Visit Argentina: Top Bariloche Tours

May 5
18:52

2012

Matthew Barker

Matthew Barker

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Read about top Bariloche tours. Visit Argentina armed with information about what to see and do.

mediaimage

Travel to Bariloche is especially suited for travelers interested in nature and outdoor recreation in a stunning natural setting. On an Argentina vacation in this breathtaking Patagonia travel destination,Visit Argentina: Top Bariloche Tours Articles travelers will find opportunities for adventures such as trekking, horseback riding, rafting, and more. In addition, the city itself is a great place to explore for its history and culture, while the region also boasts endless natural forests, lakes, and hills that can be explored independently or as part of a guided tour.

For first time visitors to Bariloche, the Circuito Chico is a popular circuit through the city’s most iconic historical sites and panoramic viewpoints. The start point is located about 18km from the center of town following Av. Bustillo. Passing Puerto Panuelo, the route visits the historic Hotel Llao Llao, perched on a peninsula that juts into Lake Nahuel Huapi, offering excellent views of the mountains that rise above. Another stop is the San Eduardo chapel, where travelers can buy artisanal sweets, such as alfajores crafted by Carmelite nuns. If touring independently, travelers have numerous chances to stop at local shops, as well as restaurants, breweries, and tea houses that represent the region’s Welsh heritage. Colonia Suiza is a small town that still bears the mark of the Swiss colony that had a heavy presence in the region. The chairlift to Cerro Campanario, offering excellent panoramic views is easily accessible from here.

Circuito Grande is a longer tour that goes further into Nahuel Huapi National Park and the Lake District. Following the rim of Lake Nahuel Huapi, this route goes to Lake Traful and other lakes that dot the area. On this Bariloche tour, visitors can see the Enchanted Valley, with its surreal rock formations. Further on is the quaint town of Villa La Angostura with its dock at Puerto Manzano, as well as the road to the ski resort at Cerro Bayo and the entrance to Los Arrayanes National Park, filled with myrtle (arrayan) trees.

Another popular Bariloche attraction is the cable car to Cerro Otto, an excellent view point with a charming revolving restaurant. The base is at a station on Avenido de los Pioneros, located at 800 meters above sea level. From here, the cable car rises to 1,405 meters in approximately 12 minutes. Dining at the Confiteria Giratoria, travelers get excellent 360 degree views of the area. In addition to the cable car, visitors can arrive by car or on foot via a trekking route. In winter, there are opportunities for sledding or snow shoeing in the area.