We traveled from the glaciers and snow-capped mountains of southern Patagonia to the beautiful Lake District in the north. The bus ride was quite the ordeal, not because it was uncomfortable, but because it was incredibly long.
We boarded the bus in El Chaltén at 9:00 PM and finally reached Bariloche 26 hours later. While we’ve usually had good experiences on Argentine buses, this one was a letdown. The seats were narrow, barely reclined, and the bus had no blankets, pillows, or entertainment. It stopped only a few times for food and stretching.
Even so, traveling along Ruta 41, which had a reputation for being rough and adventurous, felt like an achievement, especially since much of the road is now paved. Despite some torrential rain that almost left us stuck, arriving in Bariloche made the tough journey worthwhile.
Bariloche instantly charmed us with its European vibe. Dubbed “Little Switzerland,” the city’s shops had an alpine chalet style, complete with wood and stone finishes. The streets were dotted with chocolate shops and fondue restaurants, adding to its European allure.
We learned that Bariloche was developed around a shop opened by German immigrant Carlos Wiederhold, who arrived from Chile. By 1895, the settlement was home to German-speaking immigrants from Austria, Slovenia, and Germany. By the 1930s, Bariloche had transformed to resemble an Alpine city more than a Patagonian town.
But we weren’t just here for the city; we were eager to explore the stunning surroundings of the Lake District. With the Andes Mountains as a backdrop and numerous lakes and outdoor activities, this area is one of Argentina’s most picturesque spots.
The best way to explore the Lake District is by car, so we rented one from Hertz Argentina and set out to explore the nearby lakes, mountains, and forests. Our first stop was the Circuito Chico area, a scenic half-hour drive from Bariloche. Starting at the famous Llao Llao resort, we ventured on short hikes, including the easy and beautiful Sendero de los Arrayanes trail, which led us to West Moreno Lake with fantastic views of the Andes.
We continued our drive, passing various beaches, viewpoints, and even a few dinosaur museums, a craft beer brewery, and a Swiss Village. At a small bridge separating Lake Moreno West and Lake Moreno East, we found a perfect spot for a picnic. We cooked spaghetti on our portable stove while enjoying the serene views of Lake Moreno East.
For the next six days, we drove around exploring more trails and lookout points. The Lake District’s natural beauty and endless activities make it a must-visit destination. Renting a car and packing a lunch are essential for a full day of adventure.
We stayed at the Panamericano Hotel, where we were delighted to be upgraded to the penthouse suite after our exhausting bus journey. The suite offered stunning views of Nahuel Huapi Lake and the Andes Mountains. Breakfasts in Argentina are fantastic, and the Panamericano’s spread was no exception, offering a variety of sweets, fruits, yogurt, cheese, granola, and hot dishes.
Our second hotel, Alma del Lago, was equally impressive. The friendly staff, large rooms with spectacular lake and mountain views, and access to a relaxing spa made our stay memorable. Each morning, we enjoyed a large breakfast in a beautiful setting. The hotel’s wonderful amenities made our stay delightful.
Dining in Argentina is an experience, as restaurants open later in the evening. At Alto el Fuego, I had some of the best steaks ever, perfectly cooked with generous portions at reasonable prices. A helpful tip: they offer smaller portions that are still filling and cost less. Another great spot for a quick snack is an empanada place with various options, each costing just 25 pesos.
If you’re looking for vegetarian options, a buffet-style restaurant in town prices food based on weight. We also discovered a man in the main plaza selling delicious churrasco sandwiches and hamburgers at reasonable prices.
Though Bariloche itself was charming with plenty to do, the true beauty lies in the surrounding wilderness and lakeside towns. After soaking in the sights, we were excited to continue exploring more of Argentina’s Lake District.