Some great reasons why you should visit Bariloche

The city of San Carlos de Bariloche is located in one of the most beautiful and touristic areas in Argentina, in the Southwest, right in the heart of the country’s lakes district. It offers travelers amazing views of its Lago Nahuel Huapi (one of the lakes) and the national park surrounding it. If you like the outdoors and snowy adventures, this is the right place for you. In Bariloche, there are plenty of activities to do in the mountains and near the lakes. Plus, the Swiss-styled town offers a variety of local products like chocolate and crafts. Here you can find the top reasons why you should visit Bariloche as soon as it’s allowed! 

Reasons why you should visit Bariloche

So, here are some of the reasons why you should visit Bariloche, regardless of the season you choose!

• Probably the most obvious reason is the landscapes! There are few places in the world which offer such beautiful views as Bariloche does. Whatever time of the year you choose to visit this city, you will find completely different landscapes. During winter everything is covered in snow and the temperatures drop. In spring, the forests and fields are covered in flowers of all kinds and colors. Summer brings higher temperatures and the chance to sunbathe near the lakes.
• Handmade products. In the heart of the city of San Carlos de Bariloche runs the Centro Cívico, a few blocks covered in shops. Here you can find the typical architectural style of Bariloche that resembles the alpine houses in Switzerland. There are chocolate factories that sell their amazing products in beautifully decorated shops. You can also visit souvenir shops, fine boutiques, and outdoor activities stores. The highlight is the cathedral that overlooks the lake.
• The Lake Circuit. If you follow route 40 alongside the Cordillera de los Andes, you’ll find several beautiful cities, lakes, and national parks. The Camino de los 7 Lagos is 80 km away from Bariloche and can lead you to the main attractions. 

• Skiing and snowboarding. Bariloche is one of the best places in the world to practice snow sports. The Cerro Otto and Cerro Catedral are famous skiing spots that every year get more and more snow. 

Not so good about Bariloche

• When the Puyehue, a Chilean volcano, erupts, the city of Bariloche and the ones in Camino de Los 7 Lagos get covered in ashes which make it difficult for planes to fly over the area and covers the landscapes with grey mist. It last erupted in 2012 but it’s very active. The Chilean volcano Chaiten also erupted in 2011 causing visibility problems in the Bariloche area.
• The Mapuche issue. In San Carlos de Bariloche there is a Mapuche community that has been present in the area since the 1870s. Conflicts arose in 2017 when the local authorities tried to evict the Mapuches from their lands claiming they were occupying them illegally. This community, on the other hand, claim these lands were given to them by the national government in 1902. Unfortunately, there were riots and protests, and one young man was killed. Though the conflict seems at ease now, there are still rumors of a possible protest.
• Argentinian teenagers usually travel to Bariloche during winter to celebrate their last year of high school so if you visit between the months of June and August, you may find the city crowded with seventeen-year-olds.  

All in all, Bariloche is one of Argentina’s most beautiful places. Regardless of the season you visit Bariloche, you will be able to enjoy nature and carry out countless activities in and outdoors!

Take a look at our internships and volunteer programs in Bariloche and send us an inquiry in case you have any doubts!