Bariloche and the Lake District
This stunning region of lakes and valleys is a must see...
The many lakes and mountains that surround the small, Alpine town of Bariloche make it one of the prettiest areas in the whole of Argentina. Unlike other areas of Argentina that are starved of rains and moisture due to the imposing Andes range, the Argentine Lake District is a verdant region that is anything but, and this makes for some spectacular views and vistas. Also known as one of the best fly fishing areas in Argentina and the world, there are quite a few activities to get up to while visiting the Lake District. While it may not have the famous draws of other areas such as El Calafate or Iguazu, it is still definitely right at the top of our list.
Centered on the Nahuel Huapi Lake and National Park, Bariloche, Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes are the principal towns in the Argentine Lake District and punctuate the many rivers, lakes and streams. Of these, Bariloche is certainly the most famous and is often the starting point for any visitor to this idyllic region of Argentina.
The history of Bariloche
This sleepy town has a population of around 100,000 to date and it sits right on the southern shores of the Nahuel Huapi, inside the national park of the same name. Originally founded in 1902 it is understandable as to why it has become so popular, with its picturesque setting and easy access to the nearby mountains, the lake and the many walking trails through the forests.
The Argentine Lake District
As the Argentine Lake District has grown in popularity, the town has grown (some would argue by too much) and so it is not somewhere that we overly recommend to clients or honeymooners. Part of the reason for this is that many of the hotels downtown have been built with skiing in mind…for use as a place to come back to at the end of the day and relax in a Jacuzzi or sauna rather than to use off and on during the day.
For us, there is much more benefit in either heading out to the west, to the famous Llao Llao Peninsular or to the northern towns of “Villa” or San Martin de los Andes.
Click here to view some video footage of the area.
