San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Country: Argentina

Town: San Carlos de Bariloche

Duration: 3 days

Accommodation: Hospedaje Penthouse 1004 Hostel (*Highly Recommend)

Bariloche is a beautiful city in the province of Rio Negro, Argentina. It is located in Nahuel Huapi National Park on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake and surrounded by the many mountains that give way to numerous winter and summertime activities like skiing, snowboarding, climbing and hiking. Bariloche is also known as the ‘American Switzerland’  and is definitely Argentina’s chocolate capital with its many chocolate shops and cafes.  

Day 1:
Our hostel was on the tenth floor of an apartment block with incredible views of the lake and mountains. The staff were lovely and organised our skiing trip for the following day.  

We only had half a day left so we travelled the 18km by bus to Cerro Campanario, one of the best lookouts in the region. 

You could trek to the summit or take the 7 minute long chairlift up. We decided to pay for the chairlift and when we got to the top, we were blown away by the impressive scenery. There were forests, lakes and mountains in all directions. It started to snow so we went into the small café for tea and some chocolate with the hope of warming up!

Day 2:

Today was the first time that Johnny and I had ever gone skiing. We rented ski clothes from a shop next door to our hostel and then caught the bus to Cerro Catedral where we rented skis, poles and boots. We booked a private lesson with Tom from Holland.

A cable car brought us to the beginner's section where we practised for a while. I was surprisingly bad (I thought my many years roller blading as a child would have stood to me!) However I quickly got the hang of it. Pity I couldn't say the same for Johnny! 

Once we got a bit better, Tom our instructor then took us to do a blue slope which was unbelievable. Johnny was being led by Tom who was skiing backwards and pulling his ski poles! I got a bit too confident and was going way too fast and lost control and ended up with my skis jammed in the bank above my head! And then with Johnny falling over himself, it was dangerous stuff! However we quickly got better at it and were having a great time.

We went to a different practice slope and had fun there for a while. Then we said goodbye to Tom and got some lunch. After lunch, we went back to the slope and somehow we had lost all skills acquired earlier. Accidently we ended up on the advanced slope and practically had to sit and crawl down to the cable car because it was so steep and dangerous! We called it a day when I fell and twisted my knee!

That night, our hostel had arranged a wine tasting party. It was a great idea and we got to meet lot of people from all over the world. Later in the night I attempted (unsuccessfully) to teach everyone The Seige of Ennis (an Irish Dance!) I went into full teacher mode and had everybody lined up and Irish music playing, but everyone just ended up hopping around doing their own take of Riverdance!

Day 3:
We spent the last morning in Bariloche exploring the town centre. We strolled past all the chocolate shops and Johnny wanted to get chocolate in the first place we saw, but I wanted to look at all the cafes and pick which one looked the nicest! Every café was different, with varying styles and layouts and interesting window displays. Mmmm and the smell!! Delicious!

After lunch it was time to go to the bus station. Next stop, Mendoza! (The wine region of Argentina.)