Choose from 18 Fun Things to Do in Bariloche
ShowingFilter 1-18 of 18 listings.
Lake Moreno
Lake Moreno is a glacial lake in the providence of Rio Negro near Bariloche, Argentina. The lake covers an area of more than 4,000 acres, and mountains, such as Lopez, Capilla, and Catedral, are the predominant feature of the surrounding landscape. The lake is divided into two sections, Western Lake Moreno and Eastern Lake Moreno. The western section is connected to Lake Nahuel Huapi by a narrow channel. The water in Lake Moreno is generally mild since most of its water does not come from ice melt. This makes it a popular destination for water sports and swimming. There is also a small circuit track that goes around the lake, and it is one of the most popular tracks in the area.
The northern end of Western Lake Moreno is part of Nahuel Huapi National Park. The rest of Lake Moreno has seen more development and human interaction than other lakes in the Bariloche area. The population has increased, there are many privately owned homes and tourist lodging, and sections of the dense forest have been removed, though you can still see many native coihue trees. Along its coasts are two small resort towns, Colonia Suiza and Villa Llao Llao.
Practical Info
Lake Moreno is about 20 minutes west of Bariloche. To get there, take a bus from Bariloche or join one of the many tours of the lake.
Address: Lago Moreno, Río Negro, Argentina
From $ 117
Cerro Campanario (Belfry Hill)
Patagonia is a popular region of Argentina for exploring nature, and many people base themselves in Bariloche for some time due to the many lakes and mountains in the area. If you enjoy hiking, this is the place to be. There are many hiking trails with gorgeous views of Bariloche and the Nahuel Huapi National Park, but the best view is from Cerro Campanario, or Belfry Hill. It's an easy hike, and the elevation is 3,442 feet.
From the top of Cerro Campanario, you will enjoy spectacular views of Lake Moreno, San Pedro Peninsula, Llao Llao Peninsula, several mountains, and other parts of the national park. Signs help visitors identify the different landmarks that are visible from the viewpoint. At the top there is a cafe with a view offering cake and other sweets.
Practical Info
Belfry Hill is located about 11 miles west of Bariloche along Route 237. To reach the top, either hike along the trail through the forest or take the chairlift.
Address: Nahuel Huapi National Park, Bariloche, Argentina
From $ 20
San Eduardo Chapel (Capilla de San Eduardo)
Capilla de San Eduardo, or San Eduardo Chapel, was built in 1938 in Bariloche, Argentina. It was built with neo-gothic and European influences by architect Alejandro Bustillo, who also built the Hotel Llao Llao next door. It was built with stone and cypress logs from the area, and the stained glass windows depict religious scenes and stories. The chapel lies within the boundaries of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, and from the front of the building, you can enjoy beautiful views of the forest, mountains such as Mount Tronador, and several lakes including Lake Nahuel Huapi and Moreno Oeste.
The chapel is one of Bariloche's most famous buildings and a popular tourist attraction, and it's a local favorite for weddings. Hikers often stop at the chapel to take a break and enjoy the views while hiking the Circuito Chico.
Practical Info
San Eduardo Chapel is located on Avenido Bustillo at kilometer 25. Entrance is free.
Address: Avenido Bustillo KM 25, Bariloche, Argentina
From $ 20
Isla Victoria
Isla Victoria is a small island located in Nahuel Huapi lake, which is part of the park by the same name. The lake is one of the main defining features of this part of Patagonia, with the city of Bariloche on the south shore, and smaller town of Villa La Angostura on the north side.
Victoria Island is located in the middle of the northernmost branch of the lake and is accessed from Puerto Pañuelo, a 30-minute drive from Bariloche. There are a couple of sailings daily, some of which continue to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, specificially, to the Quetrihué peninsula, which is home to the rare protected arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, with slender, cinnamon-barked trees which grow in a dense grove, and some examples of which are up to 650 years old.
Isla Victoria has varied foliage, including the arctic beech, and some easy hiking trails, and if you spend time wandering, you can find some solitary beaches on which to sit and contemplate the lake, or take a chillly dip. Many visitors do this trip as a half-day tour, though you could spend longer on the island. The weather can be cool, especially if you opt to sit outside on the boat, so plan accordingly.
Victoria Island is located in the middle of the northernmost branch of the lake and is accessed from Puerto Pañuelo, a 30-minute drive from Bariloche. There are a couple of sailings daily, some of which continue to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, specificially, to the Quetrihué peninsula, which is home to the rare protected arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, with slender, cinnamon-barked trees which grow in a dense grove, and some examples of which are up to 650 years old.
Isla Victoria has varied foliage, including the arctic beech, and some easy hiking trails, and if you spend time wandering, you can find some solitary beaches on which to sit and contemplate the lake, or take a chillly dip. Many visitors do this trip as a half-day tour, though you could spend longer on the island. The weather can be cool, especially if you opt to sit outside on the boat, so plan accordingly.
Practical Info:
There are a couple of trips daily, in the morning and early afternoon, and you can choose between taking your own transportation to Puerto Pañuelo, or taking a complete tour. If you go on your own, you can just go back and forth to Isla Victoria, but the tours generally go to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, which is a good way to see both places by boat, particularly if you are short of time.
Address: Isla Victoria, Neuquen Province, Argentina
From $ 52
Mascardi Lake
Mascardi Lake is a glacial lake in the province of Rio Negro south of Bariloche, Argentina. It was named for a Jesuit priest named Nicolas Mascardi who did missionary work in the area during the 17th century. The lake is within Nahuel Huapi National Park, which is the oldest national park in Argentina and covers an area of almost 2 million acres. Mascardi Lake is divided into two sections by a peninsula. From the lake, you can admire several peaks of the Andes Mountain range. There are several good beaches along the shores of the lake, and swimming is a popular activity here. Other activities include boating, kayaking, fishing and hiking around the lake.
Many animals can be found near Mascardi Lake and in Nahuel Huapi National Park. These include river otters, deer, foxes, cougars, and guanacos. There are also several species of birds, such as ducks, geese, swans, Austral Parakeets, cormorants, and Andean condors. Some sections of the park are covered by temperate rain forests, and most of the trees you will see in the area are the lengas, coihue and the ñires.
Practical Info
Mascardi Lake is about an hour south of Bariloche along route 40. To get there, take a bus from Bariloche or join one of the many tours of the lake.
Address: Mascardi Lake, Río Negro Province, Argentina
From $ 74
Cerro Catedral
Cerro Catedral is a major attraction in the Bariloche area. It’s 20 km southwest of the city, and is a 2388-meter (7,800-foot) high peak from which you can see the contours of the valley, and the snow-capped volcanoes in the distance, on both the Chilean and Argentine side. There are abundant wildflowers in summer, and you get a view over one of the area’s major winter sports centers as well.
Most visitors take the Cablecarril and Silla Lynch, (two different gondolas/lifts) which also have a great view, and stop at the Confitería (café) for a coffee or hot chocolate to enjoy the view.
From here you can continue hiking along the ridge, to Refugio Frey, for a day hike or to spend the night. The area is very popular with rock climbers, and the mountain takes its names from the rocky spires that look like those of a Gothic Cathedral.
Visitors can also hike up the mountain, starting from the ski camp base. It’s a ten-kilometer, relatively easy hike and is usually possible from December to April, weather permitting.
Most visitors take the Cablecarril and Silla Lynch, (two different gondolas/lifts) which also have a great view, and stop at the Confitería (café) for a coffee or hot chocolate to enjoy the view.
From here you can continue hiking along the ridge, to Refugio Frey, for a day hike or to spend the night. The area is very popular with rock climbers, and the mountain takes its names from the rocky spires that look like those of a Gothic Cathedral.
Visitors can also hike up the mountain, starting from the ski camp base. It’s a ten-kilometer, relatively easy hike and is usually possible from December to April, weather permitting.
Practical Info:
The mountain access is 20 km southwest of Bariloche, and the gondola and lift run up the mountain daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, though in extreme wind conditions, the service is cancelled, so it’s best to check before you head out of town. Bus service is available to the start of the chair lift. You can visit all year round, but hiking is generally limited to the warmer weather, from about December to April. In the winter, the area is given over to winter sports, and gets busy with a mainly South American ski crowd.
Address: Argentina
Admission: Lift Tickets: Adult 120, Child/Senior 75.
From $ 29
Cerro Lopez
With its alpine peaks, crystalline lakes, and wealth of artisanal chocolate, Bariloches is a dream destination for South American travelers. In summer, the hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing are some of the best in Patagonia, and the accessibility and ease of access make them easy for travelers to enjoy.
In terms of hiking and views of Bariloches, one of the best trails in northern Patagonia is the climb up Cerro Lopez. This 7,178-foot mountain towers above Bariloches, and offers unparalleled, panoramic views of the entire Argentinian Lakes District. Standing atop the windswept summit, gaze out towards active volcanoes that rise from the spine of the Andes. Down in the valley, thousands of feet below, the outline of Lake Nahuel Huapi shimmers and weaves through the hills, and the summit holds an inspiring and energizing sense of alpine freedom.
To reach the summit of Cerro Lopez—or at least get near the top—there are a number of different options for travelers depending on fitness and skill. Making the climb all the way to the top requires 7 to 8 hours of hiking, with a short stop at Refugio Lopez at 5,300 feet. From here, it’s an hour-long scramble up Pico Turista to an area close to the summit, or simply finish at Refugio Lopez and order a meal and drink. Alternatively, there’s a 4x4 road that climbs its way up the bumpy spine of the mountain, which is used by tour companies accessing the refugio or ziplining their way back down.
Practical Info
To reach the trailhead for Cerro Lopez from downtown Bariloches, take the bus toward Colonia Suiza and stop at Arroyo Lopez. The best season for hiking on Cerro Lopez is from December-March, and there might be snow and inclement weather during the early spring or fall. Always be sure to check the weather before hiking, as well as pack appropriate clothing and emergency supplies for the trip.
Address: Cerro López, Bariloche, Argentina
Hours: Daily
From $ 84
Villa La Angostura
Villa La Angostura is a small town nearby well-touristed Bariloche, which also has the closest airport. Villa La Angostura is built on the north shores of lake Nahuel Huapi, and is the preferred Patagonian destination of wealthy Argentines as well as international travelers.
The area is great for cycling, fishing, horseback riding and hikes, such as the one to emerald-green Laguna Verde, around which there is a walking trail. The best views from near the town are from Mirador Belvedere, which is about 4 km away. From here, you can get a good view of lakes Correntoso and Nahuel Huapi. The road to the mirador (look out point) is also the starting point for walks to two waterfalls, 50-meter high Cascada Inacayal, and 35-meter high Cascada Río Bonito. Visit one or both on the same day.
Villa La Angostura is also the perfect jumping-off point to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, which is home to an undisturbed arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, and some of the trees are estimated to be 650 years old. Arrayanes have a reddish, peeling bark, grow close to water, and their trunks are cool to the touch.
Catamaran rides on the lake give the great views of the trees, which bloom white in the summer (January and February) You can walk or cycle the 12 km to the end of the trail as well.
Villa La Angostura is also the traditional starting point of the Seven Lakes (Siete Lagos) drive, which can take from one to three days, depending on park visits and lingering walks by the lakes. In the winter (June through September), the winter sports center and ski fields at nearby Cerro Bayo brings skiiers and other snow lovers to Villa la Angostura as well, for its 12 km of ski runs, including one uninterrupted descent of 6 km (more than 3 miles).
The area is great for cycling, fishing, horseback riding and hikes, such as the one to emerald-green Laguna Verde, around which there is a walking trail. The best views from near the town are from Mirador Belvedere, which is about 4 km away. From here, you can get a good view of lakes Correntoso and Nahuel Huapi. The road to the mirador (look out point) is also the starting point for walks to two waterfalls, 50-meter high Cascada Inacayal, and 35-meter high Cascada Río Bonito. Visit one or both on the same day.
Villa La Angostura is also the perfect jumping-off point to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, which is home to an undisturbed arrayán (Chilean myrtle) forest, and some of the trees are estimated to be 650 years old. Arrayanes have a reddish, peeling bark, grow close to water, and their trunks are cool to the touch.
Catamaran rides on the lake give the great views of the trees, which bloom white in the summer (January and February) You can walk or cycle the 12 km to the end of the trail as well.
Villa La Angostura is also the traditional starting point of the Seven Lakes (Siete Lagos) drive, which can take from one to three days, depending on park visits and lingering walks by the lakes. In the winter (June through September), the winter sports center and ski fields at nearby Cerro Bayo brings skiiers and other snow lovers to Villa la Angostura as well, for its 12 km of ski runs, including one uninterrupted descent of 6 km (more than 3 miles).
Practical Info:
Most visitors come to Villa La Angostura in the summer (January and February), when the southern cone is on summer vacation, but shoulder season (November to December or March to April) or ski-season (June to September) are great times to come as well. The town is easily accessed from Bariloche (1 hour 15 minutes, flights from Buenos Aires) with several daily buses, or from San Martín de Los Andes, which has daily buses in summer, though the frequency drops to three times a week in the low season. From Villa La Angostura you can also take the winding bus ride through beautiful beech forests across the border to Chile, finishing up in the city of Osorno.
Address: Villa La Angostura, Neuquen Province, Argentina
From $ 32
Puerto Blest
Puerto Blest is on the western end of Nahuel Huapi Lake. It is part of the Nahuel Huapi National Park in the Rio Negro province of Argentina. Nahuel Huapi Lake is divided into different sections, and the western arm of the lake is the Blest section. The Blest branch of the lake covers an area of about 14 square miles. At the entrance to the Blest section of the lake is Centinela Island, where explorer Francisco Moreno is buried. He came to this region of Argentina in the late 1800s and later founded Nahuel Huapi National Park.
From Puerto Blest, you can reach Los Cantaros Waterfall as well climb the steps near the waterfall to Los Cantaros Lake which feeds into the falls. While hiking in the area, you will find cypress and coihue trees that grow in this area's rainforest micro climate. This region receives more rainfall than any other part of Argentina, and plants and fungi grow here that you can't find in other parts of the country. From the lake, you can also see several peaks of the Andes Mountain range.
Practical Info
Due to its remote location, Puerto Blest is best reached by boat from either Puerto San Carlos or Puerto Pañuelo, both of which are west of Bariloche. There are also several boat tour options from Bariloche.
Address: Puerto Blest, Río Negro Province, Argentina
From $ 69
El Bolson
El Bolsón is a town in the southwest section of the Rio Negro province of Argentina. Despite its southern location, it has an unusually mild climate due to the valleys towards Chile and the Pacific Ocean. The town was originally settled by German immigrants, and in the 1970s, hippies from Buenos Aires moved there. Today El Bolsón's economy is based on tourism. Visitors come to see the outdoor artisan market, and to participate in activities such as fly fishing, trekking, rafting, climbing, and other outdoor activities in the surrounding lakes and mountains. There is also a significant production of cheeses, smoked trout, locally brewed beer, regional chocolates and ice cream, as well as organic and wild crafted jams and preserves. North of El Bolsón is the Rio Azul Natural Protected Area, which forms part of the world's largest UNESCO Temperate Biosphere Reserve and has trails for tourists throughout the mountains.
El Bolsón is a very environmentally-friendly town. It has been declared a non-nuclear zone and an ecological municipality. It's an excellent place for hiking and enjoying nature. Visitors often appreciate the down to earth atmosphere, which is in contrast to the commercialism of Bariloche.
Practical Info
El Bolsón is located about 76 miles south of Bariloche. The journey takes about two hours by bus. There are flights from Barlioche, though they are not frequent.
Address: El Bolsón, Río Negro Province, Argentina
From $ 74
Cerro Tronador
Cerro Tronador is the standout attraction among many day-trip and hiking options in Bariloche. It is named for the thunderous sound the volcano made before it went extinct, but the name (Thundering Mountain) is still apt, for the rumbling icefalls as giant pieces of ice shed from the glacier, which are audible at a safe distance. The main attraction is the Ventisquero Negro (also called El Manso), which means black glacier, and it’s easy to see why. It is mainly covered in darkish soil and moraine, and small pieces that have broken off float in a milky lake at its foot.
The glacier is the source of one of the nearby rivers, called Río Manso (tame river), which you can also see, and there are waterfalls, including the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), where several waterfalls come together.
Cerro Tronador looms over the hamlet of Pampa Linda, you arrive at after driving along U-shaped, pale blue Mascardi lake. Visitors can hike up to the glacier at Refugio Otto Meiling (where you can also spend the night) and keep going until the road ends at the Garganta del Diablo falls. You can also do this part by bike. In either case, you’ll want to be careful not to get too close to the falls’ edge.
The glacier is the source of one of the nearby rivers, called Río Manso (tame river), which you can also see, and there are waterfalls, including the impressive Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), where several waterfalls come together.
Cerro Tronador looms over the hamlet of Pampa Linda, you arrive at after driving along U-shaped, pale blue Mascardi lake. Visitors can hike up to the glacier at Refugio Otto Meiling (where you can also spend the night) and keep going until the road ends at the Garganta del Diablo falls. You can also do this part by bike. In either case, you’ll want to be careful not to get too close to the falls’ edge.
Practical Info:
The gravel road out of Bariloche does one-way service to Cerro Tronador in the morning, and back in the afternoons, and it is slow going, as it is unsealed (ripio). The drive can take two hours or more, but unpaved roads are what crisscross most of the region, including the Ruta 40 which runs down the spine of Argentina’s part of Patagonia, so this is fairly typical outside of the well-touristed part of this region. You’ll have to rent a car or do a tour to visit the Cerro, as there is no public transportation.
Address: Argentina
From $ 51
Lake Gutierrez
Because its waters are warm and teem with fish, Lake Gutierrez is one of the most popular destinations near the Argentinean resort city of San Carlos de Bariloche. Situated within Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina’s oldest protected land, the lake has two common access points that sit on opposite shores.
Villa Los Cohiues is the closest access point to the city and it’s where most people access the lake. Swimming, kayaking, and sport fishing are popular on the lake itself, while both hiking and horseback riding offers visitors the chance to explore the surrounding forests.
Fishing is best at the opposite end of the lake, where the Torrontegui river flows into Lake Gutierrez. Declining fish populations encouraged the national park service to restock the lake, so rainbow, brown and brook trout are plentiful once again. Two seabirds—the Kelp Gull and Blue Eyed Cormorant—also live on Lake Gutierrez and throughout Nahuel Huapi National Park. It’s an unknown curiosity, as this region is the only known fresh water habitat for either species.
Practical Info
Lake Gutierrez has two access points: Villa Los Cohiues is located 15 km west of Bariloche, while the southern access is located at km 28 of the Ruta Nacional 258.
Address: Gutiérrez Lake, Río Negro Province, Argentina
From $ 75
Nahuel Huapi Lake
Nahuel Huapi Lake is the main lake within Nahuel Huapi National Park. It is a glacial lake with many islands, and it is located in the lake region of northern Patagonia between the provinces of Río Negro and Neuquén near Bariloche. It has a surface area of about 210 square miles and a depth of 1,394 feet, making it the largest and deepest clear water lake in Argentina; it extends 62 miles across the border into Chile. In 1670, Nahuel Huapi Lake was discovered by Nicolas Mascardi, a Jesuit priest who was doing missionary work in the area.
Bariloche is the biggest city in the area and sits on the southern banks of the lake. The town was founded in 1902, but tourism grew after the 1930s when the national park was established. Bariloche and the surrounding areas are known as the honeymoon capital of Argentina. The area is also well known for chocolate manufacturing. Many people use Bariloche as a base for skiing, mountaineering, hiking and enjoying Nahuel Huapi Lake as well as other lakes in the area. Hotels and restaurants line the southern shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake to accommodate the tourists who come to explore the region.
Practical Info
Nahuel Huapi Lake is best reached from Bariloche. To get to Bariloche, there are many flights from other parts of Argentina, as well as bus and train connections.
Address: Nahuel Huapi Lake, Bariloche, Argentina
From $ 20
Siete Lagos
The road of the seven lakes (Siete Lagos) is a spectacular 108 km (about 65-mile) drive in Argentina’s lake-dotted Patagonian lakes region. Route 234 runs from Villa La Angostura up to San Martín de Los Andes, not far from the undisputed capital and largest city of the region, Bariloche.
The seven lakes drive passes looming mountains, majestic lakes, waterfalls, turn-offs with emerald lagoons, beech forests, and even condor nesting areas. The seven lakes, going from Villa Lo Angostura, on the north shore of branched Lake Nahuel Huapi (Bariloche is on the south side) are the following: Nahuel Huapi, Espejo, Correntoso, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico and Lácar. Lago Escondido (which means hidden lake) is not technically on the route, but you can take a peek at it between Villarino and Correntoso all the same.
On this drive, you’ll also pass the Argentine national parks of Nahuel Huapi and Lanín, both of which are worth a visit. The best views are in autumn (in April and May) with the beech forests turning red and yellow.
The seven lakes drive passes looming mountains, majestic lakes, waterfalls, turn-offs with emerald lagoons, beech forests, and even condor nesting areas. The seven lakes, going from Villa Lo Angostura, on the north shore of branched Lake Nahuel Huapi (Bariloche is on the south side) are the following: Nahuel Huapi, Espejo, Correntoso, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico and Lácar. Lago Escondido (which means hidden lake) is not technically on the route, but you can take a peek at it between Villarino and Correntoso all the same.
On this drive, you’ll also pass the Argentine national parks of Nahuel Huapi and Lanín, both of which are worth a visit. The best views are in autumn (in April and May) with the beech forests turning red and yellow.
Practical Info:
The closest airport to Villa Angostura is an hour and fifteen minutes away, in Bariloche. You can easily rent a car and do the seven lakes drive yourself. The road is technically transitable all year round, but can be closed in heavy snows in the winter, which is from June to August. Do the drive in a single day if you’re short on time, or take two or three days to do the circuit at a relaxed pace. You can also take a day tour, which takes about five hours, and can arrange to be dropped off for the night and picked up the next day at the same spot. Lodging en route ranges from free camping inns to hotels, and is available in several locations.
Address: Route 234, Bariloche, Argentina
From $ 95
Bosque de Arrayanes
Los Arrayanes National Park was established in 1971 to protect the rare arrayán trees (Chilean myrtle trees) that grow in the area. Up until that time, the forest was part of the Nahuel Huapi National Park. In order to protect the soil and roots of these fragile, slow-growing trees, a wooden path runs throughout the park for tourists to wander through without causing harm. The arrayan trees have and irregular white spots on their narrows trunks, as well as cinnamon-colored bark that is cool to the touch and peels off as the tree grows. These evergreen trees bloom white in the summer (January and February) and produce an edible, blue-black fruit in early autumn. Some are up to 650 years old.
The national park covers an area of about 4,332 acres on the Quetrihué Peninsula along the northern shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake and is easily accessible from Villa La Angostura. Travelers can explore the park on foot, by horse or on bike. Many animals and birds live in the forest, including pudú and huemul deer, guanacos, monitos de monte, small foxes, condors, eagles, hawks and woodpeckers.
Practical Info:
The closest town to Los Arrayanes National Park is Villa la Angostura, 51 miles north of Bariloche. The park is accessible via a seven-mile-long pathway, or from Nahuel Huapi Lake.
Address: Argentina
From $ 69
Nahuel Huapi National Park
Nahuel Huapi National Park, which surrounds the lake of the same name, and within which San Carlos de Bariloche is located, is an expansive park of nearly 1.8 million acres, and Argentina’s oldest national park.
The park actually contains another park, Parque nacional Los Arrayanes, which is where the much-visited Quetrihué peninsula is. This peninsula is home to a large tract of 300-650 year old red-to-light-brown-barked Arrayan trees.
The larger park covers a large range of altitude, from 700 to 3400 meters, and contains four distinct ecosystems, from high Andean peaks (above 1600 meters), including the imposing Cerro Tronador, Andean forests, Valdivian rainforests and (mostly treeless) windblown Patagonian steppe.
With four different ecosystems, there is a great variety of different types of vegetation, including several types of Patagonian beech. Small mammals, from the monito del monte (a lemur-faced marsupial, whose name means “little mountain monkey"), foxes and two tiny species of deer are seen near the arrayanes, while slim-necked guanacos (relatives to the llama) graze on the steppe. Five hundred kilometers (300 miles) of trails crisscross the park, which range from the easy 3-hour hike to the Castaño Overo Valley to multi-day hikes, from different access points within the park
The park actually contains another park, Parque nacional Los Arrayanes, which is where the much-visited Quetrihué peninsula is. This peninsula is home to a large tract of 300-650 year old red-to-light-brown-barked Arrayan trees.
The larger park covers a large range of altitude, from 700 to 3400 meters, and contains four distinct ecosystems, from high Andean peaks (above 1600 meters), including the imposing Cerro Tronador, Andean forests, Valdivian rainforests and (mostly treeless) windblown Patagonian steppe.
With four different ecosystems, there is a great variety of different types of vegetation, including several types of Patagonian beech. Small mammals, from the monito del monte (a lemur-faced marsupial, whose name means “little mountain monkey"), foxes and two tiny species of deer are seen near the arrayanes, while slim-necked guanacos (relatives to the llama) graze on the steppe. Five hundred kilometers (300 miles) of trails crisscross the park, which range from the easy 3-hour hike to the Castaño Overo Valley to multi-day hikes, from different access points within the park
Practical Info:
The park is visited from San Carlos de Bariloche or Villa La Angostura, with easy car access and tours available from both of these locales. Public busses circulate on a sparse schedule in the summer to some of the trailheads. The park is also part of the Seven Lakes/Siete Lagos circuit, which goes from Villa La Angostura to San Martín de Los Andes. The park is most visited in summer (January and February) for hiking, and winter (June through September) for skiing.
Address: Argentina
From $ 51
Mirador del Traful
In Patagonia, north of Bariloche, Argentina, lies a glacial lake called Lago Traful. It is a popular place for hiking as well as other typical water activities. Along the hiking trail is a lookout point called Mirador del Traful which offers spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding area. The view point is on a cliff that marks where glaciers pierced the basin thousands of years ago and strong winds continue to erode the rocks. The cliffs form a natural wall where the winds collide, resulting in a strange boomerang effect.
Mirador del Traful can be reached by a wooden walkway which has two balconies where you can stop, admire the view, and take photos. On the balconies there are signs pointing out different landmarks and providing information about the lake, the landscape, and the geographical characteristics of the area.
Practical Info
Mirador del Traful is located 3 miles from Villa Traful. The town is about 61 miles north of Bariloche.
Address: Lake Traful, Villa Traful, Argentina
From $ 32
Bella Vista Hill (Cerro Bella Vista)
Cerro Bella Vista is a mountain in the province of Rio Negro near Bariloche, Argentina and falls within Nahuel Huapi National Park. It is 5,577 feet high and fairly easy to climb, but a hike to the summit can take between two to four hours, and descending can take two to three hours. It's not as well-known as some of the other peaks in the area, but it is visible from Bariloche and from the nearby heights. It also offers spectacular views of the nearby peaks, Nahuel Huapi Lake, Lake Moreno, and sections of Nahuel Huapi National Park. During the climb, you will hike through a forest of coihue trees and lenga trees. You will also have the chance to see flowers and birds that are native to the Patagonian Andes.
The best time to hike up Cerro Bella Vista is during the summer, which runs mid-December to mid-March. The weather should also be mild from November to May. Snow is possible during the winter months.
Practical Info
Cerro Bella Vista is west of Barlioche. To get there, take a collectivo or bus from Bariloche to Colonia Suiza, which takes about an hour. You will be dropped off a little less than four miles from the trail head. With private transportation, you can get there in about 20 minutes and park closer to the trail head. It is recommended to hike with a guide or tour.
Address: Cerro Bella Vista, Río Negro Province, Argentina
From $ 69