Things to do
WATER
Awe-inspiring national parks are at every turn in Bariloche. Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi is amongst the big-hitters, home to a 100 km-long lake that’s best admired on a waterside hike – or on board a raft. You can also ride the Aerosilla Campanario up for bird’s eye views. Chase waterfalls all the way to Cascada Coa Có. Or leave the glacial lakes behind to go volcano spotting in Parque Nacional Lanín, where the tip of Volcán Lanín stretches up towards the heavens.
FOOD & DRINK
Willy Wonka would have felt perfectly at home in Bariloche. The city is renowned for its cocoa-dedicated cafés and beautiful stores, many of which are owned by the descendants of Argentina’s original chocolatiers who first blended South American cacao with Swiss traditions. Sip thick hot chocolate, nibble white chocolate ‘cigars’ and bonbons, and share chocolate-coated alfajores – similar to cookie sandwiches. Immerse in cocoa culture at the Havana museum, or visit for the National Chocolate Festival during Easter and discover just why Bariloche came to be dubbed ‘Little Switzerland’.
SKI
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of skiing with the clouds almost skimming your head. Many of Bariloche’s slopes lie 2,000 metres above sea level, and cross-country routes zigzag across the peaks. For those visiting with little ones, try ‘Sliding’ – the Argentinian take on sledging. Or strap on snowshoes to ice hike around Mount López and Mount Catedral.
