San Carlos de Bariloche
Situated on a glacial moraine, at the very edge of Lake Nahuel Huapi, San Carlos de Bariloche is the heart and soul of the famous lake region, on the border between Argentina and Chile in the Andes. The city features a remarkable German-style architecture amid a background of extreme beauty enhanced by snow-capped mountains, millenary forests, and azure-water lakes.
Bariloche is a city in the province of Río Negro, Patagonia, Argentina surrounded by lakes (Nahuel Huapi, Gutiérrez Lake, Moreno Lake and Mascardi Lake) and mountains (Tronador, Cerro Catedral, Cerro López). It is famous for skiing but also known for sight-seeing, water sports, trekking and climbing.
Bariloche, formally known as San Carlos de Bariloche, is an all-season destination with scenic beauties, sports, activities, tours, attractions, skiing, top nightspots and quiet out of the way retreats. Known internationally, Bariloche welcomes visitors to Argentina's Lake District.
History
The name Bariloche comes from the Mapudungun word Vuriloche meaning "people from behind the mountain" (furi = behind, che = people). The Vuriloche pass was used by the Mapuches to cross the Andes and was kept secret from the European priests for a long time.
In 1672 the jesuits established in Chiloé Island founds a mission in the Nahuel Huapi Lake that last until 1717.
Ski Resorts
Mount Otto, located in San Carlos de Bariloche, was the venue for the first ski championship in the 1930's. Take the cable car up to the restaurant.
Cerro Catedral is one of the most important ski centers in South America. Cerro Catedral is a mountain located 19 kilometers (12 miles) from San Carlos de Bariloche, and inside the Nahuel Huapí National Park, Patagonia, Argentina.
Cerro Catedral encompasses one of the biggest ski centers in South America, with a skiable area of 2 km squared (0.77 sq mi), over 100 km (62 miles) of ski runs, and a lift capacity of 22,200 skiers per hour. It is also very popular due to the almost constant magnificent view of the Nahuel Huapi lake.
Nahuel Huapi National Park
Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi boasts views of mountain peaks, glaciers, rushing rivers, verdant forests, wildlife, the spectacular lake itself and all-year recreational activities.
Sports and Recreational Activities
Ride a horse, bike, walk, trek, hike, or parasail through and over the forested hills for rest and relaxation and many scenic views. Trekking options are Refugio Frey, Cerro Leones and Cerro Lopez. Cyclists enjoy the Circuito Chico.
Chocolate
Bariloche is the chocolate center of Argentina and the plentiful shops in town offer enough variety to please the chocoholic. Frantom will whet your appetite for more and you'll find plenty to savor at Mamushka (Mitre and Rolando), Estrella Alpina (Km 4 de Pioneros), Rapa Nui (Mitre and Villegas) Abuela Goye (Quaglia and Mitre) Fenoglio (Mitre and Rolando) and Tante Frida.
Lake Tours, Boating, Rafting, Kayaking
The lakes offer a number of options to enjoy water sports. One of the more popular excursions is the Cruce de Lagos, of Lake Crossing between Chile and Argentina. Take this photographic tour in reverse for the crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Montt, Chile.
Museums
Museo de la Patagonia, in the Centro Cívico has a sections for Natural Science, Anthropology and regional history and a room for exhibitions. Other good choices are the Museo del Lago Gutierrez, in Villa Los Coihues and Museo Paleontológico on Costanera Avenue.
Nightlife and Restaurants
Plenty of choice! Restaurants, bars, après ski, nightclubs offer a variety of choices and entertainment for all budgets.
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