Argentina - San Carlos de Bariloche

Eternally beautiful, Bariloche, lying on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and surrounded by mountains and forests, is one of the most attractive cities in Argentina. Founded in 1902, and 1,640km from the capital Buenos Aires, Bariloche offers first-class accommodation and gastronomical services and is prepared to ensure that visitors choose this destination at all seasons.
 
In the summer, trout and salmon fly-fishing and sports recreation (especially hiking, river rafting and walks around ancient forests, as well as climbing most of the peaks surrounding the city) are some of the activities enjoyed by visitors to this great city. During the winter, the first snowfalls announce the beginning of the ski season and the practice of winter sports at the nearby Cerro Catedral, one of the most important ski resorts in the country.
 
Here are some of the excursions from Bariloche that we include in out itineraries:

Circuito Chico

Circuito Chico (short circuit) is one of the most traditional excursions and is a tour to be repeated regularly because it offers various options: walking along paths through the woods, horse riding, climbing slopes, beaches and campfires, restaurants and tearooms. Visitors will surely enjoy this tour.
 
In the spring you wind along narrow paved roads lined by walls of broom in full flower. In the summer time Playa Bonita, Playa Serena, Villa Tacul, Arroyo Angostura or Lake Moreno may be enjoyed. During autumn golden poplars reflect mirror-like in the waters of the lakes, and the red hues of lenga trees are seen on the hillsides. In winter, the majestic backdrop of mounts Millaqueo, Capilla, López, Tronador, Catedral, Ventana or Otto will add your enjoyment of the spectacular snow-capped peaks against the blue sky.
 
The trip begins in the town centre and then skirts Nahuel Huapi lake. You will visit Playa Bonita where you may admire the view of Isla Huemul island, San Pedro and Llao Llao peninsulas and Victoria island. From San Pedro peninsula you may visit the "Gruta de la Virgen" (The Virgin’s Cavern) and Puerto Bueno, continuing to Llao Llao villa, where San Eduardo chapel and the symbolic Llao Llao hotel can be viewed. From this point the tour continues to the Llao Llao peninsula, Villa Tacul, and Punto Panorámico at 945 m (3,066 ft) where you will be able to appreciate the majestic scenery of Lago Moreno lake and Llao Llao peninsula.

Cerro Otto

Only 5 km (8 miles) away from Bariloche is the base of Cerro Otto mountain. Here there is a cable car that ascends to the revolving cafe at 1,405m (4,560ft) just below the summit. The revolving platform turns smoothly and with clockwork precision. The rotation speed of the restaurant is normally between 20 to 40 minutes per revolution.
 
The summit offers varied activities: guided walks through the forest, cycling excursions on mountain bikes, rock climbing, sled trips and Nordic skiing in winter. Once at the summit you will enjoy the spectacular views of Nahuel Huapi and Gutierrez lakes, Tronador and Catedral mountains, and San Pedro and Llao Llao peninsulas.
 
The cable car transports 500 people an hour and travels 2,100m (6,800ft) at a regular speed of 3 meters per second in both descent and ascent. The journey is completely protected against weather conditions as the 42 cars are enclosed and fully glazed.

Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest

With an area of 3,700 hectares (9,142 acres) and 20 km (12.5 miles) in length, Victoria Island is the largest in lake Nahuel Huapi. Access to the island is from either San Carlos or Puerto Pañuelo, at Llao Llao peninsula. From Puerto San Carlos the journey by boat is about 30 minutes, and from Puerto Pañuelo approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. The island represents an important natural reserve that also has cave paintings over 500 years old.
 
In both cases the boat docks at Puerto Anchorena at Isla Victoria. Once there, you may visit the ex-pine nursery, or ascend Bella Vista hill, at 900 m (2,953 ft), by chairlift that takes you through a narrow gorge of hundred year-old coíhue trees and native cypresses. The return down hill walk will take you to a series of spectacular natural vantage points.
 
The excursion continues with another short lake voyage to Puerto Quetrihué, on the peninsula of the same name, where you can visit the internationally renowned Arrayanes Forest. The forest represents an area of woodland with its unique species of hundred year-old trees. The bark of this tree forms thin cinnamon-coloured flakes with white spots. It has white flowers similar to orange blossom and purplish tasty fruit. The Arrayanes Forest has been declared an "untouchable" area and a natural monument.

Cerro Campanario

At 17 km (10.5 miles) from the centre of Bariloche is the Cerro Campanario mountain chairlift. Here you can ascend the top of the hill at an altitude of 1,050 m (3,445 ft). The new chairlift can be considered high-tech, secure and with variable speed. The ascent takes 7 minutes at a speed of 1.5 meters per second. With 8 towers and 40 chairs, it is 640 m (2,100 ft) long and can transport up to 450 people an hour.
 
The beautiful tearoom at the top, with two balconies and a lookout point, offers an opportunity to admire one of the most fascinating and exciting views in the region: of lakes Nahuel Huapi and Perito Moreno, El Trebol lagoon, San Pedro and Llao Llao peninsulas, Isla Victoria, Otto, López, Goye, Catedral and Capilla mountains, and the wonderful mountain range surrounding San Carlos de Bariloche.