What to do in Bariloche in the summer; see tips – 09/27/2023 – Tourism

Best known for its snow-capped mountains and ski slopes, Bariloche can surprise anyone who decides to visit outside of the winter season with an equally exuberant landscape, seen from all points of the city in Argentina.

In spring and summer, the scenery changes the white tone of the snow for a greener one. Other sports gain prominence, such as trakking and rafting. This is the time when heavy coats and caps are replaced by shorts and t-shirts.

A sample of its fauna and flora can be seen in the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the oldest in the country, which covers the provinces of Neuquen and Rio Negro. Adventurers will find mountain excursions in this area, with marked or unmarked trails, which can take days or hours. You can do it on your own or by hiring services from agencies.

If in the winter season Nahuel Huape Lake, which stretches across the city, looks like a mirror reflecting mountains, when the heat arrives it becomes alive and full of people practicing stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and fishing. There is no shortage of space: there are 530 km², more than twice the size of the city of Buenos Aires.

One of the river tour options leaves from Porto Pañuelo with a boat that takes a one-hour trip to Porto Blest. The boat (priced at R$387 for the tour) sometimes resembles a bus, with people sitting in a row. The most popular part is the deck on the outside, where you can watch seagulls.

During the journey, an audio is available that tells a little about the history of Bariloche and Perito Francisco Moreno, one of its main explorers — his remains are there on the route, close to a waterfall.

At the port, tourists come across the Hotel Puerto Blest, the only habitable place in the region surrounded by the Andes mountain range. The house blends into nature without harming it. From the restaurant you can glimpse Cerro Tres Hermanos through the window.

From there, it is possible to take a walk through the Valdivian jungle to Porto Alegre, which is located in front of Lake Frías, a scene worthy of a computer lock screen, with its turquoise water due to the glacial sediments that come from Cerro Tronador. In summer, the color intensifies.

This is one of the last stops close to the border with Chile. Other boat trips cross countries, such as the Cruse Andino from US$325 — approximately R$1,620.

Back in Porto Blest, the next stop is Porto Cántaros, on the opposite bank of the river. The path can be done on foot or by boat. A 2.4 km trail, with around 800 steps —which scares some—, leads to viewpoints in front of a waterfall.

However, the climb is rewarded with attractions such as a 1,500-year-old alerce, a type of tree that can reach 50 meters in height. Furthermore, the setting includes a lake facing the Andes mountain range.

There are more viewpoints to see in Bariloche at Circuito Chico. It is a circular route that starts at approximately kilometer 18 of the av. Bustillo. Along the way there are trails, such as Llao Llao and Villa Tacul, and strategic points to guarantee beautiful photos.

You can save time and do this route by car. The more daring can go by bike. There are also those who prefer to book a tour with an agency, which makes the journey easier and takes them to the right places. The option depends on each person’s budget and disposition.
The circuit passes through Lake Perito Moreno, which includes Praia del Moreno — a good option for kayaking or swimming with children.

Speaking of beaches, two others are very popular in the summer: Bahía Serena, approximately at km 12 of the av. Bustillo, and Bonita beach, at number 8,000.

On the same avenue, Cerro Campanário has a cable car that takes passengers to the top of the mountain in seven minutes. Another mandatory stop on the circuit is the Panoramic Point, which provides one of the most complete and beautiful views of Bariloche, with the lake between the forests.

Nearby, at kilometer 23, the restaurant of the same name offers more Instagrammable scenes, which compete for attention with the food. A popular choice is the ravioli stuffed with ricotta and trout, for 4,120 pesos (around R$57). Other restaurants and cafes are along the way.

For those with a more adventurous spirit, the suggestion is the Circuito Grande, which runs along the Ñirihuau River and passes by Villa Traful. This route, which can last ten hours, is not even recommended in winter (the snow makes the walk dangerous). Even in summer or spring, hiring a travel guide is recommended.

Almost immune to the economic crisis affecting the rest of the country, Bariloche lives in a bubble protected by tourism. The sector is driven mainly by Brazilians, which makes the city known as Brasiloche —many establishments even have menus and information in Portuguese.

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TOURS

Porto Blest to Porto Pañuelo – information at turisur.com.ar

Rafting – information at raftingpuntolimite.com.ar

Stand up and kayak on Lake Nahuel Huape – information at bariloche.diversidad.com.ar

Trakking – information at barilochetrekking.com

The journalist traveled at the invitation of the Mapa360 agency