Nestled up against Chile in the west of Province Rio Negro, San Carlos de Bariloche is an ideal outdoor destination year round.  Located in the Andes mountains 1,621 km (1,005 mi) SW of Buenos Aires, Bariloche borders the shore of beautiful lake Nahuel Huapi, and lies on an important mountain pass between Chile and Argentina.  It’s beauty and location, along with the arrival of the railroad in the 1930’s, have turned Bariloche into one of the main tourist and backpacker destinations in Argentina.

Bariloche is located in an ideal geographic position for lovers of the outdoors, and its climate makes it both a winter and summer playground for adventure-seeking vacationers.  For those who prefer to stay closer to civilization, the town itself offers plenty of museums, shopping, and dining to keep everyone entertained.

Though most travelers come to Bariloche to enjoy the outdoors, the town itself also offers up some attractions for rainy or restful days.  Bariloche’s civic center (Av. Juan Manuel de Rosas y Panzoni) is home to municipal offices and many tourism services and also houses the most noteworthy museum of Bariloche, el Museo de la Patagonia Perito Moreno (tel. (02944) 422309).  The museum opened in 1940 and is dedicated to the natural science, history, and ethanography of the Bariloche region.

Bariloche also has something nightlife of all flavors.  There are several clubs (boliches) in town for the student crowd. Try Roket, J.M. de Rosas 424 (tel. (02944) 431940), or Cerebro, J.M. de Rosas 405 (tel. (02944) 424965).  There are also several microbreweries in Bariloche for the beer connoisseurs, including Cerveceria Blest, Avenida Bustillo Km 11.5 (tel. (02944) 461026), the oldest microbrewery in Argentina.  For those who want something more tranquilo, say a glass of famous Argentine vino and a view lakefront wine stop Trentis Lakebar, J.M. de Rosas 435 is open 24 hours a day.  There’s even a casino for the gambling crowd – Worest Casino, Av. San Martin 570 (tel (02944) 425846), with a live show every evening, 18 years and older.

But the real attractions in Bariloche come out of doors.  Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi surrounds the city of Bariloche and is Argentina’s oldest and most popular national park.  It is also the main hub for almost all outdoors activities in Bariloche.  It’s main features are the extinct volcano Tronador (Thunderer) peaking at an elevation of 3,500m and lake Nahuel Huapi, the largest of more than a dozen glacial-formed lakes.  During the summer visitors can choose from many activities, including hikes through the park fit for all levels, boating out to one of the lakes many islands, rafting, horseback riding and fishing.  During the winter the parks second dominant peak, Cerro Catedral, is the area’s most popular ski resort.

Gondolas are open at Cerro Catedral and Cerro Otto for pedestrian sightseeing.  The top of Cerro Otto boasts sweeping views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, the Llao Llao Peninsula, and the Catedral and Tronador peaks.  Gondola rides cost about U$D10 per person and are open year round.  The summit of Cerro Cerdo also has a revolving restaurant to enjoy the view as you dine. For the best views, however, you must paraglide.  Tandem glides are available with pilots or instructors.  Gliding is available year-round and for those with greater interest classes are offered.  Paragliding is available off Cerro Alto, Cerro Catedral, and Anfiteatro

If you have flexibility in your dates for Bariloche, definitely plan to be there during the National Snow Carnival, an event held annually across the region and at all resorts.  The Carnival is free but normal prices apply for ski passes at the resorts.  A Snow Queen is crowned and the slopes become a fashion frenzy.  Fireworks illuminate the town and festivities include torch-lit ski parades, ski-jumping, and any winter sports competitions imaginable.

Bariloche is a dream for hostellers, students, and backpackers on a budget.  Cheap eats such as lomito sandwiches and empanadas can be found all over and for cheap accommodation the town offers a variety of hostels for those looking for something inexpensive but cozy/friendly/fun. Reservations can generally be made online by contacting the hostel through the form on their minihostels profile or accessing their webpage, found in the top profile bar.