Visiting the Magical San Carlos de Bariloche

In the winter, San Carlos de Bariloche is a scene straight out of the magical land of Narnia. This luxurious Argentine city is crisp, white and majestic. In the summertime, San Carlos de Bariloche changes into a Mediterranean paradise with warm weather and sparkling beaches. Known best for its superb skiing, which rivals Switzerland, San Carlos de Bariloche is a premiere destination for those who want more than just a vacation.

Bariloche lies at the confluence of the Patagonian Steppe, Andes Mountains, and Nahuel Huapi Lake. Even if all you did was sit in front of a window and stared at the scenery, your vacation would be complete. Luckily, there is a lot more to do when you venture outside. Visitors come for skiing in the wintertime, but Bariloche is a year-round destination. From leisurely sightseeing and drive tours to mountain trekking, you can find it all in Bariloche.

The  city itself is a study of contrasts. It is a busting city in the midst of incredible wilderness. Apartments, clubs, migrants, crowds and tourists have all made “el centro” a bit chaotic. The busiest times of year are from mid-December through February and July for the ski season. For the rest of the year, the crowds are fairly thin. Many visitors spend little time in the city, preferring to travel ten minutes to the lakes, forests, and mountain peaks.

If you do find yourself in town, it’s easy to find many entertaining things to do. A little known fact is that San Carlos de Bariloche is home to some of the best chocolate in the world. Mamuschka, Fenoglio, Rapa Nui, and other world class chocolates are made and sold here. It is a treat to buy chocolate with local fruit and liqueur inside. You will want to save room in your suitcase to take some home!

San Carlos de Bariloche offers world class skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting, horse riding and of course, eating. It’s possible to find accommodations that cater to a variety of budgets, so even if you are running on a tight budget it’s possible to have a great time.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, chocolate lover,  or an adventure seeker, San Carlos de Bariloche is for you!