When I arrived in Buenos Aires back in February, I saw this poster of this place that looked like Paradise to me. I didn't expect it to exist but in broken Spanish asked where it was. Bariloche I was told. I had never heard of the place before. Well, from then on I continued to hear how beautiful it was so was thrilled to have enough time to visit it.
Bariloche is in Patagonia in Argentina and is set on Nahuel Huapi lake and has many mountains from the Andes range behind it including Cerro Cathedral. It was only founded in 1898. Very late! But since then it has been turned into one of the major holiday resorts in Argentina. Beautiful log cabins in amazing designs along the lake front. Idealistic and not a bit tacky.
On our way here we unfortunately got woken up at 5am by police as we entered the Pampas border (Many Irish farmers live here). Well, what were they looking for? We were not entering a new country. Well, they wanted all our citrus fruit. I quickly woke up and stuffed myself with as many oranges as possible so that they couldn't take them. What cheek! Well after this, we saw the most amazing rainbow we have ever seen. We could see both ends as well as every colour being so so vivid. Will not forget that in a rush!
On arrival in Bariloche we were met by rain. What a shock to the system. The first day of rain in 4 months! So strange. Luckily the next day was much nicer so we set off on a 60km cycle around some lakes called the Short circuit. Now, I wouldn't call 60 km short but it was so beautiful. Great views. To take a break from the really uncomfortable seats, we went by chair lift up to Cerro Campanario. What a breathtaking view! Snow capped mountains, lakes and islands. What more would you want. Definitely a 'wow' moment if you ask me.... After pulling ourselves away, we returned to our bikes and made it up and down hills before we arrived at the most famous hotel in Argentina - Llau Llau. Set around lakes and mountains, many the President stays here. I had myself all psyched up to a well deserved hot chocolate to discover it was closed for one week! Why did it have to be the one week we arrived. After recovering from the shock, we continued along the route. Great views constantly. I was delighted to tuck into a well deserved steak and wine on completion of the 60km. What a great day!
The next day, we hit the boat to cross the Nahuel Huapi lake. After a pictuesque cruise, we landed at the Arrayanes Forest, where we walked amongst the unusual dark cinnamon coloured forest of Arrayanes Trees. From there we arrived at Victoria Island which was also a pleasure to wander through.
I forgot to mention that we were hoping to ski here in Bariloche since it is one of the top ski resorts in South America. Unfortunately, we are missing the start of the season by 10 days. I can't believe it. We decided anyhow to visit the main resort at Cerro Cathedral and to take a cable car and chair lift up to the top. Now I am talking about freezing. What a cold wind! It was great to see all these Argentinians and Brazilians who never saw snow before in their lives having snow ball fights and throwing themselves down on the snow. Now I'm talking about all ages here. Great to see. After heating up with a hot chocolate at the top, we got to enjoy the great views over the lakes on the way down. Great to be amongst snow!
We then started our journey in our hire car for three days along one of the prettiest areas of Argentina. The seven lakes drive. Our first night was spent in the laid back German like village of Villa Angostura and on arrival we quickly found a pub to watch Argentina play. What a great spirit! After the their victory, the village streets were full of cheers and horns beeping. A great atmosphere!
Our next day along the drive unfortunately rained constantly but to be honest, we were fully amused by the condition of the roads. Shocking! We had to drive up hills through inches and inches of mud! Hilarious and challenging all at once!
On arrival in San Martin de los Andes, we treated ourselves to Venison with a raspberry and mushroom sauce. I just had to mention it as it was absolutely superb. What am I going to do on my arrival in New Zealand without all this fine food!!
Luckily our third days weather was much better so our drive through the seven lakes was spectacular. Snow capped mountains in the background. The odd ranch around but not really a house in sight. A pleasure.
After hiring the car for three days, we decided to relax on our final day in Argentina so off to a spa in the snowy mountains we went. Picture this.... Relaxing in the sauna looking out at a blanket of snow! Perfect!!!!
Bariloche was absolutely a pleasure like all of Argentina. That is the best word to describe it. A true pleasure from start to finish, and I will definitely have to return!
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Locations Visited: Bariloche
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