Bariloche And The Lakes

Outdoor lover's paradise with Crystal Blue Lakes & dramatic Andean Peaks

Snowy Andean mountains, majestic deep-blue lakes and never-ending forests make up some of the most beautiful postcard views in Patagonia. Bariloche is a haven of natural beauty, offering a wealth of activities all year round including walking, water sports, horse-riding, paragliding and skiing.

Bariloche is one of Argentina's main towns in the region and is often used as a base for a wide choice of activities in the surrounding countryside. The town is a centre for hotels and restaurants with a long history of hospitality and influences from former colonisers which include the Swiss.

You'll find a number shops selling hand-made chocolates and local artisan products as well as a variety of restaurants specialising in fondue and succulent wild game.

The Area

The centre of Bariloche is compact and ideal for walking around on foot. A number of local adventure companies are based in town and therefore it’s a great base from which to explore the region. However some of the best places to stay are out of town, around the lake of Nahuel Huapi for beautiful views and space to relax. This area is perfect for exploring by car.

Best Time to Go

Spring and Summer are the warmest times (Oct - Feb) where highs can reach 22°C in the sunshine, but the weather is always changeable. Winter is a skier'’s paradise so expect cold weather and plenty of snow!

If you would like to begin creating your perfect Argentina holiday, Simply complete the enquiry form to get in touch.

Alternatively call our Travel Specialists on 0208 546 6222.

Cerro Otto Cable Car

For one of the best views over the surrounding areas, we recomend heading to the Cerro Otto Cable Car. After a dramatic ascent up to the peak you are greeted by magnificent views over the surrounding landscape and Lake Hanuel. Once up there you can take a small hike along one of the trails, have a go at a taboggon style ride or sit back, enjoy a drink and watch the views from the revolving restaurant. There are also cheeky hand carved moon faces that have become quite famous across the world.

Isla Victoria

Isla Victoria is an island in the middle of Lake Naheul which is 3710 hectares of natural unspoilt landscape. Excursions to the Islands are available normally by boat from Puerto Panuelo and once on the island there is a range of activites to enjoy. The leafy trails that cross Victoria lead you to the giant sequoias, thujas, eucalyptus, pines, oaks as well as cypresses, coihues and ñires.

Wildlife that can also be spotted on the island includes the pudú (the smallest deer in the world), wild boar, red deer, pheasants and countless species of birds. In the past Isla Victoria was also occupied by Indians who left paintings in the rocks that depict the area's past.

Cerro Cathedral Ski Resort

Cerro Cathedral is one of the main ski areas in Argentina. The ski season tends to run through the British Summer time from May - Sep dependant on snow. The ski area here offers something for skiers of all abilities as well as giving access to the lively apres ski of Bariloche.

In the Argentine summer time, walkers descend on the resort to take advantage of excellent treks up the Cerro Cathedral Mountain. Alternatively you can experience the views the easy way by taking the cable car! Ask your Latin Routes Travel Specialist for further details on Cerro Cathedral for ski packages.

If you would like to begin creating your perfect Argentina holiday, Simply complete the enquiry form to get in touch.

Alternatively call our Travel Specialists on 0208 546 6222.

Outdoor  Adventure  Activities

Bariloche and the Lake District is an outdoor lover's paradise and all of the activites below can be enjoyed in the area. Speak to a Latin Routes Travel Specialist for more information.

• Trekking
• Mountain Biking
• Kayaking
• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Rock Climbing
• Abseiling
• White Water Rafting
• Lake Cruises
• Wine Tasting
• Horse Riding
• Fishing
• Golf

If you would like to begin creating your perfect Argentina holiday, Simply complete the enquiry form to get in touch.

Alternatively call our Travel Specialists on 0208 546 6222.

The Lands of Patagonia

Before man had even set foot in the region, the lands of Patagonia were lush and verdant, resounding to the gurgling cascades of the rivers and waterfalls which found their way through the exuberant vegetation lying between giant cypress and coihue trees, bustling down between the crags and rocks bringing salmon, trout and perch with them.

An abundance of fresh berries tinged these lands in the autumn, michay, tiaque, amancay and mutisias, which provided early man with nourishment in the days after the glaciers had left their mark in the area surrounding the Nahuel Huapi lake.

The Tehuleches, the Puechles and the Pehuenches gradually populated the area until the mid 15th century when the Araucano people arrived from the western lands of Chile, strong people with a marked cultural heritage. The Araucano were the first to discover and use the passes through the Andean mountain range to penetrate Argentine territory. These same passes were then used by the Spanish who began to occupy Patagonian lands as from 1550.

Captain Juan Fernández, in his obsessive search for the Ciudad de los Césares was the first to arrive at the Brazo Blest of the Nahuel Huapi lake, and was soon followed by others who began to take possession of the lakelands.

The Jesuit fathers also availed themselves of the passes to carry out reconnaissance tasks with the intention of evangelising the local populations, followed by scientists and biologists keen to study unknown flora and fauna. These were the lands of the Shaihueque chief, the “land of apples”, a land where ‘the earth becomes as one with the sky, the transparent streams run into the great blue lake and the landscape is constantly changing shape and hue’.

As from, 1872, the Argentine authorities began to organize more frequent expeditions into Indian territory with the idea of conquering these fertile lands. The geographer and natural scientist Francisco Moreno also undertook various sallies into these mountains, drawn by their ineffable beauty and rich display of unique natural treasures. In the 1880s, the Argentine army achieved its ambition of conquering Indian territory and set about mapping the lakes, river and mountains, opening the way for the first white settlers, particularly German and North American, who began to arrive towards the late 1890s, mostly choosing to settle on the shores of the Nahuel Huapi lake.

Carl Wiederholt, a German trader, was the first settler to begin exporting wool, leather, potatoes, cheese, butter and other products to Puerto Montt in Chile, building his home and trading post on the site of what would later be known as San Carlos de Bariloche. By 1897 there were some 14 settlers living around the Nahuel Huapi lake, mostly involved in agriculture and cattle raising. Little by little, the local commercial activity expanded to include lumber, smithies and dairies, attracting more settlers from the northern Argentine towns of Viedma and Carmen de Patagones.

In 1901, a wave of Swiss immigrants arrived in town who shared the selfsame pioneering spirit that had characterised the first settlers in the region, sealing this area’s curious identity which manages to blend ancient Indian customs with the hard-working yet gentle nature of the Teutonic nations.

If you would like to begin creating your perfect Argentina holiday, Simply complete the enquiry form to get in touch.

Alternatively call our Travel Specialists on 020 3820 4543.

Aldebaran Resort & Spa

Hidden amidst lush green vegetation on the shores of the majestic Nahuel Huapi Lake, The Aldebaran Hotel in Bariloche is an intimate mountain lodge with 10 beautifully appointed guestrooms.
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Cacique Inacayal

Perched on the edge of a cliff which overlooks the beautiful Nahuel Huapi Lake, Hotel Cacique Inacayal in Bariloche offers stylish accommodation with fantastic views, excellent leisure facilities and a warm and reputable restaurant.

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Charming Luxury Lodge & Spa

Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa is a picturesque hotel that has the privileged position directly overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi. Located just 7km from the town of Bariloche and 12 km from the Catedral Ski Centre means this hotel is perfect in both summer and winter time.

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Design Suites Bariloche

For those looking for accommodation with a difference, modern facilities and an amazing view overlooking Lake Nahuel, Design Suites is the perfect choice.

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Edelweiss

The Edelweiss Hotel in Bariloche is strategically located in the heart of the city of Bariloche within walking distance to local restaurants and shops. Its building blends traditional and modern décor with a natural environment offered by the mountains, forests and lakes that surround the city.

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El Faro Patagonia

For those looking for Patagonia holidays in a peacful location El Faro Patagonia is perfect. El Faro Patagonia hotel in Bariloche is an intimate and exclusive house nestled in a unique and private location, on Lake Nahuel Huapi.

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Las Balsas Gourmet Hotel

Las Balsas Gourmet Hotel & Spa is a romantic hotel set on the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Offering superb views from every corner of the hotel you really get the feeling of being in the heart of Argentina's Lake District.

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Lloa Lloa Resort & Spa

Nestled between Lake Moreno and Lake Nahuel Huapi, at the base of snow-capped peaks the Llao Llao hotel offers postcard views in every direction.

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Loi Suites Chapelco

For those looking for a Golf themed Argentina holiday this is a great chioce. Nestled between the mountains and an imposing golf course.

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Los Juncos

Discover one of Patagonia's secluded spots on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Los Juncos is housed in a completely renovated Patagonian style cottage. This little jewel offers 5 guestrooms, each with a distinctive decor. The lodge is warm and cosy combining comfort and style with the atmosphere of a private home.

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Naheul Huapi

The Nahuel Huapi Hotel is a pleasant 3* city centre hotel, just minutes away from all the attractions in the centre of Bariloche. A traditional hotel originally opened in 1938 but fully rennovated, it offers basic but practical accommodation at a good price.

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Correntoso Lake River Hotel 

This peaceful accommodation features stylish rooms each of which includes a modern and private ensuite, Wi-Fi, and free parking. Some of the hotel's rooms also boast views of Nahuel Huapi Lake, while others have a private terrace. - After all, who doesn't love a beautiful room view first thing in the morning?

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Villa La Angostura

It is said that Villa La Angostura seems to come right out of a fairy tale with gnomes and goblins included! Located in the heart of a mountain range and surrounded by ancient forests, rivers and lakes, there are beautiful views in abundance.

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If you would like to begin creating your perfect Argentina holiday, Simply complete the enquiry form to get in touch.

Alternatively call our Travel Specialists on 0208 546 6222.