Bariloche - Capital of Argentina's Lake District
Pretty Lakeside Bariloche is a Popular & Convenient Travel Base
Sep 10, 2008
Bariloche is a great place to start exploring the Lake District in the Neuquen Province of Argentina. Leaving town it really doesn't matter whether the route of choice is north or south; either way the countryside will be dramatic.
Travelling North of Bariloche This route is typically Lake District with snow capped mountains, beautiful forest and clear blue lakes. The road winds along Lake Nahuel Huapi before arriving at the village of Villa La Angostura. From here visitors can hike in The Arrayanes National Park. Continuing north the road cuts through Nahuel Huapi National Park on the famous Seven Lakes Route to the beautiful town of San Martin de Los Andes. Set on Lake Lacar it's a perfect base to explore Lanin National Park.
Travelling South of Bariloche South bound travellers encounter different but equally dramatic countryside on a windy drive through valleys with large rocky mountains looming either side. The village of El Bolson a few hours from Bariloche is a quiet hippy hangout with good hiking as well as access to Lake Puelo National Park and the small village of Cholila once Butch Cassidy's home. Esquel, 180 km further south, has attractions like the Old Patagonian Express train and nearby Los Alcerces National Park.
Excursions From Bariloche With a good range of restaurants,bars and numerous chocolate shops many visitors make Bariloche their base and take day tours to the countryside. Some of the many excursions are as follows:
- The Circuito Chico (The Small Circuit), a 62 km scenic trip with lake, forest and mountain views. Highlights include San Eduardo Chapel; Desvío Hotel Llao Llao constructed from logs and stones and designed by Architect Alejandro Bustillo; Puerto Pañuelo where boats leave for tours to Port Blest and Victoria Island.
- The Circuito Grande (The Large Circuit) is a 250 km loop visiting more lakes and villages. Highlights include Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley) where unusual rock formations have names like God's Finger and Express Train. The tour ends at Villa La Angostura visiting 2 of the lakes on the Seven Lakes Route.
- Cerro Catedral (Cathedral Hill) at 2,405 m it offers fantastic views from near the summit which can be reached by hiking or a combination of hiking and cable car. In winter the area is a ski resort.
- The Three Lakes Crossing is a border crossing into Chile taking 1 or 2 days. The highlights are the scenery and the lake crossings - Port Panuelo to Port Blest accross Lake Nahuel Huapi and crossing of Lake Frias and Lake Todos de Los Santos with views of Osorno Volcano.
- Adventure activitie tours like rafting, horse riding, mountain bike riding, fishing, paragliding and more.
Attractions In Bariloche The town centre's alpine style buildings were designed by famous Argentine architect Alejandro Bustillo. Dating from 1939 the civic centre's main attraction is the Patagonian Museum as well as nearby Cathedral of Nahuel Huapi.
Accommodation In Bariloche This long time tourist town caters to all budgets with accommodation ranging from 5 star hotels to backpackers to cabins.
When To Visit The Lake District Hugely popular with both Argentines and foreign visitors the Lake District can be very crowded in the summer from December to February and in the winter ski season. Autumn and Spring are beautiful times to visit and best for avoiding crowds.
How to Arrive at Bariloche Daily flights from Buenos Aires service San Carlos de Bariloche's airport, 14 km from the centre. Long distance buses arrive at the main bus terminal 3 km from the town centre.
Getting Around Car is the best way to explore the area however public transport is available to most attractions. Cars can be hired and excursions booked through one of the many agencies in town.
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