The province of Bariloche in the Argentine Patagonia is a popular destination among Brazilians, especially in July vacations . Known by those looking for a place to ski, the city also offers other precious trips through the mountains, villages and the various lakes of the famous Route 40.
Visiting Cerro Tronador, where a piece of ice falling causes a thunderclap, is one of the must-see attractions in the region. In addition, visiting the 7 Lakes Route, taking a boat trip to the Arrayánes Forest and learning to ski on Cerro Catedral are some of the essential activities in Bariloche.
With long and short trips, it is possible to enjoy the various natural beauties that the city has to offer.
Check out unmissable tours in Bariloche, Argentina:
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Cerro Tronador and Black Glacier
The place where a piece of ice fell from the top of the mountain Tronador Hill hits the frozen lake below and makes a thunderous noise. Hence the name: “tronador” means thunder in Spanish . The imposing volcano is located in the south of the Andes mountain range, on the border between Argentina and Chile, between the Nahuel Huapi and Vicente Pérez Rosales national parks.
The bus ride there is as beautiful as the final destination. Along the way, the road runs along the edges of the Gutierrez and Mascardi lakes to Provincial Road 82. This trip alone, with the natural beauty of Patagonia, the crystal clear rivers, the trees amidst the mountains, lakes and the charm of the region, makes the trip, which lasts the whole day, worthwhile.
The viewpoints are good stops to enjoy the views of mountains such as Bonete and Cresta de Gallo. For those who enjoy mountaineering and fishing, it is worth turning right and walking through the woods after passing the Villa Mascardi — there, you will find Lake Los Moscos and the Manso River. It is also a good idea to stop at Isla Corazón Viewpoint where you can see a heart-shaped island.
Tourists, however, do not need to worry about food. The tour stops at Beautiful Pampa where there are accommodation and gastronomy services, and is one of the best spots to observe the volcano from afar. Then, head to the base of the mountain.
The glacier Black Ventisquero which gets its name from its dark color, descends the tronador and stands at its base. Around the volcano, at this time, the landscape is covered in snow. Suddenly, you will be startled as you observe the surroundings: with the sky clear and no sign of rain, you will hear a thunderclap. But don’t worry, it is the sound of ice falling from its top and hitting the frozen lake, one of the most surprising points of the tour.
Due to the altitude, the only attention point to visit Cerro Tronador during the winter are the climate conditions for the tour. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and talk to the travel agency to determine the best day. Even so, the tour is a must-see — at any time of the year.
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Arrayanes Forest and Victoria Island
This tip is for those who want to sail around Lake Nahuel Huapi, with water of an intense blue due to its glacial origin, to observe the fauna and flora more closely. Nearby, there is the Arrayanes forest, which inspired the animation design. Disney’s “Bambi” and Victoria Island. National Park guides accompany the entire route to tell tourists about the history of the region.
The trip leaves from the port of Pañuelo and crosses the lake. During the crossing, you can enjoy the winter mountain landscapes. In the forest, the Arrayán shrub creates a unique environment with its specific saffron color and white flowers.
The tour, however, is not over: the Victoria Island . To get there, travelers return to the boat and sail to the port of Anchorena. There, there are trails and the Toro beach made of volcanic sand, where there are cave paintings made by the first inhabitants. I recommend taking the tour in the afternoon.
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San Martin de Los Andes: Route of the Seven Lakes
There are a few ways to get to the little Saint Martin of the Andes a typical European-style village near Bariloche. I recommend walking through the streets of the province and paying attention to the life around you, such as children playing soccer in the street and neighbors meeting on the sidewalk for a quick chat.
One of the ways to get to San Martín de Los Andes, surrounded by forests and on the shores of Lake Lácar, is by passing through and enjoying the landscapes of the well-known Seven Lakes Route . There, in fact, passes the famous Route 40 which connects the village to Villa la Angostura. You need to reserve a whole day for the trip.
On the road, there are viewpoints with balconies everywhere, and the views from the window of the van, bus or car are already a wonder in themselves. Bordering the woods, the water in the lakes is turquoise blue crystal clear and calm. It can also be a bit cold, but there are those who dare to dive for a maximum of two minutes.
Visitors can enjoy the views of at least seven lakes: Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico and Lácar in San Martín de Los Andes. If you can take a detour along the road, you can see around 10 lakes in total. The beauty is so great that this trip is a feast for the eyes.
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Cathedral Hill
How can you go to Bariloche in July and not set aside a day to ski? The city offers the largest and one of the best-known ski resorts in South America: Cathedral Hill perfect for those who want to practice — and a lot! — the sport.
The mountain offers a wide range of services, with 32 lifts and over 1,200 hectares of skiing area. With 58 slopes in total, the resort also offers skiing, snow tubing, a ski school and a kids club with instructors.
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Swiss Colony
About 40 minutes by car from the center of Bariloche, is the Swiss Colony the first European settlement in the region. The place maintains the characteristics of its founding in the 19th century, with houses, craft shops and culinary tents.
It is also worth it for those who like walking, to walk along the small roads around, take a trail and reach the lakes. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and carry a snack in your bag. As it is a small colony, spend the afternoon there is enough.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
