Stroll through the streets and admire Bariloche's architecture, which exposes why the city has been nicknamed the "South American Switzerland." After a visit to the unfinished Cathedral Nuestra Señora del Nahuel Huapi, venture through the shops and restaurants of Puerto San Carlos, a place that also offers entertainment for children. The Civic Center is the main square of the city, featuring the Patagonia Museum, the tourist information center, and the Emilio Frey Venue, which hosts cultural events and art exhibitions year-round. The Clock Tower, located on the Council Building, displays a parade of priests and solider figures when it strikes the hours of 12 and six. Mitre Street is a hub of commercial activity, and is home of the Worest Casino, which offers a view of the lake. Beschtedt Street features The Chapel of the Immaculate, a historic national monument, and Perito Moreno Street is crowded with more grand displays of Bariloche's architecture.
If there is one thing Bariloche is not short of, it is excursions. From the mountains to the lake, there are many available guided tours to explore this picturesque Argentinean region. The Circuito Grande, or Grand Circuit, offers the lengthiest excursion through the Nahuel Huapi National Park, and includes a trip to El Valle Encantado, as well as smaller surrounding villages. The Circuito Chico, or Small Circuit, is a tour along the coast of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Other excursions include trips to Victoria Island and Arrayanes Woods, which begin with long boat rides and end in the coniferous forest. The Peuma Hue Estancia trip explores the Patagonian countryside and its famed ranches, surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls. Another popular day trip is crossing the Lake to Puerto Montt, Chile.
After exploring the artisan shops and cafes of the tourist-filled Villa Angostura, hike through the nearby Parque National los Arrayanes, distinct with its tall, mocha-colored trees and vegetation. Visitors can also find a trail from De Los Pioneros Avenue, of Cerro Otto, which spirals up to the scenic summit and provides panoramic views of the city. Since the hike is long, a cable railway is also available. Cerro Eco-Viejo Tourist Park and Cerro Leones Park also provide paths for explorers to observe the biodiversity of these areas on foot.
Bariloche is often associated with skiing, since Cerro Catedral mountain combines a picturesque skiing environment with comfortable tourist amenities, such as quaint lodges, shops and restaurants. But skiing isn't the only popular sport of Bariloche, as whitewater rafting is another major tourist activity. Beginning in November, rafters cruise the fast currents of the Rio Manso and Limay, often on day-long whitewater rafting excursions offered by several local Bariloche companies. Paragliders also favor the ideal altitudes and winds of Baroliche locations. Golf is also popular during September to May, and the Llao Hotel & Resort offers an 18-hole course on a lush green landscape.
