There’s something about cities situated on lakes and surrounded by mountains that makes me happy. Queenstown, New Zealand is one of those cities – a place that is famous for allowing you to both downhill ski and water ski in the same day.
San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina is another. Situated on a lake, it serves as a gateway for those who want to visit the rugged Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego regions of southern Argentina. While I was only able to visit Bariloche for one night in January of 2010, I knew that I was in for a treat as we drove along Ruta 40 and entered the city limits. We could see the city across Nahuel Huapi lake well before we reached it, and I managed to snap this photo of the city in front of the mountains before we made our way into town.
I consider the travel experiences I gain in my 20’s and 30’s to be a preview for extended travels in the future. I can’t wait for the opportunity to come where I can spend more than one night in San Carlos de Bariloche.
Very nice. always wanted to visit. Now more determined.
It’s definitely worth a visit!
We spent a week there 2 years ago in February (a perfect time to go). We stayed in a timeshare and rented a car. We did day trips and drove to each of the surrounding towns and saw such beautiful scenery. I highly recommend going there.
That’s great. The areas around Bariloche are absolutely breathtaking! I only got to see the lakes to the north and the Andes to the west, but I’m sure Patagonia to the south is incredible as well.
Given how the Argentina peso has been falling lately, your $USD will stretch farther. Did you get any good deals? What sort of exchange rate did you get? I have heard this is a big counterfeit problem ?
My memory is a little fuzzy on specifics, but I remember eating the single best steak of my life at a restaurant for around $8 in 2010. It was incredible.