Bariloche, Argentina

[Johnny Chimpo 479]

Anyone done Bariloche before? Thinking of planning a guys ski trip for late July / Early August. My buddy has platinum elite ambassador status with Marriott so we were thinking of booking at the Marriott property there and then heading up to Cerro Catedrale for some time on the slopes. 

Would be interested in hearing from anyone who’s been that way. How was it, where did you stay, how did you manage transportation, etc.  

[Firemans4Horn 18,127]

I was there in the fall shoulder season. Rented a car and toured the Lake District for a few days with a some girls I met. I was a poor backpacker so I don’t have any specific tips other than it’s a gorgeous part of the world. The distances between places (Patagonia, mendoza, BsAs) are further than most people think so don’t try to jam 4 different places into a week long trip. 

[Gladeite 375]

It is a wonderful part of Patagonia.  I stayed at Llao Llao.  A great resort with very good food.  Then toured the lakes to the north and on to San Martin.  Another great, small resort town.  Stayed at Tipiliuke, a private resort on 60,000 acres.  Best trout fishing, quail hunting, red stag hunting in Patagonia.  I highly recommend.  

[Brisketexan 105,437]

Went there over the Thanksgiving holiday (so, late spring) 20 years ago.  Actually stayed in Villa Langostura, a smaller town, in a gorgeous lodge right on lake Nahuel Huapi.  Had thanksgiving dinner at El Boliche Viejo, at the mouth of the Rio Limay.  We stayed up late eating beef and patagonian lamb, and drinking fantastic wine.  For two days, we flyfished remote rivers.  The ladies toured the 7 lakes.  It's perhaps the most beautiful place I've ever been.  BUT, we weren't there in ski season.  I'm sure it's even prettier then.  Bariloche can be hopping (there's casinos, etc.) during season.  Villa Langostura or places like it are great if you're looking for a quieter time -- real pretty, nice lodges, a few really good restaurants.

Also, rumor is that Hitler actually escaped and lived out his final days on the lake just a few miles away.  So, you know, there's that.  Whether or not it was Hitler, there were DEFINITELY some fugitive nazis who lived in the area.  Very alpine, reminded them of home.