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In Bariloche you will admire
the breathtaking natural landscapes of Patagonia, a unique natural
heaven on Earth. It's magic and unique attractions have enchanted
travelers all around the world.
Ted Turner, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Luciano Benetton and George Soros
and are only some of the people who have even decided to buy land
and build a "home sweet home" in Patagonia...
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Read below to learn about our suggested Bariloche tours and our useful insider's tips
for having the best time in Bariloche!
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Panoramic Hiking Experience
Prepare to enjoy an
amazing hiking & sightseeing experience, delighting yourself
with some of the most impressive panoramic views of Patagonia.
You'll be picked up
in the morning by our expert hiking guide in a private vehicle.
Our destination is the Cerro Llao Llao (Mount Llao Llao),
definitely the most beautiful outing in this region. The trekking
on the Llao Llao Hill is an easy hike which takes you to strategic
panoramic points that will allow you to enjoy and take pictures
of amazing panoramic views (see picture on the left) .
The hiking at Llao
Llao hill lasts approximately between 2 hours and 2 hours
and a half.
After enjoying this
spectacular hike and panoramic views, you will go with our
guide to Cerro Campanario. On the way, you'll stop to shoot
some pictures by the best panoramic point of the road, where
you'll enjoy a direct view of the Llao Llao Peninsula (see
picture on the left).
The way up Campanario Hill will
be done with a chairlift. The views from Mount Llao Llao are
mid range panoramic views, but at Mount Campanario you'll
enjoy long range panoramic views. National Geographic rated
the view from Cerro Campanario as the 7th most beautiful view
in the World! (see pictures on the left) .
You'll take the
chairlift back to the road and our guide will take you back
to your hotel.
Difficulty:
Easy
Duration:
half day (4 hours approximately)
Guide:
private English speaking hiking guide
Transfer:
private vehicle
Includes:
transfers + tickets for chairlift at Cerro Campanario
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Insider's Tip: This is special
hiking tour we have designed for our guests which covers the best hiking
and panoramic sightseeing spots of Bariloche (some "secret"
and exclusive routes also included!). If you want to book your hiking
tour with other company make sure that it includes the Cerro Llao Llao
region and it is a must to take the chairlift to Cerro Campanario to enjoy
amazing long range panoramic views which have been rated by National Geographic
as the 7th best panoramic view in the world! If you finally decide not
to take a hiking or trekking tour (Bariloche is a great destinations for
hiking and trekking) then you can also visit the Cerro Campanario and
its amazing panoramic views taking a cab from you hotel by your own.
On the top of the Cerro Campanario you have a bar with tables and huge
panoramic windows. It's very nice to take a cup of hot chocolate while
admiring that fantastic view. Last, there are at least 5 different panoramic
viewpoints on top of the Cerro Campanario, be sure to visit all of them!
Insider's Tip 2: Like in any adventure
experience you have you certify that the guides have the required knowledge
and expertise to make this activities fun and not risk. We only work with
certified guides who have a guide degree in any of the major local hiking
and trekking institutions.
Ask the hiking/trekking tour company if their guides are for example part
of the MGA (Mountain Guides Association) which is the most important mountain
guides association of Argentina.
Insider's Tip 3: In any
adventure activity how you dress can make a big difference on whether
you have a great time or not. If you feel uncomfortable, too cold or too
hot most probably your tour experience won't be as good. Due to the changing
weather, and to enjoy your trekking or hiking experience we recommend
you bring the following items:
• A windbreaker jacket
• Comfortable trekking boots or shoes, rubber soles are best
• Sun glasses to protect your eyes from the sun on summer and spring
• Sun screen on summer and spring
For multi-day trekking programs you will need
specific gear according to that specific tour. In Bariloche you also have
a couple of great guides for mountain climbing if you would like to pump
your adrenaline!
Need more travel tips and advice? Contact
us
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Sailing & Exploration to the Victoria Island and Myrtle Forest
This tour begins at Puerto Pañuelo, on the shores of
the picturesque Llao Llao Peninsula. Our boat leaves from
this pier towards Victoria Island.
The blue waters of the Nahuel Huapi, the greenness of the
trees growing on the coast and the snow-capped peaks of the
mountain range that surrounds the scenery are our companions
during this voyage.
After 30 minutes of a quiet lake ride that crosses 7 miles
(11 kilometers), Puerto Anchorena is reached on the Victoria
island.
Its beautiful natural scenery spreads across 3,710 hectares
and encloses various attractions. This island in a remote
past was dwelled by Indian communities that left their marks
in the form of cave paintings in some areas of the island.
The leafy trails that cross Victoria lead the visitors to
the giant sequoias, thujas, eucalyptus, pines, oaks as well
as cypresses, coihues and ñires, which are the habitat
for various species, such as the pudú (the smallest
deer in the world), wild boar, red deer, pheasants and countless
species of birds. Some imperial shags may also be spoted in
the tree tops.
The del Toro, Puerto Gross, Radal and Piedras Blancas beaches
are some of the most interesting nooks in Victoria Island.
You have more than 3 hours to tour the different trails in
Isla Victoria, and after that you will continue the sailing
up to Puerto Quetrihue, located in the South of the peninsula
bearing the same name, in order to visit the Arrayanes National
Park .
This reserve protects a myrtle forest unique in the world,
with specimens of 45 feet (15 meters) high which are between
500 and 650 years old.
This tree formation with ancient specimens is unique in the
world. The tree bark is cold, completely smooth and cinnamon-colored.
The tree has white flowers resembling the orange blossom,
and purple fruit with a deliciuos taste. The myrtle forest
has been declared natural monument and human activities have
been restricted in this area.
Los Arrayanes National Park was created in 1971. It covers
the whole extension of the Quetrihuè Peninsula with
an area of 1,840 hectares.
You have about 50 minutes to visit the Arrayanes forest.
At late afternoon
you return to our hotel.
Difficulty: low
Duration: full
day
Guide: this
tour is self-guided and we will provide
you with the needed information to enjoy this day tour the
most.
Includes: transfers
and entrance fee to National Park
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Rafting to the Chilean Border over the Manso River
Get ready for an exciting adventure day full of adrenaline
and fun in the class III and IV rapids of the Manso River.
This journey starts at Bariloche and you will paddle all the
way to the border with Chile! Fasten your adventure belts
and bring your towel... you`ll be completely soaked from head
to toes!
Our chauffeur will meet you at your hotel to start your
adventure journey.
We will drive for 65 miles (approximately 100 kilometers)
until we reach our refuge at about 10:30 AM. On the way you
will enjoy astonishing views of high mountains on a road zigzagging
through the wilderness. It will take 2 hours approximately
to reach the refuge where the rafting adventure begins.
If it is cold we will provide you with a dry-fit neoprene
jacket. After you are dressed and ready our expert guide will
give you the basic paddling techniques and safety instructions
for this thrilling rafting adventure, ensuring everybody's
safety and comfort.
We are now ready to set off and start our rafting descent.
The first half an hour you will enjoy rafting through a breathtaking
canyon (Velvet Canyon). The tranquil emerald green waters
set a perfect setting to practice and start feeling confident
with your paddling skills.
Following, you´ll reach white water rapids and the adventure
begins! Team effort and spirit will be needed to ride over
these rapids (Class III/IV) that the Manso River has. Indeed,
the "welcome rapid" shakes our boat, but it gets
better along the way, better and wilder!
You´ll see why we have named some of these rapids with
names as "Ozone hole"; "scream out loud";
"ecstasy" ; etcétera.
Two hours later our adventure ends, very close to the border
with Chile, where a van will be waiting to drive us to a camping
site where you will delighted with an "asado patagónico"
(meat barbecue) with beverages and wine.
We then return to Bariloche
arriving back to our hotel at around 7:00 PM.
Requirements for this tour: being
older than 14 years old, physically fit, and confident about swimming.
You should know that you are definitely
going to be wet from head to toes in cold river water. Though
this tour is terribly fun, travelers who aren`t comfortable
with fast water riding should strongly consider not not pursuing
this tour. Be assured that full safety is always achieved,
ensured by the professional experienced guides and a safety
kayak that continuously follows the raft. If you should fall
from the raft, there´s nothing to worry about because the
guide in the safety kayak will assist you and help you get
to the nearest shore, so you can rest assured your wellbeing
and safety is completely covered at all times.
If your children are less than 14 years old or if you are just looking for
a fun but easy rafting experience, please
request the "Classic Manso rafting" experience which can be done by anyone
older than 6 years, presenting
almost no difficulty at all. (Class I/II rapids)
Difficulty: moderate
Duration: full day
Guide: shared
English/Spanish speaking guide
Transfer:
shared vehicle
Includes: transfers + complete rafting equipment
and a safety kayak +
dry-fit neoprene jackets + lunch with beverages
and wine
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Insider's Tip: This is a class
III/IV rapid, there is no past rafting experience needed, our guides will
teach you how to raft, but you have to be comfortable with swimming as
it is very probable that raft will turn over and you will have to swim
in the rapids. If you don't know how to swim but you do want to enjoy
a rafting experience, then we suggest that you book the "Classic
Manso river rafting" which is a very easy but exciting rafting with
no age restriction (therefore a good choice also for families with kids).
It's very important that you ask your tour company if you will be provided
for the rafting to the frontier with Chile with the complete rafting safety
equipment (i.e.: rafting life suits, helmets. neoprene jackets if water
is too cold, etc.) and any class III/IV or higher rafting should be done
with a raft and also a safety kayak (safety kayaks can be used also for
the class I/II raftings). Use only reliable rafting companies endorsed
by the Bariloche tourism association which have certified rafting guides
and the follow the mandatory security guidelines.
Insider's Tip 2: Take your camera
also for this tour. You won't be able to use it on the boat (unless you
have a waterproof camera) but you will need it to take photos of the super
nice views and landscapes that you will see on the way to the Manso River
and also at milestone which separates Chile and Argentina, where the rafting
ends (also know as the "victory milestone"!).
Insider's Tip 3: When booking
the tour ask your tour company if you have to take your passport on the
rafting to the border with Chile (of course not on the raft!) as local
authorities are sometimes requesting it.
Insider's Tip 4: Try to get a
seat next to the window on the tour vehicle that will take you to the
rafting camp. This way you will be able to take photos of the fantastic
mountains and landscapes you will see before getting to the rafting camp.
Insider's Tip 5: In any adventure
activity how you dress can make a big difference on whether you have a
great time or not. If you feel uncomfortable, too cold or too hot most
probably your tour experience won't be as good. We suggest for this tour:
1. Bring a complete change of clothes to change
after the rafting, including an extra pair of sneakers or sport shoes
(you will need to wear sneakers on the raft so they will be completely
soaked!). You will be given wetsuits for this tour if the water is too
cold, but the clothes you will take on the raft will get wet. Our guide
will provide you with all necessary rafting and safety equipment. You
will leave your bag with your spare clothes at our refuge where you will
return for lunch.
2. Bring and wear sunscreen. Your body will be
exposed to the sun during the entire day.
3. If you have them, bring a pair of comfortable
neoprene gloves with you as they will protect your hands from getting
blisters while rowing. However, if you don't have neoprene gloves, you
can wear any type of glove or just don't wear gloves.
Insider's Tip 6: Most
often, tour transfers are done in air conditioned vehicles which tend
to be a bit too cold. Therefore, a sweater or pullover always comes in
handy. We suggest always carrying one with you, hence avoiding the risk
of catching a cold because of these sudden changes in temperatures.
Need more travel tips and advice? Contact
us
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Crossing streams
View to Cerro Tronador
Fortin Chacabuco Lodge
Limay River
Andean Condor
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Horseback Riding Experience at a Patagonian Estancia
Prepare for a day full of adventures. You will leave in
the morning in our van. The drive takes about half an hour
before reaching Fortín Chacabuco Ranch.
Estancia Fortin Chacabuco (Fortin Chacabuco ranch) is
located on the shore of Rio Limay (Limay River), 12 miles
(19 kilometers) from Bariloche. This historical place was
the last military settlement in the Desert Campaign of 1880
when Government forces were engaged in battle against the
local natives. It was built in 1883 when General Villegas
ordered to build the Chacabuco Fort. This estancia captures
exactly the flavor of a historical and authentic Patagonian
estancia. It still operates similarly to the way large ranches
were run years ago by it's sheep herding, cattle and horse
ranching. At the Fortin Chacabuco Ranch you will explained
how the dynamics of ranching sheep works, along with all the
other tasks done in the estancia. The Estancia Fortin Chacabuco
was the first ranch in Argentina to develop a genetically
superior species of sheep, both for wool and meat, being the
first in Argentina that used frozen sperm for artificial insemination.
The location is the transitional zone between the precordillera
and the steppe. It has two well-defined geographical areas.
The steppe gives panoramic views of Bariloche, the Nahuel
Huapi Lake, Cerro Tronador and the Limay River, whereas the
forest zone consists of varied terrain with canyons, rock
formations, streams and marshes, therefore offering different
and varied flora, fauna and soils. These combination of beautiful
landscapes will let you enjoy a one-of-a-kind horseback riding
experience and what we consider one of the best horseback
riding trips of all Patagonia.
What further completes this country lodge is its reputation
of fine home cooked food. By visiting this special place you
will be able to observe first hand the life and character
of the estancias in this region.
At the estancia you will be greeted by the local
guides (baqueanos), who know these regions like the palm of
their hands. They will have horses ready for you to
ride up into the arid and desolate Patagonian "estepa"
(praire). You will first ride along the Fortin Mountain slopes
where you are likely to spot some Red Deers, Guanacos, Grey
Foxes and perhaps the "King of the Air" - the Andean
Giant Condor, which are often seen soaring around the region
peaks.
Back in the ranch an "asado criollo" (delicious
meat barbecue) awaits. This style cooking meat over an open
fire (very close to hot coals but without flames) is typical
of Argentina. In the afternoon you will have free time to
walk around the establishment, into the sheep-shearing sheds,
the horse stables and the "gauchos" quarters. You
will also enjoy "mate" (Argentines typical hot beverage)
and delicious "tortas fritas" (similar to donoughts).
"Mate" is made from dried crushed leaves of the
"mate" bush, then hot water is added in much the
same way tea is made. It is served in a "mate" cup
and sipped through an ornate (sometimes silver) straw. Any
time of the day in Argentina is "mate" time.
You will return to Bariloche in the late afternoon.
Difficulty:
low
Duration:
full
day
Guide:
shared
English/Spanish speaking guide
Transfer: shared vehicle
Includes: asado (barbeque) for lunch with beverages.
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Insider's Tip: Although Bariloche
offers several horseback riding options we strongly suggest booking the
horseback riding at the Fortín Chacabuco ranch, which offers by
far the most amazing and also diverse landscapes.
Insider's Tip 2: In any adventure
activity how you dress can make a big difference on whether you have a
great time or not. If you feel uncomfortable, too cold or too hot most
probably your tour experience won't be as good. As you might know, for
horseback riding it is a must to wear long pants or jeans which are not
too tight or too baggy. All clothes have to be comfortable and well-fitting.
If the temperature is warm, wear a shirt in a light, breathable fabric
such as cotton. If it's cold, layer long-sleeved shirts with a jacket
or sweatshirt will be fine.
Women with long hair should tie it up before riding so it does not interfere
with their vision while riding.
Insider's Tip 3: When you book
a horseback riding tour make sure to tell the tour company with whom you
book about your expertise and riding experience. If you are a beginner
or have never horseback ride before, let them know so you are sure that
you are booking a tour with an appropriate difficulty level according
to your expertise.
Insider's Tip 4: Most
often, tour transfers are done in air conditioned vehicles which tend
to be a bit too cold. Therefore, a sweater or pullover always comes in
handy. We suggest always carrying one with you, hence avoiding the risk
of catching a cold because of these sudden changes in temperatures.
Need more travel tips and advice? Contact
us
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