Bariloche

Famous for its breathtaking landscapes, the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, in the province of Rio Negro, marvels travelers from all over the world coming to plunge into an environment that mixes entrancing lakes, mountains, forests and rivers. Hostelling International has three hostels in Bariloche, from where you can start urban walks, excursions to the lakes, outings of adventure tourism or enjoy the intense nightlife.

Bariloche lies on the southern side of the Nahuel Huapi Lake –“Tiger Island” in Mapuche- and is the door to the Nahuel Huapi National Park. Due to its vast and diverse services offered to tourism, it is usually the starting point to visit other places of Northern Patagonia, such as El Bolson, San Martin de los Andes o Villa La Angostura. Extremely popular throughout the year –this city is annually visited by 800,000 tourists- Bariloche becomes especially attractive in winter due to the activities that take place in the Cathedral Hill, the most important ski resort in Argentina and South America.

The architecture of the city is characterized by stone and wood constructions of slate roofs, in perfect match with many other more modern buildings. From your youth hostel you can visit the Civic Center, the Nuestra Señora del Nahuel Huapi Cathedral -designed by the architect Alejandro Bustillo-, the lake path, the stores, the regional chocolate stores –many with a window to the process of production- and a little farther away, the exquisite Llao Llao Hotel. From the hills, such as the Cathedral hill- famous for its winter activities, its multiple ski runs and its skilifts; the Otto hill, and its turning coffee shop; or the Tronador hill, of 11,400 feet, the highest in the area and border between Argentina and Chile, you will enjoy the best views in Bariloche and its surroundings.

In the youth hostel you will find all the information you need to plan and go on excursions so as to make the most of your stay while getting to know the area in depth. Among the most popular sights are Circuito Chico (40 mi along the coast of the Nahuel Huapi, including stops at many natural viewpoints such as Lopez Bay, San Eduardo Chapel and Colonia Suiza); the Seven Lakes route (a way that takes you to discover the Nahuel Huapi, Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner and Machonico lakes in Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes); excursions by ship to Victoria Island and Bosque de Arrayanes National Park (with those characteristic cinnamon trees with white spots of fairy tales); visits to Gutierrez and Marcardi lakes, Playa Bonita, Blest Port, and even, going to Chile across the lakes.

For travelers essentially in search of adventure, this area is perfect to do such activities as skiing, fishing, kayaking, rafting, paragliding, horse riding, canopy, floating, mountain biking, windsurfing and more.
With its dream landscapes Bariloche enchants travelers, who go back home with their sight lost in the beauty of its lakes and mountains, and the firm promise to come back.