Locations Bariloche

Bariloche is very special to us at All Points Argentina.  It is where Annabel has made her home in Argentina and where she spends her time when not in London.  It is also home to Julieta, who was born and raised there and now lives with her husband, Jose.  And why is it such a special place?  For us it is the sheer natural beauty and charm of the area.  Set in the Lake District of Northern Patagonia, on the border with Chile, the backdrop to the town is glistening lakes and the dramatic mountain range of the Andes.

Bariloche lies between two different worlds. To the east lies the vast Patagonian steppe, where the endless fields play home to the legendary gauchos, where wild horses race across the dry and arid landscapes and the horizon vanishes a thousand miles away.

This area is a fantastic place to go horse riding, whether on a local estancia (farm), or a private trip with our guide, Ariane, who can take you off into the hills for several days – just you, the horses and enough food and wine to keep you going! These trips have been a highlight for many of our clients, peaceful yet exhilarating, and a chance to get away from it all and camp out under the stars.

“It seems wrong to pick out any individual events as I enjoyed everything but a particular highlight was the horse riding - the scenery, the privacy, galloping for the first time, lunching by the stream .... It was wonderful.”  (James, London)

Amidst this magnificent and unforgiving land the river Limay cuts through the desert landscape, bringing a contrast of colours from the bright green rich vegetation that grows along the river banks to the dry scrubland of the Patagonian steppe. This should definitely not be missed if you’re a keen fisherman; the Limay attracts fly fisherman from all over the world looking to catch a trout from the crystal clear waters and we can arrange a local guide to take you to the best spots.

The countryside to the west of Bariloche is a different world altogether. Its rich forests result from the humidity of the area which lies close to Chile, renowned for its high rainfall. Here you can find some wonderful walks and we can send you off with maps and tips on how to find the most secluded spots where you can get the best views of the surrounding Lake District from up high.

Bariloche itself has some fantastic restaurants that should not be missed.  Regional foods such as ciervo ahumado (smoked venison), jabali (wild boar) and trucha (trout) are just some of the specialities that you should try. And your trip won’t be complete without a visit to one of the many chocolate shops, for which the town in famous! As Annabel well knows, they are very hard to resist.

Who should go?

We recommend Bariloche if you love nature, mountains and outdoor activities. It is also a place for those who like somewhere to relax for a few days – sunbathe on the beaches in the summer, take boat trips across the Nahuel Huapi Lake or picnic in the Enchanted Valley.

“Dramatic scenery and wild walks – Bariloche left a great impression on me.  From the riding to trekking, to sunbathing on a stunning, silent mountain lake beach, this place will stay in my memory forever.” (Lucy, Kent)

Accommodation

There is something for everyone in Bariloche - self-catering log cabins on the lakeshore, intimate guesthouses, boutique or 5 star hotels.  So depending whether you would like to be in the heart of the town or in a peaceful spot away from it all, we’ll choose the accommodation that best suits you.