy beautiful views of the Nahuel Huapi and Perito Moreno lakes, the El Trébol lagoon, the San Pedro peninsulas, Llao Llao, Victoria Island, the myrtle forest, the Otto hills, López bay, Goye, Catedral and Bariloche, and the main points of the national park.
The tour continues to the imposing
Hotel Llao Llao and the beautiful
Capilla San Eduardo , architectural jewels of the region. Then they will continue to Bahía López, at the foot of the homonymous hill. They will also pass through Colonia Suiza on the way to the Moreno Lake and back to the city, they will make a stop by the El Trébol lagoon. If you want to do this circuit privately (transfer and guide) and you are interested in adding a beer tasting and lunch in a local brewery with an incredible view of Lake Moreno, I recommend the
Circuito Chico Premium.
While the
Big Circuit Tour gives you the possibility of adding other very interesting points such as the Amphitheater, a rock formation that resembles a Roman circus. The
Valle Encantado, the Traful and Limay rivers. You will also visit the beautiful coihues forests. Continuing the tour through
Puerto Arrayán and
El Portezuelo where the road joins the famous "
Route of the Seven Lakes". The route continues south, crossing dense forests and bordering Lake Espejo, to reach Villa la Angostura. Upon returning to the starting point you will visit
Puerto Manzano and the Huemul Peninsula.
Visit to Colonia Suiza
Just 20 kilometers from Bariloche is Colonia Suiza, a tourist spot with all the comforts in the middle of nature. A fan of gastronomy ? Here you will be able to find its outstanding dishes cooked in earth ovens with hot stones. Another taste to enjoy: all the typical fruits of the area (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, strawberries, rosehip and gooseberries). The residents are expert raspberry farmers.
This Colonia has also been renowned for decades for its popular curantos. It is an originally Araucanian food, introduced from Chile by Emilio Goye, one of the first settlers of the colony. Carrying out it is quite a ceremony: a 15 cm hole is dug in the ground. deep and stones previously heated to red hot are placed in a stove. On these stones a mattress of nalca leaves is placed, and on these all the ingredients: beef, lamb, pork, chickens, chorizos, barbecue sausages, potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, onions, carrots and squash stuffed with cheese. , cream and peas. Everything is covered again with leaves, on which damp canvases are placed so that the heat is not lost and then it is covered with abundant earth, thus becoming a true pressure oven. When the cooking is ready, wisps of smoke begin to emerge from the earth, shortly after the curanto is uncovered: the food is tenderly cooked by the heat of the stones.
Rafting in mountain rivers
If you like adrenaline, in Bariloche you can do rafting of different levels with the support of professional instructors. If you are looking for something for beginners or intermediate we recommend you visit:
Río Limay
It is born at the eastern end of Lake Nahuel Huapi and winds around 500 kilometers to the northeast, adding tributaries such as the
Traful, Pichileufú, Collón Curá and Picún Leufú rivers. One way to get to know this wonderful river is with the
rafting excursion Limay, you will navigate between rock formations of volcanic origin, observing birds and other animals that inhabit the riverbank such as guanacos and deer.
It starts from Bariloche towards the east by route 237, bordering the Limay river. In a few minutes you will arrive at La Lonja, where the boarding place is located. After an explanatory talk they give you a life jacket and a paddle, to start the adventure. Once in the water, aboard the boats, the tour of the famous Amphitheater, Las Mellizas, Segunda Angostura and El Mangrullo begins.
After two hours of navigation, the crossing ends in the vicinity of Villa Llanquín. A comfortable refuge on the banks of the river, where you will be able to relax and enjoy the flavors of the countryside.
Another unmissable and fun activity in the Limay River is the
Stand Up Rafting. You will be able to row in the river standing, sitting or kneeling! It is an excellent way to explore the Patagonian Steppe and learn about its fauna and flora. The season to do these activities is from
November to April.
Rio Manso
This river rises at the foot of Cerro Tronado r and flows zigzagging south until it crosses the Chilean border where it empties into the R ío Puelo.
Do
rafting in the Lower Manso River is an ideal plan to take the first steps in the speed of mountain rivers. It is also suitable for those seeking an intermediate level, as the best rapids in the region are traversed with narrow nooks and exciting speeds for 2 hours. If you are interested in looking a little more demanding, the
rafting to the border. It is
a circuit that reaches the border with Chile , where you travel through a deep and wide valley, with sections of forests, others of open grasslands and some swamps. Upon reaching the border, all the equipment is loaded and the return to John's Ranch begins. A typical Patagonian ranch with more than fifty years old, where you will be able to visit its picturesque house, the sheds and its beautiful garden with flowers and an imposing view of Cerro Bastión.
If you want to go for more adventure in the Manso River, I recommend the
mountain bike excursion. They are
22 kilometers of wooden walkways and flat trails. You go through forests and farms with a beautiful landscape of mountains. Some technical ascents and descents are made, with little difficulty. Halfway through, the group makes a stop to enjoy a pleasant lunch on the banks of the river, surrounded by wild nature.
A day of fishing
Argentine Patagonia is world renowned for its excellent trout fishing. It was in the early years of the 20th century, when Perito Francisco Moreno, explorer and discoverer, suggested introducing fish of high sporting value into our waters. After conducting the corresponding studies, the first specimens of rainbow and brown trout were imported from the United States and Europe, which quickly adapted to rivers and lakes, reproducing in the wild, without human intervention.
In the rivers and lakes of Bariloche you can find other species such as the Perch, the Patagonian Silverside and the Arroyo Trout . Below we recommend the main natural areas where you can find them:
- Limay River: It is one of the best known for its splendor and its qualities for fly fishing. It is the most important river within the National Park, it offers different fishing opportunities for novice or advanced fishermen. It is a refuge for Rainbow and Brown trout and also Patagonian Perch.
This river is excellent for dry fly fishing during November to March. During April, huge trout migrate from the large lake to the river to start the breeding cycle. The
full day of fishing in the Limay River is an excellent option to fully enjoy this activity, where a specialized guide will give you the best advice and all the necessary equipment to fish and navigate the river for 8 hours. To close out a great day of fishing, you're going to enjoy a very good lunch prepared and served by the river.
- Manso River: This river flows through the Andean valleys, surrounded by green forests and high mountains. The course of the Rio Manso connects with lakes Mascardi, Los Moscos, La Medialuna, Hess and Steffen. El Manso offers the possibility of catching trout Rainbow, Brown and Fontinalis. It is located 65 kilometers from Bariloche.
- Pichi Leufú: In the Mapuche language Pichi-leufu means “small river”, which is the perfect description for this watercourse. It is an incredible river for its environment and for the large quantity and quality of trout that you will be able to find easily.
The Pichi Leufú is located about 40 kilometers from the city and is home to a large quantity of Brown and Rainbow trout between 500 grams and 1.5 kilos! You can also find significant quantities of perch, a native species that can be caught but not killed.
- Lake Fonk: The Fonck belongs to the Manso river basin, which flows into the Pacific. On its shores there is a free camping area, surrounded by Andean Patagonian forests, which gives it an imposing natural setting.
The lake has the three species of Trout: rainbow, brown and fontinalis. The size of the trout is very good with 50 to 65 centimeters, but there are also a good number of specimens that reach and even exceed 4 kilos .
Fishing is dynamic and whether from the boat or wading from the shore, it does not require alternating floating or sinking lines.
One point to keep in mind is that in the Bariloche area, the Sport Fishing Regulation establishes the Return Fishing modality. All fish must be returned to their natural habitat.
A spectacular day at Estancia San Ramon
Estancia San Ramón is located on Route 23, 30 kilometers from Bariloche. It is one of the oldest ranches in the area and covers some 25,000 hectares in the Andes mountain range.
Apart from the natural beauty of the pre-mountain range and the Patagonian steppe, you will have the opportunity to see the local flora and fauna: pink flamingos, black-necked swans, guanacos and condors.
It is an experience that will allow you to discover the typical
life gaucha . You can opt for the half a field day or the
full day. Both are excellent options, where you have included a delicious traditional breakfast (Mate, tea, coffee, sweets and juices). You will have informative talks about the horses, you can ride through the typical Patagonian vegetation for 2 hours. Then, after enjoying the first ride, they will return to the ranch to have a delicious Asado for lunch. The first course will be empanadas, then the roast and chorizo will be served, accompanied by salads, to close with a delicious salad with seasonal fruits.
After lunch, You can relax a bit and then enjoy the second horseback ride (full day), during which you will discover other steppes and parts of the estancia. Once the second horse ride is finished, you return to the ranch to have a delicious snack with mate, tea, coffee, juices and homemade fried cakes.
Horseback riding and kayaking in Los Baqueanos
Los Baqueanos is a complex located within the
Nahuel Huapi National Park , 22 kilometers from Bariloche. Having a privileged location on Lake Gutiérrez, it is the ideal place to carry out activities in nature and get to know the true landscape of Bariloche, enjoying the tranquility of being outside of traditional circuits.
The p The first activity of the day will be a kayak navigation from the resort's dock on the Gutiérrez lake. The paddle will be on the east side of the lake with views of the Cerro Catedral, the Bahía de los Chilcos and with the possibility of seeing an underwater forest cemetery through the crystal clear waters.
Later, you will descend into Muñoz Beach , surrounded by important mountains and forests, where you will be able to enjoy a delicious snack to recharge your batteries for the return. When descending in Los Baqueanos, they will be waiting for you with a lunch consisting of baked meat, salads, artisan ice cream, and all kinds of drinks.
The second activity The day will be a horseback riding accompanied by local guides who will take you to visit waterfalls, rivers, forests and mountains, observing the typical flora and fauna of the place. During the tour you will be able to visit the southern slope of Cerro Catedral, Cascada D’Agostini and Cerro Pontonero . After the two hours of riding, you will return to the complex to return to the city.
Visit Parque Nahuelito
Are you team Jurassic Park? Then you cannot miss a visit to this dinosaur theme park where you will come across more than 30 life-size replicas in which a guide tells you compelling stories. Ideal to visit with the family!
The visit consists of a 400-meter walk s, where you will find replicas of the dinosaurs as, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Velociraptor and the Pteosaurus, among others. At every moment you will be accompanied by a group of guides who will tell you the story of these giants that inhabited Argentina and the world.
Getting to the park is very easy, You can
do it by car through Provincial Route N° 77 to kilometer 24.5
(See Map) or with
line 10 of buses which passes through the center of Bariloche and leaves you at the entrance to the park.
Enjoy, weather through the beaches of the Lake
The lake beaches near The city of Bariloche is another good option to enjoy the landscapes and activities that are offered throughout the year. The most recommended are:
- Playa Bonita: It is located 8 kilometers from the center. It is a relatively long beach with small stones. It has in its vicinity with bars, restaurants and kiosks. There are places to rent equipment and practice diving and kayaking. It has lifeguards. From the coast you can see the islands of Huemul, Gallina and Victoria.
- Bahía Serena: It's a 15 minute drive from the city center. In summer it is one of the largest and most popular spas in the Capital of the Lakes. It is a bay with fine sand. The water is a bit warmer in summer, which makes it perfect for the little ones. It has a lifeguard.
- Melipal: It is located at kilometer 4 of Av. Bustillo (5km from the center). You can get there by car or on the buses that leave the center (they all go through the waterfront). The landmark of the descent to the lake is a gas station and a local supermarket. It is a very picturesque beach, with rocks ideal for children to have fun climbing.
- Playa Centenario: It is located in the Ñireco neighborhood, 1.5 kilometers from the shopping center. It is an ideal option to visit even on foot since the route to reach it is beautiful. Its characteristic is that from the beach you can see the center of the city and have the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi as a reference point.
The Centennial Beach is usually a place visited by the residents of Bariloche. It is an ideal place to go and hang out without having to stray too far and to have the Nahuel Huapi lake as close as possible. There is a concrete path that allows you to descend to the shore, during the afternoon you can see people practicing windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- Villa Tacul: It is located at kilometer 29 of the Circuito Chico road, passing the Llao LLao. It is a beach surrounded by forest, with calm waters although a little colder than the previous ones. In summer the temperature is between 13° and 14 °C. Water sports are not allowed on this beach, you can only swim.
Visit to El Bolsón
This town is at the foot of
Cerro Piltriquitrón , which means "hanging from the clouds" in the Tehuelche language. To visit it you only need
take a full day tour from Bariloche. These tours normally include transfer from the hotel and once you get to El Bolsón you can visit its large artisan market and try all the typical dishes of the area. This town is known and famous for being "the city of hippies".
It is located 129 kilometers from Bariloche and is reached by National Route 40, going south. The first kilometers are made through the coasts of the Gutiérrez, Mascardi and Guillelmo lakes , until you cross the bridge over the Villegas river. This beautiful section of the road crosses extensive coniferous plantations.
Continuing the journey, a few kilometers later the community of Las Guaitecas (of Mapuche descent) is located, during on weekends it offers a great variety of handicrafts. In the Cerro Piltriquitron you can visit the Bosque Tallado , an artistic space where the remains of a burned forest were used to give life to the works of artists local.
One of the city's main attractions is the Artisan Fair located in the Pagano square, right in the center. You can see the production live and direct of pieces in different metals, ceramics, wood, fabrics, stained glass, cutlery and jewelery.
If you have a vehicle you can also visit the viewpoint of the Azul river, the valley de Mallín Ahogado and the Cerrito Amigo viewpoint or visit the Patagonian bird exhibition, the rock museum or some of the nearby waterfalls.
Take the Historic Steam Train
Boarding will take place at the San Carlos de Bariloche Railway Station, just 3 kilometers from the center. During the tour that has stops every 25 minutes you will be able to contemplate the wonders of nature such as the Nahuel Huapi lake, the bridge that crosses the beautiful Ñirihuau river , where you will be able to take pictures of a fantastic and unique landscape. One of the stops is at the Ñirihuau station, this place has an excellent panoramic point, where you can see the unmistakable beauty of Cerro Catedral, Cerro Tronador and Cerro Capilla . With the voice of "passengers to the train ..." the journey on rails begins again towards the station "Los Juntos" (Perito Moreno), this section takes approximately 45 minutes of a journey full of paradisiacal landscapes. Upon arriving at the station, they will stop for about 45 minutes, to carry out the walks and activities they want. You can visit the "Los Juncos" Lagoon that keeps an incredible amount of migratory birds and observe the old railway constructions. Then the train returns the turn towards the starting point. Departures are on Wednesdays from 11:30 am to 7 pm.
At night, go out dancing
Without a doubt, nights in Bariloche have something special. Its clubs are prepared with the best DJs, live music, shows of all kinds and promotions to make the experience unforgettable. Why? The answer is that over time, it became the place of choice for recently graduated young tourists from all over South America. All are very easy to access, since they are located a few meters from the center. The most famous clubs are:
- Grisú: its lounges, corridors and tracks simulate caves. Yes exactly, when you walk through the disco you have the impression of moving through the labyrinthine corridors of a mine. His name is also related to this decoration. Grisú is the name of a gas that usually appears in mines when coal is extracted above all. It has three tracks, in three different levels, and in each one different music is played. So in the same night you can go through a retro moment, listening to music from the '80s; a moment of electronic music and even Argentine music exclusively or only cumbia, quartet and reggaeton. It has capacity for up to 2000 people.
- ByPass: It has two dance floors, three bars, VIP sector, giant screens with high definition, robot lighting and a unique laser in Latin America to enjoy the best effects synchronized with the music. The bowling alley has capacity for 2000 people on two levels. They have three bars where the most varied cocktails in the city are prepared. The funny thing about this album is that the main track is set like a real Roman palace.
- Cerebro: It was inaugurated in 1980, as the most innovative album in Bariloche. It has an avant-garde decoration with two dance floors. The main track with rock music, pop and another track with electronic music. It also has four bars, a lounge, private rooms, robotic lighting, lasers and giant screens. Every night you can live the Fluor Party, with giant characters with led costumes and fluorescent accessories so that all people can enjoy a unique night.
- Genux: It is the youngest album in Bariloche, inaugurated in 1993 and completely renovated in 2011 to acquire its architecture futuristic. You will find three tracks, where international pop, rock, cumbia, reggaeton and electronic music play. They also offer a turbosound sound system and robotic lighting. In addition, if it is luxury, Genux brings the best air shows and freezes the center court with the fabulous Megatron effect (high-powered CO2 cannons). The bowling alley has a capacity for 1800 people and an exclusive VIP area.