Bariloche
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In one of the most enchanting areas in the South of Argentina, the town of San Carlos de Bariloche is famous for its beauty, outdoors activities, world class skiing, and European feel, and for being one of the top ten most visited locations in Argentina.
Situated in the middle of the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi on the edge of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is the capital of the Lake City district and the centre of tourism in the area. Discovered in 1902 the city began to gain popularity once travel routes were established in the area and after a leading architect began spreading a unique alpine styled architecture though out the city, using local Patagonian woods and other materials, giving Bariloche a charming mountain theme, collecting tourism numbers ever since.
The summer season in Bariloche is characterised by warm and balmy temperatures, clear and sunny skies, and temperatures that range between 15C at night and up to 30C in the day. The fall season and all its beautiful orange, red, and yellow color changes is accompanied by a cool breeze in the air, occasional rainfalls, and temperatures between 5C-15C. Winters mean snow, wind, and cool temperatures, seeing days between 2C-10C and nights that fall below zero, however even in the winter Bariloche sees many sunny days. Spring brings cool and fresh weather, rainfall, and perhaps the best conditions to enjoy some of the outdoors activities, besides skiing, that Bariloche offers.
Bariloche is a city made up of Central Europeans, mostly Swiss, German, and Northern Italian, and these eclectic backgrounds are apparent in its architecture, restaurants, design, and very ‘Swiss’ alpine city feel. To begin with, the city itself is visually stunning day or night; the alpine architecture, quaint cafes, mountain and forest background scenery, and stores selling beer, chocolates, and mountain clothing give it a unique themed feel. Though once a more tranquil spot in the Lake District, Bariloche, now a major tourist destination, is not quite as small and peaceful as in its past, but still manages to keep a small town feel despite the high rises that keep popping up year after year. Because of the high tourism numbers, Bariloche offers topnotch accommodation options, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, cinemas, spas, and more, to its visitors, plus a myriad of tourism agencies that provide various tours to places in and out of the area.
Bariloche is famously known for its outdoors activities and continues to offer visitors a great variety of both, day and night. During the summer, spring, and fall, activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rafting, horseback riding, forest walks, fishing, and even camping are popular. The surrounding forests, rivers, lakes, and mountains is where these activities take place and can be either enjoyed solo or with a organized group, a recommended choice. During the winter Bariloche turns in a skiing wonderland, proudly claiming to be one of the most fantastic places to ski in all of Argentina and even Latin America, comparable to the Swiss Alps. The most famous Mountain resort is Mount Catedral which offers a wide variety of different skill-level slopes, cabins, hotels, restaurants, and pubs, perfect for a skiing vacation.
There are a few other activities not to be missed in Bariloche… Like taking the city’s mountains cable car that runs to the top of Cerro Campanario, giving visitors the chance to enjoy an incredible view of the surrounding areas. Or one of the special safaris offered in the area that takes visitors on a tour of the famous Siete Lagos (7 lakes) and the chance to camp over night in the area. And last but not least, paragliding is offered in Bariloche for those with a more adventurous heart and can be taken solo or with an experienced paraglider.
One a last note… Perhaps the best way to start and end your travels in Bariloche is to try its famous chocolate made right there in the city. Famous around Argentina for this special treat, there are numerous chocolate shops around the city that offer heaps of delicious chocolates that are unique from any other chocolate in Argentina. One of the best chocolate shops known in Bariloche is Mamuschka, definitely not to be missed and a great way to get your fill of chocolate right before you leave the city!
There are other great areas in Patagonia like San Martin de los Andes in this Argentina Travel guide.