San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Region: Río Negro
Geographic Coordinates: -41.150000, -71.300000
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 20.0°C (14°F to 68°F)
Climate: Cold and snowy winters, mild springs and autumns, and warm summers with occasional thunderstorms.
Population: 112887
Language: Spanish
San Carlos de Bariloche, Commonly known as Bariloche, Is a stunning city nestled in the Andes Mountains in Argentina’s Patagonia region. Located on the southern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, It’s considered one of the most picturesque destinations in Argentina. Bariloche is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor activities such as skiing, Hiking, Mountain biking, Fishing and kayaking. The Cerro Catedral ski resort offers over 100 kilometers of slopes for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
In summer months visitors can enjoy hiking through lush forests or taking a scenic boat ride on Lake Nahuel Huapi. The city’s architecture reflects European influences with many buildings built-in Alpine style. Visitors can stroll through charming streets lined with chocolate shops, Restaurants serving traditional Argentinean cuisine and souvenir shops selling handmade crafts. One must-visit attraction is Colonia Suiza located just outside Bariloche where visitors can immerse themselves in Swiss culture while enjoying local delicacies such as fondue or raclette cheese dishes.
Another popular attraction is Circuito Chico which takes visitors on a scenic drive around Lake Nahuel Huapi offering breathtaking views of mountains and lakes along with stops at popular sites such as Llao Llao Hotel & Resort – one of Argentina’s most luxurious hotels set amidst stunning natural surroundings. Bariloche also boasts numerous museums including Museo de la Patagonia Francisco Pascasio Moreno which showcases artifacts from indigenous tribes who lived in Patagonia thousands of years ago along with exhibits highlighting local flora and fauna.
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Bariloche has become famous for producing high-quality chocolates made from locally grown cocoa beans. Visitors can take chocolate-making classes or simply indulge their sweet tooth by sampling some delicious treats at one of many chocolatiers in the city. Overall San Carlos de Bariloche is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Patagonia and enjoy outdoor activities, Delicious food, And cultural experiences.
Important Landmarks
- Nahuel Huapi Lake
- Cerro Catedral Ski Resort
- Civic Center of Bariloche
- Llao Llao Hotel and Resort
- Mount Tronador
- Puerto Pañuelo
- Colonia Suiza
- Circuito Chico
- Cerro Otto Cable Car
- Villa La Angostura
Primary Industries
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Outdoor recreation such as skiing and hiking
- Food and beverage production including chocolate
- Forestry
- Small-scale manufacturing
Noteable History
- The city of San Carlos de Bariloche was established in 1902 as part of a plan to populate the Patagonian region of Argentina.
- Due to its stunning natural beauty and proximity to Nahuel Huapi National Park, San Carlos de Bariloche became a popular tourist destination in the 1930s.
- After World War II, many Nazi war criminals fled to Argentina and settled in San Carlos de Bariloche, which became known as a haven for ex-Nazis.
- In 1971, the “Bariloche Formula” was proposed at a meeting of Latin American countries held in San Carlos de Bariloche. The formula called for peaceful dispute resolution between nations and has been credited with reducing tensions in the region.
- Notable people associated with San Carlos de Bariloche include Argentine writer Julio Cortázar, who lived there, and mountaineer Alberto Zerain who died on Nanga Parbat mountain while attempting an ascent.
- The city is home to several important institutions such as Instituto Balseiro (a research institute focused on physics), Centro Atómico Bariloche (a nuclear research center), and Universidad Nacional del Comahue (a public university).
Museums and Things To See
- Nahuel Huapi National Park is a stunning national park that boasts of lakes, mountains, and forests.
- Centro Civico is the city’s main square and cultural center with beautiful architecture.
- Museo de la Patagonia showcases the history and culture of Patagonia.
- Cerro Catedral is a popular ski resort that offers breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains.
- Circuito Chico provides a scenic drive through the Andes Mountains, offering panoramic views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and surrounding areas.
- Lago Gutierrez is a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains and forests, perfect for hiking or fishing activities.
- Colonia Suiza is a charming Swiss-style village known for its artisanal crafts and delicious food offerings.
- Cerro Otto Cable Car takes you to the top of Cerro Otto for stunning views of Bariloche and surrounding areas via cable car ride.
- Bosque de Arrayanes National Park features unique trees that only grow in this area, creating an enchanting forest walk experience.
- Puerto Blest y Cascada de los Cantaros offers boat tours that take you through serene waters to see cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation.
Sports Teams
- San Carlos de Bariloche is not known for its sports teams.
- However, there are several popular outdoor activities that attract tourists and locals alike, including:
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Water sports on Lake Nahuel Huapi
- The city also hosts events such as:
- The Patagonian International Marathon
- The Bariloche Jazz Festival
- Fiesta Nacional de la Nieve (National Snow Festival) is celebrated in August to honor the winter season. It features skiing and snowboarding competitions, parades, music concerts, and fireworks.
- Fiesta del Chocolate (Chocolate Festival) takes place in July to celebrate Bariloche’s reputation as the chocolate capital of Argentina. The festival includes chocolate tastings, workshops, and demonstrations.
- San Patricio Day is observed on March 17th every year to recognize the Irish heritage of many Bariloche residents with parades and traditional Irish music.
- Aniversario de Bariloche (Bariloche Anniversary) occurs on December 3rd each year to commemorate the founding of the city in 1902. The celebration involves a parade through downtown Bariloche and various cultural events.
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) is observed during Easter week with religious processions through the streets of Bariloche.
- Festival Internacional de Cine de Montaña (International Mountain Film Festival) happens yearly in September or October showcasing films about mountaineering, adventure sports, and outdoor culture from around the world.
- Oktoberfest Argentina is modeled after Germany’s famous beer festival but with an Argentine twist including local craft beers and food specialties such as choripán sausage sandwiches.
- Feria Regional de Artesanías y Productos Regionales (Regional Crafts Fair) takes place throughout the year at various locations around town showcasing local handicrafts made by artisans from across Patagonia region including textiles woven from llama wool or alpaca fiber; hand-carved wooden objects; pottery; silver jewelry; leather goods like belts & boots etcetera
- Asado is a traditional Argentine barbecue that features various cuts of meat, including beef, pork, and lamb.
- Trucha is a popular fish in the region and can be found on many menus.
- Swiss-style fondue is a popular dish in Bariloche due to its Swiss heritage.
- Empanadas are savory pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables and are a common snack or meal option.
- Patagonian lamb features slow-cooked lamb seasoned with herbs and spices.
- La Salamandra Pulperia y Restaurante is a rustic restaurant that serves traditional Argentine dishes such as asado and empanadas.
- El Boliche de Alberto is a steakhouse known for its high-quality cuts of beef cooked over an open flame grill.
- Cassis Restaurant & Tea Room offers French-inspired cuisine using local ingredients such as trout and wild mushrooms.
- Rapa Nui Chocolate Factory & Cafe is known for their handmade chocolates made with locally sourced ingredients; this cafe also serves breakfast items like croissants and coffee drinks.
- Butterfly Restaurant & Lounge Bar offers fusion cuisine blending Argentine flavors with international influences in a stylish atmosphere overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi.
- Nahuel Huapi National Park is a popular tourist destination in Bariloche, offering a range of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking and wildlife watching.
- Cerro Catedral Ski Resort is located just outside of Bariloche and offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in South America.
- Lago Gutierrez is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, kayaking and picnicking.
- Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes is home to an impressive forest of arrayán trees that are unique to the region.
- Parque Municipal Llao Llao features scenic hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
- Playa Bonita on Lake Nahuel Huapi is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking.
- Circuito Chico takes visitors on a scenic drive through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Bariloche including lakes, forests, mountains and waterfalls.
- Piedras Blancas Glacier Trekking offers guided tours for visitors to trek on this glacier located near Bariloche for an unforgettable adventure experience.
- Colonia Suiza is a traditional Swiss-style village just outside Bariloche where visitors can enjoy delicious food at local restaurants or buy souvenirs from local artisans at their markets.
- Cerro Otto Cable Car takes visitors up to Cerro Otto mountain via cable car for panoramic views over Lake Nahuel Huapi.