3 Exhilarating Activities for Nature­ Lovers in Bariloche, Argentina

Stepping out of a hotel in Bariloche, Argentina presents travelers and nature­lovers with a lot of activities anytime of the year. Here are 3 activities that the Alpine­style city and its surrounding national park are known for.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Home of the biggest ski centers in South America, Cerro Central mountain has a skiable area of 2 sq km. A destination for beginner and expert skiers alike, the area has over 50 trails that come to a total distance of 100 km, and a lift capacity of 22,200 skiers per hour. The snowboard park, on the other hand, has an area of over 3 sq km where riders can do jumps, rails, and boxes. In 2005, the mountain was chosen as the venue of the 1st South American Ski Mountaineering Championship.

Trekking

If you're not too fond of the cold season, then visit San Carlos de Bariloche in summer and explore the Huapí National Park which surrounds the city. It covers 7,050 sq km of land and represent 3 types north Patagonian Andean Zone: Altoandino, Andino ­Patagónico, and Patagonian steppe. With its abounding flora, fauna, and geological formations, such as cliffs formed by eroding glaciers, the park charms a number of nature­loving adventurers every year. Many trekking outfits offer guided tours here that can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours.

Fishing

Avid anglers will find a home at Nahuel Huapi Lake, a 529 sq km body of water connected to 7 river branches and a number of smaller lakes. Aside from the breathtaking views it offers to tourists and trekkers, the lake is also home to several species of trout such as rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout. One of the best spots for fly fishing is found close to Apart Hotel in Bariloche. Aside from fishing, other popular water­based activities here are kayaking and rafting.

While there are a lot of open spaces that just beg to be explored within and outside the city, it's always a comfort to know that, at the end of the day, you and your company can go back to a place of relative domesticity. One accommodation that offers a relaxed stay is Galileo Boutique Hotel. With rooms and suites that have toilet and bath with shower and jacuzzi, kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator, and Internet access, it is easy to feel the comforts of home while staying at this hotel in Bariloche, Argentina.