San Carlos de Bariloche - Swiss Alps charm in the Southern Hemisphere

I was reluctant to believe my travel brochure's description of Bariloche: Swiss Alps village charm when, on my way from Bariloche airport, I caught glimpses of azure lakes and grey-green pampas. No, there are no Swiss villages here... or are they?

A short drive to town unravels the many beauties of this region: snow capped mountain in the background, crystal clear lakes, and colorful spots of shy spring flowers dotting the fields.

I abandon the luggage in my hotel room [Edelweiss on Avenida San Martin] and take it to the streets, inquisitive about this place. I wander on streets reminiscing of Europe, admiring the Swiss village like architecture of this place. Yes, I said "Swiss village" like.

Bakeries display a bountiful offer of chocolates, cookies, pastries, and deserts; young girls in German village outfits are invitingly smiling behind the counters.


I stroll down to the shores of lake Nahuel Huapi and take in magnificent scenery of its radiant glacial blue; admire the snow-covered mountains dominating the horizons then head back stopping on my way to visit the “Museo of Patagonia Francisco P. Moreno”. The small yet well equipped museum presents the traveler a collections of Patagonian animals in the Natural History section; different expressions of human cultural development in the Patagonian regions; depicts the local history, different stages of development of Patagonia as well as a comprehensive ethnographic picture of the area including the five ethnic groups: Yamanas, Onas, Tehuelche, Pehueche, and Mapuche. An English-Spanish dictionary comes in handy as all the inscriptions are in Spanish only.

[Entrance fee: 10 pesos. Schedule : Tuesdays thru Fridays from 10.00am to 12.30pm and from 2.00pm to 7.00pm Saturdays from 10.00am to 5.00pm]

I continue with a short visit of the beautiful Bariloche Cathedral.

“Familia Weiss” restaurant proved to be an excellent choice given their extensive menu, good prices, and pleasant atmosphere. I highly recommend the delicious roast of Patagonian lamb. Top it all off with a glass of locally brewed beer then get ready to continue the exploration of Bariloche in the afternoon.

The Circuito Chico is certainly a good way to explore the area and take in the stunning views for anyone who doesn't have more than two days to spend here. A five-hour drive around the town reveals the stunning natural beauties of the area. The road snakes along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi mirroring the azure skies, then ascends through the dense forests with the occasional stop for the perfect photographic experience. Indeed the place is magnificent; the air is crisp and clean with a scent of cypresses.

We stop to admire [from distance] the Llao Llao hotel, a symbol of Bariloche and a creation of architect Alejandro Bustillo, which continues to welcome celebrities from around the world.

What better way to see all these beauties then from the skies? We hop on the chair lift to Cerro Cathedral and take in the magnificent vistas of picturesque Bariloche framed by snow-capped mountains.

Other highlights of Circuito Chico are a visit to one of many chocolate factories, a visit to the Rosa Mosqueta (Rose Hip) Factory outlet, numerous stops along the way to admire and purchase local crafts, chocolates, and sweets, knitted garments and woodwork, and the many outstanding photo opportunities.