What to see in Bariloche

Bariloche is the gate to visit the lakes district in Argentina. A place full of lakes, mountains and forests; with exquisite chocolate and local dishes. There are an incredible number of visits and adventure activitites you can do from Bariloche. Visit to National Parks, boat navigations, and great trekkings. Check out list below, to see what you can see and do in Bariloche:

Nahuel Huapi National Park

One of the highlights in Bariloche is Nahuel Huapi National Park, and the lake with the same name. From Bariloche, you can simply drive through the coast and admire the scenery from the car or bus. The more adventurous visitor can raft or kayak on the Lago Nahuel Huapi, a lake that was formed from melted glaciers and is surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains.

The scenery on show is stunning to behold as snow-capped mountains lie next to perfect blue lakes and their forest-coated shores. The area offers an incredible variety of outdoor activities, so you can hike along the paths that weave their way through the forests, go kayaking on Lago Nahuel Huapi, rock-climbing on the mountainside, or simply relax and take in the unbelievable views from atop of the mountains that dot the area. Nahuel Huapi is the oldest national park in Argentina, great to be explored and be impressed for the natural beauty of the area.

Tronador Mount

Cerro Tronador in spanish, or Tronador Mount is an icon in the area and the highest mountain in the region. Tronador altitude is 3,470 meters and is home to eight glaciers which are captivating to explore. The mount is located in the Nahuel Huapi National Park. It has three distinct peaks, called Argentino, Internacional, and Chileno, so it is easy to identify. It is an extinct volcano, and the surrounding area is full of small lakes and green forests to be explored. It`s a unique place, and many people come here for mountaineering or white-water rafting.

The Manso River, which visitors will pass when travelling to Cerro Tronador from Bariloche, is a popular spot for white-water rafting and also fishing. It`s a great visit that can be done from Bariloche in a full day trip.

San Martin de los Andes and 7-lakes circuit

San Martin de los Andes is a lovely small village located in Neuquen province, that can be visited from Bariloche in a wonderful full day trip, along the called Seven Lakes Circuit, or Seven Lakes Route. The landscapes on the route to San Martin de los Andes are breathtakingly beautiful,with the seven different lakes being just a few of the highlights on show.

Two national parks are part of the seven lakes circuit: Lanin National Park and Nahuel Huapi National Park. The route is fantastic passing by beaches, woods, mountains. But why seven lakes? Which lakes are involved in the visit. Well, we have seven lakes in the “Seven Lakes Route” including Nahuel Huapi, Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner and Machónico. Of course, you will stop in each lake to take photos and continue.  Once in San Martin de los Andes, you can enjoy walking this wondeful city located on the shores of Lanin Lake, and enjoy the wonderful area and may be have lunch. From San Martin, you can see the incredible Lanin Volcano, due to its height of 3,776 meters. It is possible to climb, but by experts only or within an official guided tour group.

Victoria  Island and Arrayanes National Park

A great activity to enjoy in the area, from Bariloche, is a boat navigation to visit two great places: Victoria Island and Los Arrayanes National Park. Isla Victoria is located inside Nahuel Huapi National Park. This small island can be reached in a short boat navigation in the Hahuel Nuapi Lake. It`s small, with around 30 square km, but only a 30% can be visited, due it`s a protected area.  The island is home to a great variety of flora and fauna with beautiful trails that are also on boardwalks so it is not too strenuous, and perfect for families.

The visit usually includes the visit to another great national park in the area. It`s Los Arrayanes National Park, know as Bosque de Arrayanes, or Arrayanes Wood. It was declared National Park in 1971, despite being included inside Nahuel Huapi National Park. It is 12 km. far from Villa La Angostura and 20 km. from Bariloche. Through the woods you will discover the most interesting areas of the park.  One of the most interesting points is the beautiful wooden house immersed in the Arrayanes Woods, that has been largely reproduced in visitors’ photographs.
It`s a place for a stop, for a cup of coffee, a soda, a hot wine or  may be find a great handcrafts and souvenirs of this wood. At the end of the path you will find the Information Centre

You also can visit the national park from the small village of Villa La Angostura. You can go on foot or biking. The path goes over all Quetrihué Peninsula and offers beautiful woods’ landscapes and panoramic sights of Lake Nahuel Huapi.

The Civic Centre

The Centro Civico in spanish, is one of the icons of Bariloche. Yes, it`s in many of the pictures you can find about Bariloche.  Any visitor who has been to Switzerland will immediately be reminded of the similar architecture of the alpine houses. These stone buildings holds souvenir shops, boutiques, and adminitrative offices. The tourist office is in located in one of these buildings. Few meters from there, you can see the cathedral, with its grand stone walls and overlooking the Nahuel Huapi Lake.

Daytrip to El Bolson

Another great visit is the trip to El Bolson, and Lake Puelo (Lago Puelo). This small village is focused on ecological living and organic farming, and is therefore a popular destination for the liberal-minded. Origins of the village is linked to German people, and consequently it has become famous for its production of cheeses and beer. It`s also a great place to enjoy trekking. One of the most popular trekkings is the hike to Cajón de Azul, a small blue-color lake  you can arrive after a day trek. Combine the visit to another national park in the area. The called Lago Puelo Natinoal Park preserves a natural area and a lake with the same name.

Cerro Catedral

It`s the most important ski resort in South America where alpine sky is available during winter season (June, July, August and may be September). ‘Mount Cathedral’ in English, Cerro Catedral i spanish, is so named because its peaks are almost church-like in their appearance, and both locals and tourists alike flock here when the winter season begins.

It`s located 18 km only from Bariloche, in Nahuel Huapi National Park. The area is huge and during the winter,  the ski resort has a great variety of options for beginners and professionals, with an incredible scenic views of the surrounding area.  The mount also can be visited during the rest of the year. Some great adventure can be done in the area, or just take the chairlift to see the amazing views from the top.

Cerro Otto

Cerro Otto reaches a height of 1400 meters, and it`s possible to go to the top to enjoy a wonderful view of the Nahual Huapi Lake and surrounding areas. It`s located close from the centre, and buses are available from the town to the foots of the mount. There are some lovely mountain biking and hiking trails, as well as skiing and other outdoor activities during winter, but the main reason people visit Cerro Otto is for the incredible views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and forests. There is a 360 rotating coffee shop at the top, so you can enjoy this incredible views while taste a cup of chocolate or coffee and a piece of cake.

Cerro Campanario

Cerro Campanario is a must-see when you visit Bariloche because it`s the best view of the incredible landscape. The stunning panorama is amazing so be ready to take hundred of photos. It`s part of the called Circuito Chico, or Short Circuit, accessible by either foot or car. The Campanario Mount top is located 1050 mts above sea level and again the view is amazing, so a good idea is to take a cofee in the coffee shop located at the top while you enjoy the incredible view