Tuesday, September 30, 2014

SAILING ACROSS NAHUEL HUAPI LAKE

Let yourself get carried away by the wind...




  Hello friends! now that spring is slowly taking place in Bariloche, if you are looking for the way to relax and enjoy one of the best city views from the lake, among other options, sailing is my best suggestion for sure.



Yes, I'm talking about enjoying an unforgettable experience sailing across the Nahuel Huapi Lake waters, one of the widest lakes in Argentina and the most important in the Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Now, speaking of this particular tour, you will be kindly recieved by the guide who will be awaiting for you at Patunias Port, located at Petunias Camping and Hotel resort, right at Km 13,500 of Bustillo Avenue. You may get to this gathering point using the public bus service (N° 22-20-10) or taking a taxi. The tour does not include transportation service from the hotel and back.



Once you are all set and after the guide has introduced her self and has explained everything you must know about sailing safety, you will set off to explore some bays and islands you may only visit by boat.
With out descending from it, you will navigate for three hours all the way across the lake, reaching the front shore, belonging to Neuquen province.






I can assure you will be amazed by the view all around you, besides enjoying the peaceful silence and even having the oportunity to steer the boat yourself!



Outings: During spring and summer 10:00 am, 02:00 pm or 05:30 pm.
               During winter, according to weather, only at 02:00 pm.
               Possible to arange a private service with snack. Ask for it!


What are you waiting for? Get in contact with me right away to hire this and many other tour options to enjoy your visit to Bariloche! E-mail me to ventas@barilocheselect.com.ar or visit me at Bariloche Select Travel, located on Villegas St. 237 (downtown).


Monday, September 15, 2014

LIMAY RIVER RAFTING

Rafting down Limay River
 

 

If you want to experiment something different with family or friends, available during spring and summer season, rafting down Limay River is an absolutly magnificent experience you won't forget.  

 

 

 

  

 

 

The service includes transportation back and foward from the hotel, a guide, safety equiment and a snack. As it's a level 1 class rafting, it is ideal to do with children.

You will skirt Nahuel Huapi lake as you leave the city of Bariloche (heading north-east direction), crossing the Limay River, right where it begins, entering to the neighbour province of Neuquen. From here on, you will start noticing a change in the vegetation around you, turning from forest to steppe (arid vegetation).




This is where the interesting "far west" type landscapes start to appear, visualizing some outstanding rock formation as you enter into part of "Valle Encantado", same one you visit on the Circuito Grande tour. 
After about 45 min. by van, you will take a short dirt trail that will lead right into the river coast.


 




 Fresh air, peaceful silence and lots of sun is what you will feel once you get off the van. At this moment, you will be given all the needed instructions and life vest for your security, besides an oar. 





Once you hop into the raft and start to navigate down the river for an hour, well... images ar worth more than words I guess...






Outtings: 10.00am or 01.00pm every day (must ask before). It's a 4 hours tour (half day).

Inlcudes: A snack, transporation form hotel and safety equipment.

What are you waiting for? Get in contact with me right away to hire this and many other tour options to enjoy your visit to Bariloche! E-mail me to ventas@barilocheselect.com.ar or visit me at Bariloche Select Travel, located on Villegas St. 237 (downtown).





Wednesday, September 10, 2014

WHERE TO GO OUT

About Beers and Bars

If you are one of those fans of good beer or just starting to discover what drinking beer is all about, Bariloche is heaven!

Not only you will find lots of big and small Bars and Pubs, but also many local craft beer brands that will take you by surprise.




Not sure wether it's due to the perfect water conditions or the legacy left by the german comunity that once chose this place to settle down, either one, the fact is that beers in Bariloche are just great!

Bitter, softer, dark, blonde, red, ale or lager, it's up to you. All of them are delicious and even more if you join them with some traditional dish from Patagonia, such as deer, asado (grilled meat), cordero patagonico (patagonian lamb), or just a fine sandwich, hamburguer or pizza.

I would now like to tell you a bit about the best Bars and Pubs (in my opinion) you just can't miss while your visit to Bariloche:


MANUSH

 
Manush is, according to my critical look, that place that makes you feel like home. Once you enter the door, you will be sourrounded by tourist and locals, having dinner or just enjoying a beer. 





It's the right spot to have a refreshing beer (one or more) during the summer in it's perfectly conditioned backyard, on the right side of the bar, or also on some of the tables displayed on the side walk. 
This bar is located in what used to be an old family house of Bariloche. Although the space is quite small inside, this is what makes it so cozy and friendly.





Beers here are just out of the standards. All with a special creamy touch, you may rather choose between some of their specialities such as:

Victoria Red Lager (5.2% ABV), a strong lager with a reddish to amber color, surprisingly refreshing.
IPA (7.3% ABV), one of the strongest types, with a hoppy perfume and bitter taste at the end.
Kölsch (5.0% ABV), ideal for those who want a soft beer, with a touch of wheat flavor.
Milk Stout (4.3% ABV) malty, and creamy body.

Among others!

Where is it? Right at the corner of Elflein an Morales St.


ANTARES


Good music, nicely decorated, huge and long bar, lots of tables and many beer flavors is what you will find at Antares. Just half block from Manush, on Elflein St.





















Although it is not a local beer brand from Bariloche (started in Mar del Plata, on the cost of Buenos Aires province), it is a place I considere as my second home.
It has settled in town for some years already and has become very popular for tourist and locals. So popular it gets pretty crowed every night.


Now, if you would also like to have a good dinner besides drinking beer, then this is is the place.

Besides trying all their good beer types you must try the main attraction here in my opinion, which is their lushious deer casserol, cooked with beer and served in a bread bowl with some rustic potatoes. Absolutely delicious!

Where is it?
Elfelin St. 47.


BACHMANN

Bachmann is a well known bar in Bariloche. It combines good beer with history, located at one of the oldest buildings in Bariloche. Heritage of the first wood construction style.














Fine beer, a bit far from down town, though walking distance, about 7 blocks far from the Cathedral, you will find this pintoresque bar. Here you will enjoy some good beer and also a few disches for those hungry as thirsty.

Where is it?
Vice Almirante O'connor St. 1348


LA CRUZ

Located on the outskirts of Bariloche, in one of the nicest neighbourhoods, you may enjoy a refreshing beer during the evening and night if you are walking around. 




Enjoy a good beer with friends or locals at the patio right in front of this bar at one of the most peaceful areas of Bariloche, about 5km far from down town, heading West down Pioneros Avenue. Food options here are quite few but the beer is just fine.

Where is it?
Nilpi St. 789. (half block down Nilpi from Pinoers Av.)


BERLINA

No doubt it is one of the best recognised craft beers in Bariloche. If you like it as much as I do, you may take some home with you as you may find Berlina at many selling points at supermarkets.










If you are visiting Colonia Suiza (a small village close to Circuito Chico), you can't skip stopping at this brewery. Here, not only you can drink beer but also see the whole production process. Some food offers are available aswell.
It is highly suggested to stop here for a refreshing beer if you are biking.

Where ir ti? 
Route N 79 and F. Goye


BLEST

known to be the first craft beer brewery in Bariloche, begining with the art of producing it around the year 1979, their beer has got to the point of being absolutly delicious and unique.

 











 Although you may find Blest beer at the best restaurants in Bariloche and even at chocolate stores or supermarkets, my best suggestion is to get in your car or take a bus (N° 20-10 or 22) to have lunch or dinner at their brewery. Here, not only you will enjoy of some exquisite food offers, you will also be able to visit the production area and all the quality control and standards that turn out making one of the best beers in Bariloche.




 
 You ought to try thier smoked cold cuts with some other tempting options as you see in the picture!

Where is it?
Bustillo Ave. Km 11,600



OTHER INTERESTING OPTIONS



WILKENNY  

San Martin Ave. 435

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BLACK ROCK 

Palacios St. 151

 

 

 

 

 

 










As you may see, you have tons of good places to go for a beer, it's up to your choise. Can't say you have no clue where to go now...

 

I will soon be posting about restaurants, parrillas and traditional dishes from Bariloche!

 

 Cheers!



Friday, May 30, 2014

CHALLHUACO VALLEY




If you are more of a hiking person and you are looking for real contact with nature and mountain, you must visit the Challhuaco Valley this winter.












It's friendly geography creates the perfect area to walk and discover one of the most wonderful Lenga forest that will make you feel in a fairy tale... Imagine yourself leaving your footsteps marked on a white blanket of snow while you make your way through the woods, visualizing some birds such as Chimangos and Woodpeckers birds. In this place, you will enjoy the silence of the winter clam.




This Valley has soft slopes allowing you to hike easily without getting too exhausted. It is one of the best areas of the National Park to have a lovely family day in contact with nature or simply go with some friends for a walk to enjoy the views and visit the "Neumeyer" hut.





Numeyer mountain hut is located 12 kms south from Bariloche, at 1.320 mts above the sea level.
It is quite a fun adventure to arrive to this shelter by car. Driving through the valley and crossing many streams, you will see on the way Mt. Otto, Catedral, Ñireco and Carbon to the right. until you find yourselves immersed into a deep forest, announcing the arrival to the shelter.


This hut is the starting point of all the many alternatives to enjoy of this beautiful place. I suggest you doing at least one of these two following options. Come on! What are you waiting for? 

What to do at Challhuaco Valley?


Hike to Frozen Lake

 


















* Operability: From June to September. Every day.

* Difficulty level: Easy

* Duration: 9am to 5.00pm
 

* It includes: Transportation, trekking guide (Spanish/English), 2 hrs hike, breakfast and lunch.

* What to bring: Comfortable footwear, waterproof coat and pants and gloves.


 

Nordic Ski

 












* Operability: From July to September. Every day (if there is snow enough).

* Difficulty level: Easy.

* Duration: 1.00pm to 6.00pm or from 3.00pm to 8.00pm.
 

* It includes: Transportation, guide (Spanish/English), skiing gear (poles, skis, and boots), and a 2 hrs class. Then free time to ski!

* What to bring: Comfortable and warm clothing, waterproof coat and pants, and gloves.
 

What are you waiting for? Get in contact with me right away to hire this and many other tour options to enjoy your visit to Bariloche! E-mail me to ventas@barilocheselect.com.ar or visit me at Bariloche Select Travel, located on Villegas St. 237 (downtown).

Thursday, May 22, 2014

LA CUEVA "THE CAVE"

Experience an unforgettable night in a cave.  La cueva is just that right place to live a unique  experience, surrounded by real natural rocky walls, combining an exclusive service in a naturally rustic place.






This is one of my favourites in what refers to the characteristics of the place. Yes, it's a natural cave formation hidden in a Lenga forest in the southern slope of Mt Catedral (Ski Resort). You only accede to this such special site, taking this fascinating tour. Driving up with snowmobiles and the company of the guides of course, you will start seeing more and more snow and some frozen waterfalls in the way.




After driving up through the snowy forest from Villa Catedral to the cave, for about 40 minutes, you will visualize a rustic curved wooden window, illuminated be candle lights.


Not knowing what to expect then, once you enter trough the door, you will be astonished by the place. The warm human touch in every corner of the cave makes you feel in an exclusive exotic natural shelter that combines perfectly nature with comfort and exclusivity. You won't find anything more excluisve and secluded than this believe me!




Now, speaking of the service, the attention given by the personnel is fantastic and the food is absolutly delicious. Besides, you can repeat everything, including drinks and dessert.
You will first be surprised with lots of smoked cold cuts and cheese from the region as appetizers followed by the main dish, which you may choose between two different options: generally a lamb stew or trout with a delicious sauce.





Relaxing, chatting and drinking great wine or craft beer are some of the "must do" at La Cueva (The Cave). Besides the fun and great moments lived, no one will believe you had a gourmet dinner served in a cave in the middle of the mountain in Patagonian Andes. Unforgettable!



 




Why choosing it: 
Excellent service.
Snowmobile tour.
Not much view.
Very Interesting place with unique characteristics as a cave.
During the night with dinner. 
Located at Mt. Catedral (Ski Resort). 

Important: Does not include transportation from Bariloche to Villa Catedral (mountain base). You may take a taxi or public bus service.

Outings: Everyday during winter season. You might choose between four different shifts: 7pm or 10:00pm.
The tour takes nearly 3 hours.

What are you waiting for? Get in contact with me right away to hire this and many other tour options to enjoy your visit to Bariloche! E-mail me to ventas@barilocheselect.com.ar or visit me at Bariloche Select Travel, located on Villegas St. 237 (downtown).

 


Wednesday, May 21, 2014

REFUGIO ROCA NEGRA

Roca Negra is the name of this marvellous Refuge located at Mt Lopez, near Colonia Suiza and the Short Circuit route.












The adventure starts as soon as you get picked up from your Hotel. You will travel west through Bustillo Av. (the same you take to do Short Circuit Tour or go to the Llao Llao Hotel).
Skirting the always present Lake Nahuel Huapi, you will travel almost half way of the road to Colonia Suiza, getting to the base of Mt. Lopez. Here, you descent from the van or minibus and gather in small groups to get on the 4WD trucks (Land Rover Defenders). 



This is where the real fun starts! Get ready to ride some of the most adventurous road in Bariloche. After some bumps and lots of turns, you will start noticing a change in the forest, which begins as a Coihue forest at the base and turns into a Lenga forest as you start rising height (to 1.300 mts above the sea level).


 


You will be welcomed with a hot drink at the refuge and will get equiped and instructed by the guied to start the snowshoing right away. The trail has the perfect view of the lake Nahuel Huapi, the city of Bariloche in the distance and even the Llao Llao Hotel and Victoria Island are visible from here. You will be surprised as you walk for more than 1 hour in the snow, enjoying one of the most amazing views in my opinion! 






On the way back, smoke will be coming out of the chimney as the fire heat will be waiting for you to warm up at the refuge. Sitting down at the tables next to wide windows will allow you to go on delighting with the magnificent view while you enjoy a fantastic Cheese Fondue with an exuberant argentine wine.



 

For those interested in this mountain gourmet experience, you may wether choose between two options:

Cheese Fondue: 10.30am to 5.00pm
Chocolate Fondue: 3.00pm to 8.30pm


Why choosing it: 
Good service.
More rustic.
One of the best views.
During the evening with Chocolate Fondue.
During the day with Cheese Fondue. 
Transportation Inlcuded.
Located at Mt. Lopez.
Only service with snowshoeing tour.


What are you waiting for? Get in contact with me right away to hire this and many other tour options to enjoy your visit to Bariloche! E-mail me to ventas@barilocheselect.com.ar or visit me at Bariloche Select Travel, located on Villegas St. 237 (downtown).