Bariloche. The Switzerland of Argentina, located in what is known as the Lakes District. This was definitely one of my favorite cities we’ve hit so far. This small mountain town is located right on Lake Nahuel Haupi, near many trekking areas and other ski resorts. The lake is massive and one of the prettiest shades of blue I’ve ever seen.
Lake Nahuel Huapi
We stayed at Bariloche Hostel which is known for their roof top deck and great views of the lake. It was like a little bed and breakfast! So clean and neatly decorated. We felt right at home. Also, our friend Marianne from Norway that we met in Mendoza was meeting us there the day we arrived so we all got settled in and cooked dinner at the hostel. I decided that it was high time for me to go out dancing and Marianne was happy to join me. We grabbed a couple of boys from the hostel and we headed to a local bar called Dusk for some drinks and were totally surprised that there was no cover charge and they actually played decent music, not just techno like all the other clubs we had been to. We had a blast! Of course, we stayed up too late and didn’t quite get up when we were supposed to. Sorry Kim. But it was worth it! I’m pretty proud of myself for limiting my social outtings these days. But hell, if I’m going out…I’m doing it right!
Before
After
Obviously we had a lazy day the next day, walked around town, checked out the main plaza, and discoved some of the biggest chocolate shops ever! We had heard that Bariloche was known for all of its delicious chocolate, but we were amazed. Chocolate shops as big as a grocery store! We were very happy:) We had another chill night drinking beers at the hostel.
The following day, the weather was not so great. It was raining a bit and really cloudy, but, we headed out anyway to hike through Llao Llao National Park. Of course, our views were limited but we still saw some amazing scenery. We decided to save the Cerro Campanario viewpoint for the following day in hopes of better weather. It’s supposed to be one of the most incredible views in the world.
On the trail in Llao Llao National Park
Kodak moment on our hike
Sure enough, it was worth the wait! The weather was much better so we took the bus to the viewpoint and did the super steep, but fairly short 45 min. hike up to the top. And everyone was right, it was breathtaking. A 360 degree view of lakes, mountains, all of the surrounding towns…check it out. However, the pictures don’t to it any justice…
We spent some time up there, had some hot chocolate and our picnic lunch before we made our way back down and headed back to the hostel for a nap. Life these days is pretty rough…ha! To celebrate our last night with Marianne, we went and had dinner at another wonderful parilla. This time, a spread of lamb, chicken, sirloin, flank steak and ribs. Um….yeah. Of course a couple bottles of wine as well.
We spent the rest of the evening at the hostel with a little more wine, laughing and watching you tube videos. We had to share all of the Andy Samberg/Lonely Island videos with our new foreign friends. They loved it! And I’m sorry, they never get old. “I’m on a boat!!!”
Our last day in Bariloche, we hung at the hostel and played poker with some new commers from NYC before our 36 hour bus ride to El Chalten. We had to say goodbye to Marianne, but we will be meeting up with her in Australia yet again! She is moving there to do a semester of med school, and just happens to be arriving in Sydney the same day we are. So great how things work out sometimes! Kim and I loved it here and definitely think its a must see if you are in Argentina. Now on to El Chalten for trekking! Fitz Roy here we come!
Also, just a note that our flickr page hasn’t been updated very well…the internet in Patagonia is not the greatest, but we hope to get caught up in the next few days.
Sisters Astray 