Introduction to Bariloche

A trip to Bariloche, Argentina will place you at one with some of nature's most beautiful creations. Located on the southwest side of the country, Bariloche overlooks the stunning Nahual Huapi lake and as well as breathtaking views, it has a thriving community and offers plenty of activities all year round.

In the town itself, you can experience some of the most unusual architecture in South America - since being settled by Germans and Austrians at the end of the 1800's, Bariloche has been characterised by its Swiss Alpine style buildings, adorned with little details reminiscent of fairy tale gingerbread houses. A stroll down Calle Mitre is the best place to find tasty food, lively bars and truly yummy chocolate shops.

Crowned the holiday capital of the region, Argentina's San Carlos de Bariloche makes a wonderful starting point to begin your exploration of Patagonia. You can enjoy the Circuito Chico, a route along the lake that spans 65km. Most organised tours take about 4 hours, although the circuit makes for a bikers' paradise if you want to go it alone. Nearby is also the Cerro Catedral ski resort which attracts hoards of visitors between June and October. The resort has a wide range of different pistes and absolutely dazzling views. The area is also famous for the beautiful Nahuel Huapi National Park, which is perfect for hiking. The extreme diversity of its landscapes - from rainforests and waterfalls to glaciers - makes this reserve particularly special.

There is also the option of taking the unforgettable voyage across to Puerto Montt, Chile. Whilst the journey takes one or two days, depending on the season, it is an absolutely incomparable experience, and one not to be missed!

This is only an introduction to all the fascinating things that Bariloche has to offer, so keep reading our Bariloche travel guide to discover even more.