The 3 "what" of Bariloche in summer: what to do, what to eat, and what to bring

What to do, what to eat, what to bring. Three key questions that make up the ABC of any good trip. When you have complete answers, valuable details, and secret gems, you can fully indulge in every micro-experience within the great adventure. Bariloche has another side besides its white-covered mountains and mountain sports. In summer, it is tinged with turquoise, shines in the light of a full sun, it is restless and active but at the same time calm and contemplative, with an exquisite and demanding palate, radiating enjoyment and stunning beauty. It leaves everyone who visits it in awe.

What to do?

The lakes are the undisputed stars of Bariloche's summer. Wherever you look, there are turquoises of all shades, and combined with the mountains in the background and the forests, they provide the perfect postcard at all times. Water sports, hiking, beaches, magnificent forests, bike routes, and even mountain shelters, what are the experiences that cannot be missed in a summer in Bariloche?

Explore the Circuito Chico and admire the turquoise tones

Almost everyone who visits Bariloche travels at least part of the Circuito Chico, the main attraction of the city in the summer. With 60 kilometers in length and a circular shape that starts and ends in the city of Bariloche, it offers a great variety of activities and experiences; from beaches where you can rest (and if it's very hot, swim in the lake) to Colonia Suiza, one of the most picturesque villages. In between, viewpoints, breathtaking landscapes, bridges, food stalls, and artisans. Since it is completely paved, it can be traveled by car or the most adventurous can do it by bike.

Contemplate panoramic views from Cerro Campanario

National Geographic included the views from Cerro Campanario among the seven best in the world. From up there, with just over a thousand meters high, you can appreciate a 360-degree view of the entire area; from Lake Nahuel Huapi and Moreno to Victoria Island, the Llao Llao hotel, and several mountains. The shades of blue combined with the greens and browns of the trees, hypnotize and enchant all visitors who climb, either by chairlift or through a short trek, to immerse themselves in the immensity of nature.

Visit the Los Arrayanes National Park

Created in 1971 as a protected area separate from the Nahuel Huapi National Park, this cinnamon-colored forest is home to arrayanes over 650 years old and is the only walkable arrayanes forest in the world. Through its slightly elevated walkway - to protect the roots of trees that have very slow growth - you enter a dream landscape, with the sun filtering through the leaves and a dance of lights that give the environment a dreamlike character. It is said that Walt Disney was inspired by it for his movie Bambi. The best way to get there is by boat from Puerto Pañuelo, offering unique views from the water.

Venture into rafting on the Manso River

In 2012, Bariloche was declared the National Capital of Adventure Tourism, and among the activities that honor this distinction, we find the adrenaline of rafting. Descending crystal-clear waters in group inflatable rafts, you pass through exciting rapids surrounded by Patagonian landscapes. The Manso and Limay rivers are the most famous for their water activities, which also include other activities such as kayak trips and stand-up paddleboarding. There is something for all tastes, from initial and calm activities to more intense ones for those looking for a lot of action.

Have a craft beer with a lake view

Bariloche is one of the beer destinations par excellence in the country, with a large number of craft breweries that constantly open in different parts of the city. Both in the center and in more remote places, having beer in the afternoon is a guaranteed plan. Not to mention if it is enjoyed with a homemade platter and a privileged view of one of the lakes.

Recharge energy on a beach by the lake

The different beaches set up on the shores of the lakes in Bariloche have become an attraction that is only fully enjoyed in warm weather. Most are around the two most famous lakes in the area - Nahuel Huapi and Gutiérrez - the second with slightly warmer waters than the first, making it the favorite for swimming and cooling off. There are beaches of all styles; with rocks or fine sand, ideal for water sports, ideal for children, surrounded by forests, with docks, or more secluded. But what they all have in common is that pristine turquoise and the pure mountain air.

Climb a mountain and spend the night under the stars

One of the favorite plans of adventurers is to head uphill trekking through the slopes of one of its mountains. You climb at a leisurely pace for a couple of hours, getting intoxicated with unique views and breathing increasingly pure air. Mountain shelters are ideal for having a beer and eating something before starting the descent - if you are looking for a one-day plan - or they also serve as accommodation to spend the night under the open sky under the most starry sky ever seen.

Walk through Llao Llao Park and admire the hotel

The five-star Llao Llao hotel is the most exclusive in all of Patagonia. Its location amidst greenery and mountains, and steps from the lake, make it a spectacle worth seeing. But at the same time, those who approach by walking the picturesque path can visit one of its four restaurants, to delight the palate with Patagonian cuisine or enjoy a classic tea with the best landscapes through the window.

What to eat in Bariloche?

Patagonian cuisine is one of the most outstanding in all of Argentina. The abundant nature that characterizes Bariloche and the freshness of its lakes give the city a wealth of indigenous ingredients of exceptional quality. In turn, culinary techniques have been perfected, and today more and more restaurants surprise both locals and tourists with the preparation of author dishes of great flavor.

Patagonian lamb

Whether in barbecues, stews, smoked, on the cross, or as a filling in empanadas or pastas: lamb meat is one of the most representative of the region. It is not only acclaimed for its flavor but also for its nutritional benefits; since they are fed with organic pastures and their meat is lean, low in cholesterol, and has antioxidants.

Trout

If there is a star product in Bariloche's cuisine, it is trout. This species abounds in Patagonian lakes and rivers, and in the breeding grounds made over natural waters to ensure its continuity. It can be consumed fresh or smoked; grilled, in butter, or even as a filling in empanadas, pastas, or pies.

Smoked products

The smoking technique, initially, aimed to preserve food when there was no refrigeration. Today, it is used to give a unique flavor to meats, cheeses, and sausages, thanks to the smoke produced by the woods of its native trees. Lamb, wild boar, deer, trout, salmon, salami, and cheese; are ideal for assembling a great charcuterie board and accompanying it with wine or craft beer.

Pine mushrooms

Native to pine forests, they are harvested in autumn and are dried and packaged by the chefs of restaurants themselves to preserve their flavor and quality to the maximum. Intense and protagonists, they are used to prepare sauces or fillings, giving dishes a touch of their distinctive flavor.

Chocolate

Bariloche was named the National Capital of Chocolate and is home to its National Festival during the days of Holy Week, where they make the largest chocolate bar in the world. The quality of the product, its creaminess, and the different formats and fillings achieved by the chocolatiers of the region make it almost mandatory to take a souvenir box.

Curanto

An ancestral dish from the Araucanian heritage of the region. It has a legendary preparation process: a hole of 15 centimeters is dug in the earth where hot stones are distributed, on top a bed of maqui or nalca leaves, and on top go the meats and vegetables. Then, it is covered with a layer of earth that acts as a pressure oven and the smoke and vapors announce the end of cooking. It is a meal that is prepared in special circumstances and moments.

Red berries

At the foot of the Andes, from Bariloche to Epuyén, there are high-quality red berries. They are harvested in summer and are often used to make homemade jams that stand out throughout the country, even internationally. We find raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, currants, rose hips, cherries, and sour cherries, among several others.

What to bring to Bariloche?

Bariloche in summer combines temperatures of up to 25 degrees or more during the day, with cool nights, which may not reach 10. That is why in the suitcase you must travel with light and fresh clothes along with warm clothes; sweatshirts, jacket, and pants. For the beach, swimwear, sunscreen, a cap, a tarp, sandals, and a thermal bottle to have cold water always on hand cannot be missing. It is never too much to bring a towel and spare clothes in a backpack.

If the plan is to venture on a trekking or rafting, comfortable footwear is essential. So much so that, if it is not suitable, it can ruin the experience. The same goes for clothing, so sports clothing is a great option for those who venture on hikes of all levels. As a precaution, a spare pair of socks is always useful, as is vaseline to avoid blisters that prevent continuing forward. Mosquito repellent is another essential item on the checklist.