In the southwest of Argentina at the foothills of the Andes, Carlos de Bariloche, commonly referred to as Bariloche, is a pristine paradise and heart of the Lakes District with stunning scenery with Nahuel Huapi National Park at the center of it all. Visitors have a variety of experiences to enjoy from strolling the bohemian market in El Bolson to taking on the slopes at the largest ski resort in South America to dining on dishes that give a nod to the bounty of the Patagonian region.
Centro Civico
It’s hard not to miss the Centro Civico (Civic Center) when you’re in the public square that surrounds this Alpine style building that happens to be one of the most famous landmarks in San Carlos de Bariloche. A National Historic Monument, the site is home to local government offices and a library. Outside in the bustling square, there are several points interest nearby including the Francisco P. Moreno Museum of Patagonia and a statute of the former president of Argentina, General Julio Argentino Roca, as well as views of Nahuel Huapi Lake from a distance.
Mitre & Reconquista, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-42-24-12
Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi
Spread across the two provinces of Neuquén and Rio Negro and to the northwest of Patagonia, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi spans nearly 2 million acres and has the distinction of being the first national park in Argentina. Named after the lake of which it surrounds, the park offers an array of recreational activities from kayaking to fishing, hiking, mountaineering the dormant volcano Mount Tronador and taking in the incredible view from atop Cerro Campanario. Other notable spots to explore include Afrrayanes Forest in the Quetrihué Peninsula, the Limay River, and the Enchanted Valley.
Rio Negro, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-42-31-11
A Day Trip to El Bolson
Nestled between two mountain ranges in the southwest of Rio Negro Province, El Bolson is a quaint and quirky Patagonian town that used to be a haven for Argentine hippies in the seventies. Today, the relaxing area offers travelers an abundance of things to experience whether they want to go on an easy hike on one of the trails of Cerro Amigo or go fly fishing and rafting in one of the nearby lakes. Exploring the local market in Plaza Pagano is one activity that is a must with its display of colorful handicrafts and textiles and savory bites such as empanadas, homemade jams, and craft beer. Another spot to see is El Bosque Tallado, a mountainside sculpture park featuring incredible tree carvings by different South American artists. For travelers interested in planning a day trip from Bariloche to El Bolsón, several companies offer organized excursions that take you along scenic Ruta Nacional 40.
Volcan Lanin
Located in Lanín National Park near the town of Junin de Los Andes between Argentina and Chile, the Volcan Lanin is an impressive sight to see soaring at a height of 12,388 feet. As one of the highest peaks in Patagonia, it’s considered a dream for climbers. While excursions can be organized at various times throughout the year, October through April is the prime season for making the ascent up the summit with an experienced guide. Preparation is recommended as the activity level is high. Travelers can arrange a climb with several adventure outfitters, including Lanín Tourism and Adventure.
Lanín Volcano at Lanín National Park, Neuquén Province, Argentina, Lanín Tourism and Adventure: Phone: +54-9-29-44-12-16-55
Museo de la Patagonia
Located in the east wing of the Civic center, the Museo de la Patagonia, or Patagonia Museum, provides an in-depth account of the region from prehistoric times to the present. Inaugurated by the National Parks Directorate in 1940, the cultural destination features captivating collections focusing on natural history, cultural anthropology the changing population, wildlife, and so much more. Among the objects that visitors get to view are fossils, ancient tools, maps, and dioramas.
Mitre y Libertad, Centro Civico 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Phone: +54-29-44-42-23-09
Cerro Tronador
In the southern Andes nestled between Nahuel Huapi Park in Argentina and Vicente Perez Rosales Park in Chile lies Cerro Tronador, or Mount Tronador, the highest mountain in Bariloche at 11,660 feet above sea level. Along with the stunning peaks, there is much to see in the surrounding area, home to seven glaciers that inspired the name for the mountain, which is named for the Spanish word for thunder, a sound similar to falling glacial ice. Getting there is an enjoyable journey along National Route 40 with its picturesque spots, including the banks of Guiterrez Lake and Mascardi Lake, Village Mascardi, Pampa Linda, and the unusually dark glacier Ventisquero Negro and Los Alerces waterfall.
Nahuel Huapi National Park, San Carlos de Bariloche
Skiing on El Cerro Catedral
One of the most progressive and established ski parks in South America, Catedral Alta Patagonia, or Catedral for short, is a popular place to hit the slopes. Set in Nahuel Huapi National Park just 12 miles from San Carlos de Bariloche, Catedral boasts 3000 acres of on and off-piste terrain, as well as conveniences such as a shopping mall and accommodations at the base of the resort. Catedral is open year-round and features sections that accommodate all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Plus, there’s always something going on from nighttime events to international competitions.
Skiing on El Cerro Catedral, Edificio Telesilla Sextuple, 1er. Piso – Base Cerro Catedral 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-40-90-00
La Esquina
One block from the Centro Cívico, La Esquina is a casual spot in a chalet-style setting that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as coffee and drinks. On the menu, diners will find a mix of meat, seafood and pasta dishes, along with Argentina and local specialties such as empanadas and chorizo de bife. The eatery offers a convenient location, perfect for popping in before or after walking the main public square and exploring the Francisco P. Moreno Museum of Patagonia.
Francisco Perito Moreno 10, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-42-89-00
Mamuschka
Housed in a bright red shop on Mitro Centro, Mamuschka entices passersby with a colorful display of sweet chocolates inside. This place is a chocolate lover’s dream, offering a large selection of scrumptious products, from bonbons to bars, all made with the best ingredients, such as cocoa from Ecuador and citrus fruits from Peru. Customers can choose from an assortment of flavors from the Heart of Hazelnut to Irish Coffee 1997, and Marroc, to name a few. In the back cafe, freshly baked pastries coffee, hot chocolate, and other tempting treats from Argentina and the Patagonia region await.
298 Mitre Centro, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-42-32-94
Helados Jauja
Everyone screams for ice cream at Helados Jauja. Since the 1960s, the artisanal shop has expanded to several locations from Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Bariloche and everywhere in between. Customers are spoilt for choice, as far flavors, whether Raspberry Cream or Mousse of Berries, Merenguiche, and more. Every scoop of creamy goodness is made with quality ingredients free of artificial additives, colorings, or flavorings. The selections are a feast for the eyes with a rainbow of colors and textures, and different options depending on the season.
Calle Perito F P Moreno 48, Entre Quaglia y Pasaje Urquiza R8399AMB San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-43-78-88
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Golf & Spa, San Carlos de Bariloche
Set within Nahuel Huapi National Park, the Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Golf & Spa provides a serene and luxurious getaway with its refined alpine-inspired accommodations and an array of leisure activities from enjoying a round on the 18-hole golf course with 360-degree landscape views to tennis, mountain biking, kayaking and more. Nestled between the Lopez and Tronador hills and lakes, the storied property first opened in 1934 and was a destination for dignitaries and other famous guests. After being closed for 15 years, the hotel reopened in 1993 and opened the Moreno Wing in 2007. Today, there are four destinations for dining, including the elegant Patagonia restaurant where guests enjoy local dishes such as lamb brochettes and trout empanadas.
Av. Ezequiel Bustillo km 25 R8409ALN San Carlos de Bariloche, Phone: +54-29-44-44-85-30
Alma del Lago Suites & Spa, Bariloche
On the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, Alma del Lago Suites & Spa offers travelers modern accommodations in the natural surroundings of Patagonia. This boutique property has a fresh feel with contemporary suites and rooms decorated with a neutral palette and pops of color. Downtime calls for relaxation and rejuvenation at the Alma Spa, where guests encounter an indoor heated pool, sauna, whirlpool, and state-of-the-art fitness center. Memorable meals are in store at the main gourmet restaurant Terra, which serves a hearty breakfast buffet in the morning and Mediterranean dishes for dinner. If weather permits, there is an outdoor deck to enjoy drinks, including the famous Argentinian wines. Over at Mitico Bistro, the panoramic lake views provide a lovely setting for enjoying salads, sandwiches, and cocktails for lunch.
Av. Bustillo Km 1.151 (Camino R8400AEE), Cto. Chico, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-52-15-00
Galileo Boutique Hotel
Situated on the site of Cerro Catedral, the largest ski resort in South America, the Galileo Boutique Hotel appeals to active travelers with its proximity to thrilling adventures, on and off the slope. Comfortable and cozy accommodations range from studios to spacious residences for large groups. Guests staying at this property may enjoy different experiences year-round, whether it’s skiing and snowboarding in the winter, white water rafting, or mountain biking. One unique amenity is the on-site observatory featuring a tower and telescope for observing brilliant constellations. When it comes to libations, the seasonal Wine Bar is the place for food and drink during the winter months. The cozy setting has a feeling of home with classic wood and stone interiors and a welcoming environment for discovering new wine pairings with stews and other seasonal selections.
Nubes 20, Base del Cerro Catedral, R8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-46-00-20
El Casco Art Hotel, Bariloche
On the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, El Casco Art Hotel provides a pleasant escape with peaceful accommodations, postcard views, and an eye-catching collection of original art pieces. Everywhere guests turn, they will encounter works by Argentine artists from vibrant paintings mixed media projects. Downtime offers plenty to do from taking a dip in the outdoor pool when weather permits or indulging in a marvelous massage at the spa. Under new ownership, the once-famous lodge of the seventies and eighties has retained its sophisticated style with a distinctive contemporary design that includes a marvelous sculpture garden. Elevated dining awaits at El Casco Restaurant, where Chef Ana Lucia Arias prepares sumptuous cuisine such as Beef Tenderloin with aligot, saffron, and sausage for diners to enjoy along with the panoramic views and wine selections from the cava. As for recreation, a knowledgeable concierge is always ready to assist with restaurant reservations and booking fishing trips and other excursions.
Av. Exequiel Bustillo 11500, R8401AAT, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-46-31-31
Lirolay Suites
Travelers looking for fairytale-style accommodations should look no further than Lirolay Suites. Constructed out of Cypress wood, Patagonia stones, and interesting accents, the charming and rustic property is full of character and seems as straight out of a storybook. Each of the suites is individually appointed and has a view of the lake, an outdoor balcony or patio for breathing in the fresh air, a kitchenette, whirlpool tub, and a cozy fireplace. Guests also appreciate nice touches upon arrival from the homemade cookies to freshly squeezed juice and hot chocolate. Healthy starts begin with a delicious morning meal in the breakfast room; during spring and summer, snack service is available on the terrace. When it warms up, the private beach is the perfect spot for taking it easy.
7051, CP, Av. Exequiel Bustillo, R8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-46-30-40
