Bariloche & San Martín de los Andes

About the destination: San Carlos de Bariloche, usually just called Bariloche, is a lakeside city in northern Patagonia framed by snow-capped peaks, deep blue waters, and dense forests. Sitting on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and within the national park of the same name, it’s one of Argentina’s most popular year‑round destinations. The town has a strong alpine feel, with chalet-style architecture, stone-and-wood buildings, and a lively main square that fills with tourists, street musicians, and locals alike. Bariloche is especially famous for its outdoor activities. In winter (June–September), skiers and snowboarders from across South America flock to Cerro Catedral, one of the largest ski resorts in the region. The rest of the year, the mountains and lakes become a playground for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, and climbing. Classic excursions include the Circuito Chico scenic drive with viewpoints like Cerro Campanario and panoramic boat trips to destinations such as Isla Victoria and the Arrayanes Forest. Food and drink are a major part of the Bariloche experience. The city is renowned for its artisanal chocolate shops that line Mitre Street, as well as its Patagonian cuisine: hearty stews, trout from local rivers, and the famous Patagonian lamb roasted over an open fire. In recent years, a thriving craft beer scene has emerged, with numerous microbreweries offering tastings with views over the lake and mountains. Bariloche also works as a convenient gateway to a wider Patagonian road trip. The scenic Route of the Seven Lakes links it with Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes, making it easy to explore a chain of lakes, forests, and small mountain towns. With a good range of accommodation—from lakeside lodges and boutique hotels to hostels—plus frequent flights from Buenos Aires, Bariloche is accessible enough for a short stay yet rich enough in experiences to keep travelers busy for a week or more.

About the destination: San Martín de los Andes is a charming mountain town tucked into the Patagonian Andes, on the shores of the serene Lácar Lake. Smaller and more laid‑back than Bariloche, it’s ideal if you’re looking for nature, outdoor activities, and a relaxed atmosphere. Wooden cabins, flower-filled gardens in summer, and snow-dusted rooftops in winter give it a cozy, alpine feel, while good restaurants and cafés line its compact downtown. The town is the gateway to Lanín National Park, one of northern Patagonia’s most impressive protected areas. Here you’ll find native forests of coihue and araucaria (the iconic monkey puzzle tree), crystal-clear rivers, and the snowcapped cone of Lanín Volcano rising in the distance. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking on Lácar Lake, and boat trips to secluded beaches such as Quila Quina and Hua Hum. In summer, the long days are perfect for exploring the many trails and viewpoints. Winter transforms San Martín de los Andes into a ski hub, thanks to the nearby Chapelco Ski Resort. From June to September, visitors flock here for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, often rewarded with panoramic views of the Andes and the lake below. The town’s accommodations range from boutique lodges and family-run guesthouses to apartments and campsites, catering to different budgets while maintaining a strong mountain-lodge character. San Martín de los Andes is also the starting or ending point of the famous Seven Lakes Route, one of Argentina’s most scenic drives, which connects it with Villa La Angostura and passes by turquoise lakes framed by forest and peaks. Whether you arrive by car or bus, plan to stay at least a few days: between lakeside sunsets, local craft markets, Patagonian cuisine (try the trout and lamb), and the ever-present mountains, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and stay longer than planned.