Bariloche, Argentina:
As part of a three-month trip across South America and Antarctica, my partner and I spent two incredible weeks in Bariloche, Argentina, immersing ourselves in the local culture and natural beauty. From February 1st, we stayed in a cozy Airbnb in town, where I attended Spanish lessons during the day while my partner worked. Our weekends were packed with hikes and explorations, making our stay in Bariloche a memorable chapter of our journey.
Spanish Lessons at La Montaña Spanish School
Every weekday, I attended Spanish lessons at La Montaña Spanish School. It was an excellent learning environment, with friendly teachers and small classes that allowed for personalized attention. The curriculum was engaging, blending grammar, conversation, and cultural topics. While I honed my Spanish skills (or attempted to!), my partner worked remotely, making the most of our temporary home. The school also organized various cultural activities, giving us opportunities to practice Spanish in real-life situations and learn more about Argentine traditions.
First Weekend Adventures
Day 1: Lago Gutiérrez and Cascada de los Duendes, and Mirador Lago Gutiérrez
Our first weekend kicked off with a visit to Lago Gutiérrez. The serene lake, surrounded by lush greenery. We walked along the shoreline, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. From there, it was a short hike to Cascada de los Duendes, a picturesque waterfall hidden in the forest. After taking a rest at the waterfall, we carried on to Mirador Lago Gutiérrez. The hike up to the lookout was moderately challenging, but the reward was a stunning panoramic view of the lake and surrounding landscape, a perfect spot for photos and reflection.
After a refreshing break at the waterfall, we continued our adventure to Mirador Lago Gutiérrez. The hike up to the lookout was moderately challenging, but the reward was a stunning panoramic view of the lake and surrounding landscape, a perfect spot for photos and reflection.
Day 2: Cerro Campanario and Colonia Suiza
On our second day, we hiked up Cerro Campanario. The trail was steep but well-maintained, winding through a forest of native trees. At the summit, we were greeted by breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. It was here that a young Argentine boy approached me to practice his English and humorously called me a “gringo.” We enjoyed the view for a while before taking the teleférico down, a relaxing and scenic ride.
Afterward, we walked to Colonia Suiza, a quaint Swiss village with charming shops and delicious local treats. The village, with its wooden chalets and beautiful gardens, felt like a step back in time. We indulged in traditional Swiss pastries and explored the local market. Exhausted from the day’s activities, we opted for a taxi back to Bariloche instead of the bus.
Midweek Hikes
On the Friday of our first week, we finished our work early and set off to hike up Cerro Otto. The trail to the top was steep and challenging, winding through dense forest and offering occasional glimpses of the surrounding landscape. Though there’s a teleférico available, we preferred the challenge of hiking. The views from the top were worth every step, with a panoramic vista of Bariloche, the lakes, and the distant Andes. We were lucky to have made it to the top just before the cafe closed, as I had completely run out of water! Thankfully they let me quickly run in to buy a few bottles for our hike back down.
Exploring with a Rental Car
The following week, a public holiday in Argentina provided the perfect opportunity to rent a car with some classmates. While the holiday didn’t apply in the UK, my husband stayed in Bariloche while I explored.
Day 1: Cerro Tronador and Cascada Garganta del Diablo
Our first day with the car took us to Cerro Tronador, an extinct stratovolcano on the border between Argentina and Chile. The drive itself was an adventure, with winding unpaved roads, with a one-way system in place. As a result, you need to be careful with your timings when you visit this area. Once we made it to Cerro Tronador, we marveled at the majestic peak, covered in snow and ice.
We visited Cascada Garganta del Diablo, a powerful waterfall plunging into a deep gorge. The roar of the water and the spray created a dramatic and awe-inspiring sight. We also explored Ventisquero Negro, a black glacier that contrasted starkly with the surrounding snow and ice. Our final stop was Cascada los Alerces, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by ancient alerce trees. Each stop offered unique and breathtaking views of the Patagonian wilderness.
Day 2: Ruta de los Siete Lagos
On the second day, we embarked on the famous Ruta de los Siete Lagos, a scenic route that passes by seven stunning lakes. We stopped at several lakes along the way, each with its own unique beauty. Lago Espejo, with its mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding mountains, was particularly stunning. However, Lago Hermoso stood out as my favorite. The crystal-clear waters and the serene setting made it an ideal spot for a break. We hired kayaks and paddled across the lake, pausing to enjoy the stillness from the middle of the lake. It was definitely the highlight of our road trip.
Second Weekend Adventures
Day 1: Puerto Blest and Lago Frías
On our second full weekend, my partner and I embarked on an unforgettable tour to Puerto Blest and Lago Frías. Our adventure began with a scenic boat trip across the deep blue waters of Lago Nahuel Huapi, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests. Once we arrived at Puerto Blest, we disembarked and set out to explore the area.
We wandered through the forest and eventually made our way up to the viewpoints of Cascada los Cantaros. The path was immaculately maintained, with several lookouts along the staircase providing perfect resting points. This allowed us to catch our breath and enjoy the scenery, while also offering ample opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos. The cascading waterfall and the panoramic vistas made every step worthwhile.
After exploring Puerto Blest, we took a second boat across Lago Frías, a smaller lake with stunning turquoise waters fed by glacial melt. As we approached the shore, we noticed a replica of Che Guevara’s motorcycle, which was an unexpected surprise and a nod to his famous journey through South America. This bit of history, coupled with the boat tours and hikes, made for a truly memorable day.
Day 2: Cerro Llao Llao
The next day, we hiked Cerro Llao Llao, discovering secluded beaches along the way. The trail was well-marked and took us through forests and along the shoreline. The sound of the wind and the creaking trees was like nothing I’ve ever heard before.
Along the way, we stopped at several secluded beaches, where we met locals swimming and enjoying the summer day. The beaches, with their clear waters and stunning views, were perfect for a relaxing break. The hike itself was enjoyable, offering various places to stop and enjoy the sprawling vistas.
Daily Adventures and Memorable Moments
Our days in Bariloche were filled with long walks and exploration. One day, we walked over 45,000 steps, discovering new trails and hidden spots. The town itself is picturesque, with its Swiss-style architecture and stunning natural surroundings. The weather was mostly beautiful, with sunshine making the scenery even more spectacular. However, evenings could get windy and chilly, reminding us to always have a jacket on hand.
Bariloche is known for its hilly terrain, and our Airbnb was no exception. The steep incline to our place was a daily workout, but it also provided us with fantastic views over the town and the surrounding mountains. The elevated position gave us a spectacular view of the stunning sunsets over Lake Nahuel Huapi. Each evening, the sky would transform into vibrant oranges, deep reds, and soft pinks, reflecting off the lake’s surface. Watching these sunsets on our balcony became a cherished part of our daily routine, offering a perfect end to our adventurous days.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
As our two weeks came to an end, I felt a deep sadness leaving Bariloche. The area had captivated my heart with its natural beauty, friendly locals, and countless adventures. Bariloche is a destination that offers something for everyone, from serene lakes and challenging hikes to cultural experiences and scenic road trips. The town’s charm, combined with the natural beauty of the surrounding area, makes it a perfect destination for any traveler. I can’t wait to return and explore even more of this incredible region.
