Welcome to Bariloche & the Lake District
Home to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, the Lake District is one of Argentina's prime tourist destinations. People come to ski, fish, climb, trek and generally bask in the cool, fresh landscapes created by the huge forests and glacier-fed lakes of Argentina's largest national park.
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Bariloche & the Lake District activities
Cerro Tronador Day Trip from Bariloche
Reaching an elevation of approximately 11,500 feet (3,500 meters), Cerro Tronador is the highest mountain in the Lake District, located near Bariloche on the border between Argentina and Chile. An extinct volcano in the southern Andes, Tronador was named 'thunderer' for the frequent sound produced by the ice tumbling from its seven glaciers.Start your day trip to Cerro Tronador upon pickup from your hotel in Bariloche, and enjoy the scenic drive aboard the coach, crossing the Pampa de Huenuleo en route. Travel alongside Pilmayen and Melgarejo creeks until you arrive at Gutierrez Lake, where you’ll stop at a lodge with its own private beach, including two wharves and a boat ramp.Back aboard the coach, continue along the east side of Mascardi Lake, crossing the Manso River – one of the region’s top white-water rafting rivers – to reach the base of Cerro Tronador. After a stop in the village of Pampa Linda for lunch (own expense), cross part of the Vuriloches Valley past a forest of coihues and lengas until your coach arrives at the glacier called Ventisquero Negro (Black Snowdrift). Here, see where the Manso River begins its journey all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.Just a bit further ahead, arrive at the foot of Cerro Tronador and gaze up at its three characteristic peaks – Pico Argentino, Pico Internacional and Pico Chileno – before embarking on a short, guided walk to the glaciers. Listen to the thunderous sound of ice calving off the glaciers as you approach, and look for mountaineers on three-day expeditions to the summit of Tronador before returning by coach to your Bariloche hotel.
San Martín de los Andes, Seven Lakes Day Trip from Bariloche
Start your journey north to San Martín de los Andes from San Carlos de Bariloche upon hotel pickup by your guide. Relax aboard the comfortable coach, driving along the scenic southern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake and crossing the Limay Bridge over the Limay River. En route, your guide will offer commentary on the natural and historical features of the region.Bordering the Huemul arm of the lake's northern shore, pass Las Flores and Puerto Manzano with a brief stopover in the mountain town of Villa La Angostura. Here, stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh mountain air before continuing on the provincial route. (You can purchase snacks at several stops along the way, or bring your own food to eat.)Following the picturesque Road of the Seven Lakes, take in the spectacular sights of lakes Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner and Machonico before arriving at the shores of Lácar Lake (Lago Lácar), where the charming town of San Martín de los Andes is nestled between high mountain peaks.You’ll have about three hours to spend at your leisure in San Martín, including time to purchase lunch at one of the plentiful restaurants (own expense). Stroll through downtown streets teeming with arts and crafts shops and gear-rental stores that specialize in a range of outdoor activities – from hiking, biking, boating and skiing to hunting and fishing. As you walk around, admire the lovely character of San Martín and the Swiss Alpine architectural style of its wood cabins and quaint shops.On your return trip, the road goes through Cordoba Pass (Paso Cordoba) at an elevation of 3,940 feet (1,200 meters) and features a typical Patagonian landscape. See the confluence of the Traful and Limay rivers, the Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley) and the Anfiteatro (a natural amphitheater) before arrival back in Bariloche around 5pm.
Bariloche Sightseeing Tour
The area around Nahuel Huapi Lake is known for its picturesque beauty -- reminiscent of the Swiss Alps with A-frame chalets, St Bernard dogs and pretty flower boxes. On this coach tour through the Bariloche Lakes District, take in the scenic alpine meadows and pristine forests of beech, cypress and pine. See stunning scenery amid lakes full of trout, salmon and perch, and enjoy knowledgeable commentary from your guide as you ride in a comfortable coach through this incredible region. Half-Day Tour (morning or afternoon): After pickup from your hotel, enjoy a day’s drive covering about 37 miles (60 km) of stunning territory. First, head out on the road that skirts the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake. After six miles (10 km) you’ll reach Cerro Campanario (Belfry Hill), where you can disembark to take pictures with incredible vistas of several lake and mountain landmarks. Then, continue on to experience the quiet beauty of the Llao Llao Peninsula. When you reach the Llao Llao Peninsula, stop in Puerto Panuelo, a small port along the Nahuel Huapi Lake. Admire the San Eduardo Chapel, an elegant wooden structure by architect Alejandro Bustillo, who built several masterpieces in this region including the spectacular Llao Llao Hotel. Next, continue along the scenic route past Lopez Bay and Lopez Hill to Clover (El Trebol) Lagoon before your guide returns you to your hotel. Full-Day Tour:On your full-day coach tour, travel 155 miles (250 km), starting with a drive along the Limay River past Rincon Chico, Rincon Grande and the Amphitheater, a gorgeous area of clear waters and quiet beaches surrounded by craggy mountains. Continue to the Enchanted Valley (Valle Encantado) with its amazing rock formations, then on through Confluencia and Cuyin Manzano. Gauchos (cowboys) and their families settled the rustic hamlet of Cuyin Manzano before the national park was established. The residents sell handmade crafts such as knives with bone handles, wool clothing and rugs. Next, follow the road across the Minero River to the incredibly scenic Traful Lookout, perched on a sheer cliff three miles (5 km) above Lake Traful. After taking pictures and enjoying the view, continue to the charming lakeside hamlet of Villa Traful, where you can eat lunch (own expense) and browse the shops. Afterward, pass the sandy lakeside beaches of Puerto Arrayan and Portezuelo as you rejoin the Seven Lakes Road and head to Villa La Angostura. Considered one of Argentina’s loveliest towns, Villa La Angostura is a popular town on the north side of Nahuel Huapi Lake. The work of architect Alejandro Bustillo gives the town a lot of its charm, as does the natural setting. After a stop in Villa La Angostura, your guide and coach will take you back along the scenic roadway to your hotel in Bariloche.
El Bolson Day Trip from Bariloche
After pickup from your hotel, ride aboard a comfortable coach for 75 miles (120 km) along a scenic route, which skirts Gutierrez, Mascardi and Guillelmo lakes. Continue through Pampa del Toro and Cañadon de la Mosca with stunning views of the entire valley, and listen to commentary by your local guide as you travel through the gorgeous countryside to El Bolson. With its fertile soil and mild climate, El Bolson produces an abundance of fruit -- such as apples, pears, cherries, raspberries and strawberries -- as well as hops, which are made into a variety of foods and beer. Taste these and other delicious products at shops in town and enjoy a healthy lunch at one of El Bolson’s establishments (food and beverage not included). Explore the popular outdoor market where local artists showcase a variety of leatherwork, woodwork and clothing for sale, as well as edible goods. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and friendly welcome of this charming town, declared an ‘ecological municipality’ for its artisan markets, natural foods restaurants and organic farms – developed since hippies from Buenos Aires began moving to El Bolson in the ‘60s.After exploring the bounty of El Bolson – an excellent base for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing and horseback riding, cross into Chubut province, just three miles (5 km) away. View Pitriquitron Hill, which has a small ski resort and excellent hiking trails, and see Las Golondrinas Farm located there. Your guide will return you to your hotel after a full day enjoying the abundance of El Bolson and the surrounding valley.
Bariloche Andes Horseback Riding Tour with Argentine Asado
After hotel pickup, travel by air-conditioned coach for about an hour east of Bariloche and head to Puesto La Fragua de Estancia San Ramon (San Ramón Ranch). One of the oldest working ranches in the area, San Ramón Ranch spans 62,000 acres (25,000 hectares) into the foothills of the Argentine Andes. When you arrive, you’ll notice cattle and sheep roaming the grasslands.Follow your guide to an old countryside school converted to the ranch’s eating area, located below one of the largest condor nesting rocks in the region. You might just see one of these impressive creatures soaring high in the sky. Inside the former school, ranch staff welcome you with a light breakfast of sweets, coffee, juice and mate tea.Next, mosey over to the stables for a safety briefing and be paired up with a horse that matches your riding experience. This tour is suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders; you'll learn some horseback riding techniques from your expert guide who leads the way on a 2-hour journey into the Andes foothills. Pass a picturesque lake and ride through transition forests before reaching the Patagonian steppe. Keep your eyes peeled for condors, pink flamingos, black-necked swans, guanacos, rheas and deer. Your guide explains the geological sights, plants and wildlife you see along the way. After your horseback ride, return to the ranch and dig into a 3-course lunch featuring Argentine asado (see below for a sample menu). The feast of traditional barbecued meats comes with an open bar of wine, soft drinks and mineral water. Your appetite sated, enjoy transport back to your Bariloche hotel.Please note: If you select the afternoon tour, you will start off with lunch, then the horseback ride, and end with snacks consisting of sweets, coffee, juice and mate tea.Sample lunch menu (subject to change):*First course Empanadas Main courses Grilled chorizo Asado (barbecued grilled meats) accompanied with salad Dessert Fruit salad *Please note: If you have dietary restrictions, please note these when you book the tour.
Bariloche to Puerto Blest: Nature Cruise and Waterfalls Hike
After pickup from your hotel in Bariloche by comfortable coach, a local guide will take you to Puerto Panuelo, where you will board your boat to Puerto Blest (boat tax and national park fee not included). As you cruise along the deep blue waters of Nahauel Huapi Lake, enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery of Patagonian cypress and coihue trees. This area has a unique microclimate with the most rainfall of any part of Argentina, which allows the growth of a rainforest with ferns, moss and fungi not found in other parts of the country. As you pass Centinela Island, view the gravesite of the respected founder of Nahauel Huapi National Park – Dr Francisco Moreno – an early explorer and naturalist who crossed the treacherous mountains by mule with his wife and four children when they first came to the region in the late 1800s. The boat will salute his memory with a blast of the horn as you pass the modest gravesite situated among the trees. Continue to enjoy the scenery and history as you arrive in Puerto Blest in time for lunch at a lakeside restaurant (own expense). Afterward, your guide will take you on an easy 650-yard (550-meter) walk up the steps that run alongside Los Cantaros Waterfall until you reach the top. Stroll along the banks of Los Cantaros Lake, which feeds the waterfall, and then enjoy free time to explore the trails of the area. After your day of exploring the scenery of Lake Nahauel Huapi and Puerto Blest, head back to Bariloche by boat before hoping on a bus with your guide to return you to your hotel.