BARILOCHE Argentina
Bariloche Background
The fairy tale city of San Carlos de Bariloche lies on the shores of the majestic Lake Nahuel Huapi, 438m (1437ft) deep. Glacial carved mountains and vibrant forests surround the lake. The name Bariloche comes from the Mapudungun word Vuriloche meaning "people from behind the mountain." In the 1930s the center of the city was built to have the appearance of an alpine town ("Little Switzerland") with many buildings made of wood and stone. Even Swiss Alpine Rescue Dogs - St. Bernards - are a regular sight in town.
Bariloche Hotels & Vacation Rentals
Bariloche Accommodation caters for everyone offering a range of accommodation to suit couples, singles, families and groups. You can choose from private rental houses and condos, luxury hotels, or bed & breakfast style accommodation.
Many excellent Bariloche hotels and vacation rentals can be found along the stunning lakefront or directly on the ski slopes where ski in and ski out Bariloche houses provide the ideal accommodation option for skiing enthusiasts. The breath-taking views of the Andean mountains and Lake District guarantee an unforgettable stay.
Many houses, hotels, and restaurants are built using wood and stone which blends perfectly with the alpine setting.
Visit our Bariloche Accommodation pages to book your next mountain vacation.
Ski & Snowboard Bariloche
In winter Bariloche comes alive as the first snow falls in June cover the surrounding mountains and the rooftops of the picturesque wood and stone houses. Cerro Catedral ski field is the main ski field in Bariloche, located 19 kms (12 miles) from town in Nahuel Huapí National Park. This magnificent “Mount Cathedral” is world famous for its exceptional snow conditions and facilities, boasting 600 hectares of skiable terrain. It is one of the biggest ski resorts in South America. While skiing or snowboarding you will be blown away by the almost constant view of the Nahuel Huapi lake. The mythical Mount Catedral is considered the best resort in Argentina whether you ski or snowboard.
In winter Bariloche offers activities for everyone, be it for an unforgettable family vacation or extreme winter sport experience.
To plan your winter getaway to Barloche visit our Bariloche Activities pages.
Summer & Year Round Activities
Summer in Bariloche is just as active and stunning as the winter season with an extensive choice of summer events and activities for the perfect mountain vacation. Outdoor activities include biking, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, white-water rafting and sailing to name a few. Bariloche is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise with the spectacular landscape of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the Tronador Hill, which borders with Chile and Arrayanes woods. Other summer activities in Bariloche include tours to the Ventisquero Negro Glacier, para gliding, rock climbing, etc.
For a quiet afternoon relax on beautiful beaches such as Playa Bonita and Villa Tacul. Watch out when swimming though, Lake Nahuel Huapi averages 14°C in the summertime.
Visit our Bariloche Activities page to help plan your trip.
Bariloche Restaurants & Nightlife
Argentina’s cuisine has a unique style of its own although it is strongly influenced by Spanish, French and Italian dishes. Bariloche restaurants provide the characteristic Andean setting in which to savour these gourmet dishes, from succulent Argentinean steaks to the delicate Bariloche chocolate desserts, typical of this region. The international blend of cuisines and diverse ambience offer a variety of dining and entertainment options. Don't leave with out trying meat from the Asado, a barbeque technique that Argentina is famous for. Argentinian beef is a local specialty. For the adventurous tongue, try goat from the asado.
Remember, in Argentina most people eat dinner late, generally sitting down to eat around 9:00PM. Not to worry if you can't wait that long, most restaurants are open early.
Bariloche bars and sparkling nightlife are renowned for the lively entertainment typical of the South American culture. For a unique experience take in a live tango show.
To plan or make a reservation for your next delcious meal in Bariloche visit our Bariloche Restaurant pages.
Shopping in Bariloche
The main Bariloche shopping area lies near the Centro Civico along Mitre Street and the other intersecting lanes. In the quaint shops there is everything a first-class luxury mountain vacation resort could offer. Bariloche shopping is focused on quality leather, knitted goods, Argentinean regional specialties including smoked meats and cheeses and mate, the exceptional tea.
Calle Mitre is known as the “Street of chocolate dreams” owing to the numerous Bariloche chocolate shops, where delicious chips of artisan chocolate can be sampled. Bariloche’s love affair with chocolate began after the second world war when some Austrian and German immigrants began making homemade chocolates. Little did they know how world famous they were to become. For a more typical local setting, the outdoor artisan market offers a choice of local handicrafts twice a week near the Centro Civico.
To get an idea of what shops are on offer in Bariloche visit our Bariloche Shopping pages.
Bariloche Spas & Wellness
Bariloche spas and wellness centres can be found in the several health clubs located throughout then mountain resort as well as at the numerous luxury Bariloche lodging facilities. Bariloche Spas offer many wellness treatments and options including saunas, Finnish and Scottish showers, Jacuzzis and relaxing heated pools. Several luxury resorts and Bariloche hotels offer wellness facilities with massages, facial and body treatments and therapies that guarantee total relaxation of body and mind. Many of these Bariloche Spas boast superb settings and scenic views on the lake and snow topped mountains.
To plan your day of relaxation visit our Bariloche Spas & Wellness pages.