Argentina & Chile: Andean Crossing

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: Puerto Varas is a city in Los Lagos Region. Puerto Varas is known as “the city of roses” for its many flower-lined streets. The best view of Puerto Varas is from the waterfront, where you can admire the vista of the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes, which serve as a backdrop to the dark blue crystalline waters of Lake Llanquihue, which are mirror-like in the morning. Don’t forget to visit the amazing Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls, and a little further on, the emerald-colored Lake Todos Los Santos, set amidst steep hillside forests lush with vegetation.

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.