Situated in Patagonia at the base of the Andes, surrounded by lakes, mountains and forests, San Carlos de Bariloche is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Bariloche is Argentina’s most important year-round outdoor sports resort with first-world facilities to test the skills of professionals, adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Bariloche’s name is a play on the words, Carlos (Wiederhold), the owner of the area’s first general store, and Vuriloche, an indigenous word meaning “people behind the mountain”.

A small settlement built up around Wiederhold’s store and by 1895 Austrians, Chileans, Germans, Italians and Slavs had primarily settled the area.  In 1930, a new city centre with Swiss Alpine looks added to Bariloche’s European flavor and appeal, along with its credentials as South America’s most important Ski Resort.

Much of Bariloche’s famous beauty is born of 1930 design, with the creation of a number of urban works projects by the Directorate of National Parks thus ensuring development not detracting from the regions outstanding natural beauty.

Works included  the creation of the Civic Center, which houses City Hall, a library, a museum, a theater, the post office, police station and a customs office.  In addition, was the construction of the cathedral and the famous Llao Llao Hotel.

Located about 1640 kilometers from the capital city of Buenos Aires, Bariloche is the most famous Patagonian city. Bariloche affords travelers five stars accommodations, and excellent cuisine all year round with a well-established entertainment, travel, sightseeing and adventure tourism that is refreshingly organized and professional – it has a certain northern European efficiency about it!

Bariloche Winter Resort

The mountains surrounding Bariloche afford international competition grade runs. The mythical Mount Catedral is one of the most important ski resorts in all Latin America with 53 ski runs for different levels, as well as off trail, free style and snowboard courses with jumps and rails.

Chapelco Ski Resort is another well-known resort, located about 1 hour from downtown Bariloche in the neighboring city of San Martin de Los Andes.  Chapelco has 20 ski runs for different levels and a breath taking view of Lake Lacar.

Piedras Blancas is a family and beginners resort with downhill and cross-country skiing and sledding during the winter.  In summer, family fun is still the theme with mountain biking, hiking and rock climbing.   There is a small indoor ice skating rink located above a live music venue on Juan Manuel de Rosas, a lakeside street.  The rink is located directly on the shore of Lake Huapi and offers skaters a wonderful view.

Bariloche Summer Resort

In the summer time, visitors can enjoy a round of golf at one of the three courses in Bariloche.  The Llao Llao Hotel has a world class course on the shores of Lake Huapi and Lake Moreno; Arelauquen Golf has 18 hole and overlooks Lake Guiterrez and Pinares Golf has a 9 hole course.

The Lakes District surrounding Bariloche is abundant with both course and fly-fishing lakes, streams and rivers.  There are numerous places to kayak.   The crystal waters of Lake Huapi also offer scuba diving.  In Argentina, beaches, even lake beaches are public property so great beaches abound.  Playa Serna and Playa Bonita are two easy-access beaches, wonderful for sitting and enjoying the sights and sounds of the lake.

Boat cruises through the deep blue waters of Lago Hahuel Huapi depart daily from Puerto Panuel, which is located across from the Hotel Llao Llao.   Destinations include Puerto Blest, Parque Nacional de Arrayanes and Isla Victoria.  Water lovers can also enjoy kite surfing, a new comer to Lago Huapi.  Around Bariloche, there are also several stretches of water offering kayaking and white water rafting.

Land lovers can enjoy world class hiking in Nahuel Huapi National Park or at one of the many refuges located throughout the area.  There are mountain biking, motorcycle rentals, paragliding, rock climbing, paint ball and more for outdoor lovers.

Carol Jones, granddaughter to the first white settler in the area from Wales, UK offers guided horse trips, interaction with real gauchos and an asado (Argentine BBQ) .

The more adventurous can enjoy a canopy tour, flying among the tops of old growth Lenga trees.  There are even monthly full moon trips that offer pizza and local beer -speaking of beer – Bariloche has fantastic nightlife.  Famous discos, pubs, breweries and fine gourmet cuisine have led many a visitor to all night partying topped off by amazing views of the sun rising over the mountains and casting its light upon the lake and city.  There are also several casinos in town, many of which offer Las Vegas style entertainment in the evenings.

For families, the Happy Train tours the City of Bariloche throughout the day.   Visitors can train ride to the Patagonian steppe and beyond.  Bariloche has several museums to include a chocolate museum, which takes guests from the chocolate bean to the sweet candy we all know and love.  The Patagonia Museum details the history of the area.  Kids are sure to enjoy Dinosaur Park at Parque Nahuelito, located on the Circuito Chico. There are also underground caverns to explore at Parque Cerro Leones where mystery and adventure abound.

Visitors to Argentina should consider a visit to Patagonia and indeed Bariloche. Argentina Countrywide can arrange travel, accommodation and tours.

Museums include the following locations:

Chocolate Museum
Patagonia Museum

Other resources:

(Spanish) Official Government Website
(English) Backcountry Ski Options
(Spanish) Cerro Catedral (Ski Resort)
(English, Portuguese, Spanish) Cerro Bayo
(English) Fishing
(English, Spanish) Arelauquen Golf
(Spanish) Club Andino Bariloche,
(English, Spanish) Cabalgatas (guided horse trips)
(English, Spanish) Rio Manso Inferior (river rafting)
(Spanish) Parque Nahuelito (Dinosaur Park)
(English, Portuguese, Spanish) Piedras Blancas (family ski resort)
(Spanish) Grisu, Cerebro, Roket, By Pass and Genux (nightclubs)

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