What to See - Places of Interest in Bariloche

See

• El Bosque de Arrayanes - A forest of rare, orange colored trees that only grow on a local island (and one in Japan). There are several cruise boats; the newest (luxurious) ship is called the “Cau Cau”. Take the circuit bus out of Bariloche and catch a boat (near the Hotel Llao Llao) and have lunch, hike or bike, and enjoy the afternoon in the forest.
• Images Touristic information about the San Carlos de Bariloche. Hotels, cabains, rents, and sails. Also Ski centers, sport and cultural events, all images.
• Museum of Patagonia - On the main plaza near the Tourist Info center. “Stuffed” native wildlife, pictures, and a great section covering the indigenous pre-Hispanic inhabitants of the region.
• Cruce de Lagos - All day cruise of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the National Park. Numerous stops allow you to wander in Andean rain forest, eat at the Hotel Puerto Blest and enjoy the stunning scenery from the turquoise waters of the lake. Buy the pass for a one hour cruise on Lago Frias which brings you near the snow covered volcano, Tronador. Lago Frias is milky jade green in color and the ride includes a short stop at the Chilean frontier. US$60 per person (March 2007)

Do

• Hiking with Local Mountain Guide - Guided bilingual hikes with mountain guide Maxi Schoffel in Nahuel Huapi National Park.
• Cerro Catedral - It has the biggest ski centre in South America, with a skiable area of 2 km² (0.77 sq mi), over 100 km (62 miles) of ski runs, and a lift capacity of 22,200 skiers per hour. It is located 12 miles from Bariloche.
• Circuito Chico - This beautiful 60 km route can be biked, clockwise is the most easiest way. Or take a bus.
• Cerro Otto - Transport there costs $25 pesos (it’s not on the standard bus circuit), or just take a walk from the city (not that far if you’re also thinking of hiking up, it’s about 5km - 3mi from Bariloche). Either take the cable car up or mountain bike to get to the top. The rotating restaurant at the top has some impressive vistas of the region (average meal costs about $25 pesos) and there are some nice hiking trails behind the restaurant.
• Cerro López - Take the #10 bus to get there and back. In late spring/summer/early autumn there’s a trekking trail to the mountain shelter (not as easy as Otto’s). It takes about 3 hours to get there an can be quite tiring, but the views from the shelter are impressive. Be sure to bring along water and some fruit to keep your energy. Colonia Suiza, a swiss-like borough, is nearby.
• Paragliding - Ernesto Gutierrez, 02944-462234 / 02944-1543037 (parapente@bariloche.com.ar) offers 30 minute tandem flights for Ar$250 and an additional Ar$20 to Ar$30 transportation cost, depending on the location (Cerro Otto or Cerro Cathedral).
• Rafting - Several agents offers rafting on the grade III Rio Limay or the grade III/IV Rio Manso.
• Kayak,.
• Cerro Campanario - $20 pesos (USD$7) for entry/ski-lift up the mountain, or hike up a steep trail that departs near the bottom of the lift. This is another peak on the circuit with spectacular views, and a non-revolving restaurant at the top. Take city bus #20 which departs every 20 minutes out of Bariloche to arrive/return for $2 pesos. Go off at KM 17,8.
• Los Siete Lagos (the seven lakes) - all-day tour by bus to see the seven picturesque lakes between Bariloche and San Martin de Los Andes, with lunch at SMdLA, followed by a return trip through the arid Pampas where you can see much of the local fauna along the way.
• Cerro Tronador, visit the black glacier (ventisquero negro), see the Cerro Tronador and a waterfall over an overhanging cliff named Saltillo de las Nalcas, near the village of Pampa Linda. The busride takes about two hours, and costs Ar$ 45 return or Ar$ 25 one-way (Transitando, 20 de Febrero 300, Bariloche). There is an additional entrance fee to the national park of Ar$ 20 (foreigners). With this bus, you have to hike the last 7 km to the glacier, which is sometimes a hassle as there is no hiking trail and the dirt road is extremely busy. Some tourist buses take you right to the sights. Near the lookout there is confiteria which sells overpriced food.
• Horseriding - Horseriding tours to the Nahuel Huapi National Park from Bariloche in English/Spanish/German. Also try Tom Wesley Cabalgatas, their 3 hour lake ride is amazing.
• Historical Steam Train,. A full-day journey into the steppe, riding a 1912’s railway, which has been rebuilt keeping its original features. More info at the website

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