Off-the-Beaten-Path Bariloche Itinerary: 5 Tips

Tired of always following the same Bariloche itinerary? We've put together a few special tips for stepping off the traditional Bariloche itinerary so you can discover what lies behind the major tourist attractions.

After all, every place has must-see spots, like the Cerro, the Nordic Night and so on. So get ready to discover what else you can explore during your stay!

1# The incredible tea houses

First of all, thanks to the region's immigration history, San Carlos de Bariloche became home to several tea houses that have stood the test of time. Some were built decades ago and are still in operation. With that in mind, here are a few of them:

Bellevue

Open since 1982, the moment you see this place you'll be reminded of the story of Hansel and Gretel. After all, it sits amid a path of tulips and hydrangeas, somewhat hidden in the forest.

The view of Lake Moreno completes the scene. It's worth noting that its origins go back to 1945 with a German founder. The local specialties are cakes paired with an infusion.

Chiado

With one of the best views of Lake Nahuel, this spot draws attention with its unique vintage decor.

It also offers a great selection of teas, hot chocolate, smoothies, and cakes. Our tip is to try the favorites: the cheesecake and the carrot cake.

Equs

Originally from Wales, the history of this tea house begins in 1865 and it still preserves the oldest traditions. The place is also a small inn, offering traditional teas, homemade breads and sweets, as well as country cheese.

That said, the highlight is the tasting of scones and Welsh cake.

And make no mistake, there are many other incredible houses for you to discover and enjoy. Such as Paila Co, Meiling Tea House, No me olvides, and more.

2# Cascada de Los Alerces: Bariloche itinerary

A special tip for getting to know the city is to head to the southern part of the National Park, the one that lies along the shores of Lakes Gutiérrez and Mascardi.

There you'll find a path through the mountains that ends at a waterfall hidden in the forest. The scenery is incredible and you'll have a complete view from there.

In addition, the Manso River is born in this region, flowing down past Cerro Tronador until it empties into the Pacific.

So it's well worth visiting this hidden paradise with crystal-clear waters that, upon reaching the pools, turn a shade of blue that looks like it came straight out of a fantasy book.

Tip: a similar tip is to visit Brazo Tristeza, a fjord of the region's main lake that freezes over in winter. There you'll find numerous waterfalls and mountains, making it one of the areas sought out by backpackers and nature lovers.

3# Cruce Andino, Isla Victoria, and Bosque de Arrayanes

The Cruce Andino is a stunning route, ideal for those near the Andes Mountains.

During the trip, you'll see the lakes and can reach Puerto Varas. In fact, the Cruce uses one of the most famous routes in the region, used by Indigenous peoples for over 400 years.

Speaking of tips beyond dry land, it's worth visiting Isla Victoria by crossing Lake Nahuel. To do so, you circle the Bosque de Arrayanes. A Bariloche itinerary quite different from what we're used to.

In other words, surrounded by the region's incredible, untouched nature, on easy and gentle trails.

4# Wine and beer tasting

For grown-ups, wine and beer can completely transform the trip. Especially during the colder times of the year, like autumn and winter.

So it's worth getting to know what the region has to offer. That means discovering incredible restaurants, but above all the wineries.

One of the most famous is Patagonia Vinos, with a wide variety of wines, liqueurs, and spirits. There you'll find two options: the guided individual tasting or the glass tasting. Each one with its own products and specific perks.

As for beer lovers, the tip is to check out the Beer Tour Bariloche, Berlina Tap Room, Cerveceria Patagonia, and many others. Take the chance to set aside a little time and sample regional dishes. A Bariloche itinerary quite different from what we're used to.

5# You need to discover trekking on the Bariloche itinerary

Trekking is a style of hiking in close contact with nature. Basically, it consists of making the most of the entire region, taking in all the vegetation. But you'll need some physical preparation to enjoy it all.

Being a very mountainous region full of lakes, San Carlos de Bariloche is ideal for the activity, and there are some recommended trails, such as:

• Cerrito Llao Llao and Villa Tacul: with incredible landscapes that end at the beach;
• Bahía López: starting from the Bahía and passing through Brazo Tristeza and Monte Capilla with turquoise waters;
• Lago Escondido: a short route that reaches the lake and passes through the Bosque de Coihues.

But if you want more challenging options, you can choose the Travesía de los Cuatro Refugios, a route that can take up to 9 hours a day. As well as Monte Tronador which, all the way to its incredible summit, can take up to 12 hours.

Other options include the Doble Travesía de los Andes and Huella Andina.

Stepping off the traditional Bariloche itinerary for all ages

Finally, stepping off the traditional Bariloche itinerary, there are some excursions that can work for all ages. In other words, children, seniors, and adults will all want to come back again and again.

But take note: you can organize all of this in advance, avoiding surprises, or simply arrive and decide what you want to do. Some agencies may still have openings, depending on the season.

So you can go horseback riding, scuba diving, ziplining, rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking or kitesurfing, fishing, rafting, canyoning, and the list goes on.

Then you might ask yourself: swimming, in the cold waters of Bariloche?

Well, during the warmer seasons, like summer, you can discover a whole world amid the crystal-clear waters, in the depths of Patagonia.

Each of the lakes offers a different view, depth, and experience. At Arroyo La Angostura, you reach 15 meters and will see perch, trout, crabs, and enchanting algae amid the log formations.

At Moreno East and West you can reach 20 meters, taking in massive rock formations. In short, if you want to learn more about this incredible little corner of the world, check out the Fidu Blog and stay up to date with the latest news!