Visiting Bariloche in Argentina
Lake District by Hortense Soulier
Gateway to the beautiful Argentinean
Lake District, one of the areas comprising the spectacular Patagonian region,
the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, is one of the highlights of any trip
to Argentina. Adventurers especially will find countless opportunities
to experience the thrill of hiking, trekking, skiing and many more activities
in Bariloche. The city is beautifully located on the shores of the glistening
Lake Nahuel Huapi, surrounded by majestic, jagged Andean peaks.
 The
city of Bariloche itself is easy to navigate, small and with a warm atmosphere.
Bariloche was founded in 1902 but only became a thriving destination in
the 1930's after the creation of the nearby national park. Travelers from
around the world gather here every day to spend their evenings in the town's
cozy restaurants, bars and comfortable hotels, after long days exploring
the surrounding area. The city is well equipped to welcome tourists, with
most of entertainment found on the main street, Mitre. Don't forget to
stop in some of the street's many chocolate shops, as this is one of Bariloche's
excellent treasures.
The real reason to travel
to Bariloche is of course the beautiful landscapes that surround the city
where adventure awaits the audacious traveler.
 Start
off with a stroll in Llao Llao, the area following the lake shore, and
one of the most beautiful in the region, providing for absolutely superb
views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. The most famous route for hiking and trekking
around Bariloche, known as the Circuito Chico, will take you to this area.
Free maps are available at the tourist information office but you can also
enjoy a guided walk with expert guides that will tell you about the region's
history and wildlife as you hike. The circuit is generally made by car
with stops to hike, but you can also cycle. For views of the entire region,
take the lift up Cerro Campanario, which goes up to 1,049 meters, from
where you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery, encompassing the lake, mountains,
as well as the San Pedro peninsula below.
Bariloche is also known to
be Argentina's ski capital, with an excellent, modern and fully equipped
ski resort on the nearby Cerro Catedral. Located at 2,338 meters, about
21 kilometers from San Carlos de Bariloche, this resort boasts great infrastructure,
with well-cared for slopes of various difficulty levels. The mountain can
also be visited in the summer times with great opportunities for hiking.
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