Bariloche

Bariloche

With its chocolate shops, Swiss-style architecture and picturesque setting of pristine lakes and snow-capped mountains, San Carlos de Bariloche appears more like a village in Switzerland. Instead, it is an enchanting city in the Río Negro Province of Argentina. Commonly referred to as simply Bariloche, San Carlos is regarded as the “Honeymoon Capital of Argentina”.

Sitting at the base of the Andes Mountains and surrounded by the Nahuel Huapi National Park, Bariloche serves as a gateway to spectacular landscapes and outdoor adventures. The nearby mountains are a hot spot for snow skiing, containing one of South America’s largest ski stations at Cerro Catedral. Hiking, mountain climbing and cable car rides are also available in the mountains while rafting and horse riding can be enjoyed in the national park.

West of Bariloche are stunning waterfalls and glaciers near Pampa Lenda while the Seven Lakes Road north of the city offers breathtaking vistas of the lakes and mountains. During the summer, the lakes are excellent for fishing, and the beaches offer swimming, sun bathers and water sports.

Within the city itself, tourists will find charming architecture, museums, cinemas, an ice skating rink and a plethora of chocolate shops. There is a wide selection of restaurants representing cuisine from Argentina, South America and Europe. Pizza and pasta are abundant here as are fresh salmon and trout from the nearby lakes. There are also pubs and clubs here although not as many as in other Argentine cities.