Bariloche: a must, all year long.

For many, Bariloche (say Bah-ree-law-cheh) is synonymous of winter, snow and skiing. But there's more: also known as the "American Switzerland", this city and its surrounding mountains and lakes are unquestionable tourist attractions all year long. Here, we offer you a special report where we cover all the excursions plus the essential info and activities to perform at this incredibly beautiful district in northern Patagonia.

The "queen" of the Andean Lakes District is, undoubtedly, the city of San Carlos de Bariloche (see review here). Located on the South margin of Lake Nahuel Huapi, it unfolds its beauty throughout its shore, along one long coastal avenue named Exequiel Bustillo, which extends up to Hotel Llao Llao, approximately 25 km. away from downtown.

A first, mandatory excursion consists of a relaxed stroll across its streets packed with old and charming stone and wood houses where, at each corner, beautiful sights and landscapes abound. Do not forget to take with you enough photographic film supply (or RAM for those of you using digital cameras). You won't be able to refrain from taking many, many unforgettable pictures here in Bariloche.

The visit to the City

You can begin with a visit to the Cathedral Nuestra Señora del Nahuel Huapi. The building was projected by architect Alexander Bustillo and it was never finished. Nowadays its access is used as a chapel. It has got interesting vitreaux that tie religious subjects with Patagonia. Then, after passing Puerto San Carlos (a place for embarking in lacustrine trips where there are also places to eat and attractions for kids) you arrive at the Civic Center. This is the most representative spot in the city. With its Swiss style, arcades and horseshoe shapes facing the lake, was opened in year 1940 by National Parks. Its buildings lodge the City Council, the Tourism Secretariat, the Police, the Patagonia Museum, the Library and the Emilio Frey Venue where cultural events and art exhibitions take place.

At the Council Building there is a Clock Tower that shows, at 12 and 6 PM, a parade of symbolic figures: aborigines, priests, soldiers, and settlers .

Afterwards you can walk along Mitre street, the main commercial area of Bariloche. It is very interesting to observe the style of the buildings along its first blocks, trying to maintain the "Bariloche architecture": Stone and wood, arcades, balconies and eaves all around.

When you get to Beschtedt Street, you will see long stairways to your right which you can traverse in order to visit one of the most antique buildings, the Chapel of the Immaculate which has been declared a Historic National Monument. Built in year 1905, its first placement was not here but on Moreno Street. It was moved to its current location, a true lookout point to the city, during year 1973 using rails.

It is also recommended that you visit the Walk of Nations (Paseo de las Colectividades) with its Flags Plaza which gathers all the flags of the different immigration currents that populated Bariloche.

Later, you can take Perito Moreno Street, going back to the Civic Center, where you will see the oldest houses in the city: Casa Marciani, Vivienda Speranza, Edificio Capraro, up to the Council of Nahuel Huapi National Park. Afterwards, a bit to your left on Morales Street the Club Andino Bariloche's building is located. It is a very important social and cultural place also. This walk can be finished walking along Mitre until it becomes San Martin Street in order to get to Worest Casino, featuring an imposing view to the lake.

The excursions

There is seduction and action all year long at Bariloche. Besides the traditional lacustrine excursions like Victoria Island and Arrayanes Wood, Huemul Island, Puerto Blest, Cascada Los Cántaros and Lake Frías, you should consider the amazing Crossing to Chile via the Lakes.

You can't skip performing the Circuito Chico (Small Circuit), which consists of a 60 Km. ride along the coast of majestic Lake Nahuel Huapi, with restaurants, tea houses and places to buy home made goods and chocolates.

And there is more to see and do: paragliding, skiing, sailing in lakes and rivers, trekking, sleeping in a mountain shelter... it is all possible in Bariloche. And finally, you should also pay a visit to Cathedral Hill and the Tronador.

Nontraditional Excursions

Besides "classic" excursions there is much more to do here at Bariloche:
-4 Tracker rides: It is possible to hire excursions with a driver as well as do them on your own, but in an organized fashion. Best seasons are summer and fall. Although there are no fixed schedules you can easily find out dates on local media. There are two excursions which are particularly recommendable. One of them is a ride to Lopez Hill, passing by Swiss Colony and reaching an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level. Breathtaking landscapes guaranteed. The second option is to depart towards the east (the plateau). From there you can see the magnificent Andes, visit caves and archaeological sites.

-Cerro Viejo Eco-tourist Park: It is situated very close to Bariloche (a 10 minutes walk), on the foothills of the Runge. There is a ski lift that takes you to a lookout point and then you can descend via a mountain path, where there is Flora interpretation, up to an Arrayanes Wood. Finally, at an old wooden barrack where one of the first ski factories in Bariloche used to operate, you can visit the Mountaineer Museum, an ideal place to learn about the ski pioneers and related facts.

-Cerro Leones Park: It is an old hill, some 15 Km. from Bariloche, on the east border of Lake Nahuel Huapi. At this place there are caverns that served as homes to the most antique aborigines that populated the area. In order to reach them you need to walk along a 130 m. tunnel. In the center of the mountain there is a water spring forming a small lagoon; it is a place full of magic surrounded by rocky paintings. The paths are accessible for all the visitors and there is also the chance of renting a horse. Needless to say, the views from the top are simply fantastic.

-Horse rides: There are a lot of possibilities for this activity nearby Bariloche. Bear in mind that a minimum group (4 people generally) is required in order for the horse rides to run. The most popular rides, and the ones that most of the local companies offer, are:
1)Across Manso River: Whole day excursion, lunch included.
2) Across River Ñirihuau: Whole day excursion, lunch included. There is also an option to do a half day excursion.
3) Across the steppe with Fauna watching: Whole day excursion, lunch included. There is also an option to do a half day excursion.

-Paragliding: The altitudes surrounding Bariloche make it a paraglider's dream. But you can also make your "debut" as a beginner, in a baptism flight over one of the most incredible landscapes in America.

-Rafting: Summer months are the most adequate for taking these fast water currents. Generally, the rafting season begins in November, when the Andes rivers augment their volume due to the thaw. Rivers Limay and Manso are the favorite among rafting lovers for different excursions:
Lower Manso:
This is an excursion for all the family (Class II and III). there are sand beaches surrounded by Andean woods. It is a whole day trip.
Medium Manso:
this one requires previous experience (Class III and IV). Plenty of action, cascades, waves and a famous toboggan. Lasts half a day.
Manso to the Borderline:
This one combines rafting and trekking, in order to get as far as the border with Chile sailing across narrow glens amidst exuberant vegetation. Although no previous experience is required, you have to be in good shape. Class III and IV. Lasts all day.

-Golf: The season for golfing in Bariloche extends from September to May, when the fall rain season comes in. There are many tournaments, for all levels of expertise. It is possible to play golf at:
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort: located on Km. 25 of Exequiel Bustillo Avenue, it has got one of the best courts in Argentina, with 18 holes. And the surrounding landscape is simply irresistible.
Pinares Golf Club: Also on Bustillo Avenue but on Km. 14, it has got 9 holes.

How to get to Bariloche?

If you wish to visit this magnificent place in the Argentine Patagonia, here's how to get around. Many means of transportation will take you there: several bus companies connect Bariloche with the whole rest of Argentina and Chile, and regular flights serve different destinations in the country as well as in Brazil and Chile. Besides, there is a railway service departing from Viedma, which allows to enjoy the unique Patagonian landscapes, because it crosses an area called "Línea Sur" (southern line) in the Province of Río Negro.

For those who travel by car there are two options departing from Buenos Aires:

1) You have to follow this route itinerary: "Acceso Oeste" Highway , National Route Nº5, NR Nº35, NR Nº152, Provincial Route Nº20 ("Desert Route"), NR Nº151 and NR Nº237.

2) You have to follow this route itinerary: Ricchieri Highway, Autopista del Sur Highway, NR Nº3, NR Nº22 and NR Nº237.

Distances in kilometers from San Carlos de Bariloche

Where to stay?

Lodging is a really easy matter, with more than 200 hotels, hostels, rental houses and campsites to choose from. And prices are suitable for all the budgets, since there is a wide range of alternatives, from the basic but comfortable to the super luxury places.

In order to see a list of hotels and lodging options, please click here.

See Also: Nahuel Huapi National Park - Los Arrayanes National Park - Fall at Shelter Italia and Laguna Negra - 'New' tourist train in Bariloche