Just back from a 10-day trip to Bariloche, the main city in the Lakes Region of Argentina, we thought of sharing some pics and useful information for those willing to visit the area. Fortunately, the effects of the Puyehue Volcano that affected the area in 2011 are gone and the region looks as beautiful as ever.
The starting point is the Llao Llao Hotel, a historic property located in a truly unique spot overlooking the Nahuel Huapi and Moreno Lakes, the surrounding mountains and the ever-white Mount Tronador, covered in glaciers.
The Resort was first opened in 1938, and after being closed for 15 years, it reopened in 1993 with the addition of the 18-holes golf course, the spa (with a fantastic in-out pool) and in 2007 a new wing overlooking the Moreno Lake, with 43 new larger and more functional rooms than the original building.
Just half a mile from the hotel, there is a hiking trail that enters the natural reserve and leads to Villa Tacul, an elevated viewpoint over the Moreno Lake with some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the area.
There is another panoramic view of the area reaching the summit of the Llao Llao Mount and following the path it is possible to reach Escondido Lake and the shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. Along the hike through Coihue and Arrayán forests it is possible to spot the elusive Chucao (Scelorchilus rubecula rubecula), an indigenous bird of these forests.
Bariloche is also a fantastic culinary destination, where the German heritage left its imprint in the local breweries and restaurants. Blest, a colorful local brewery serves a fantastic Chucrut to go along with their thick Irish Stout.
Chocolate stores are everywhere but we found Mamuschka or Abuela Goye the better choices. As for ice-cream, Jauja is a must-try, specially their mix of traditional flavors with local ingredients (lemon with boysenberry comes to mind).
