Exploring Argentina's Snow-Capped Andes and Deep Glacial Lakes
Bariloche Family Extension
Overview
From Bariloche, the alpine-style resort capital of Argentina's Lake District, set out for family-focused hikes, walks, and kayaking in some of Argentina's most beautiful mountain settings, including two-million-acre Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, the oldest of the country's national parks. This region of Argentina is a land of huge glacial lakes, vast native forests, jagged Andean peaks, and extinct volcanoes. Bariloche rests up against the slopes of Cerro Otto (Otto Hill), behind which is the craggy Cerro Catedral massif, a ski resort. The mountain atmosphere makes Bariloche a top ski destination in the winter months (June to August).
Arrive: Bariloche, Argentina
Depart: Bariloche, Argentina
Highlights
- Enjoy multiple options, from hiking and kayaking to a cooking class and a zip line
Itinerary
Fly to Bariloche, where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, your private guide will bring you to Cerro Otto, where you'll ride to the top by aerial tram for fantastic views over Lago Nahuel Huapi, a stunning 200-square-mile lake complete with peninsulas, islands, and fjords that sweep down from thick forests. Take time to enjoy the spectacular view from the summit (6,890 feet above sea level!) then make an easy hike through a forest of towering lenga trees, the native birch of the Andes. At the vista point called the Habsburg Stone, you'll have panoramas of Lago Gutierrez and Cerro Ventana. Along the trail, your local guide will give you an overview of the native vegetation and the history of the area. A packed lunch is provided. Descend by tram for an overnight in Bariloche. Overnight at Hotel Alma del Lago...L
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Your program today includes your choice of one of the following private guided options. The minimum participation in any option is two persons. Dinner is on your own. Your guide will be happy to make recommendations for you, depending on how local or fancy you want to go. Overnight at Hotel Alma del Lago...BL
Full-Day Bariloche History & Nature with Canopy Zip Line (best option with older kids)
Begin the day with visits to some of the iconic viewpoints of the area, including Campanario Hill, where you'll have a bird's-eye view over alpine lakes, the snow-capped Andes, and the 5-star Llao Llao hotel resort, first opened as a lodge in 1938. Learn the fascinating history of the mountain village of Llao Llao, now part of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. After a short hike with your guide through a forest of 300-year-old arrayán trees (Luma apiculata), return to Bariloche and head to Gilbert's brewery (Cerveceria Artesanal Gilbert), a fun spot to try out your culinary skills with an engaging lunchtime cooking class that introduces you to the culinary secrets of both the immigrant and native cultures of Bariloche.
After lunch, drive a bit out of town to Colonia Suiza, the first European settlement in Bariloche, where you'll proceed by 4WD vehicle to Cerro López for an adrenaline-filled zip line experience. After instruction and safety advice, glide from one treetop platform to another (there are 10 in all!) for a unique and exciting way to enjoy the Andean landscapes. Afterwards, head back to your hotel in Bariloche.
Full-Day Bariloche History & Nature with Nahuelito Park (best option for young kids)
(This is the same as the first option through lunchtime, then concludes with a visit to Nahuelito Park instead of the zip line adventure). After morning activities and lunch at Gilbert's brewery, visit Nahuelito Park (Parque Nahuelito), a dinosaur-inspired theme park set in a lush green forest. The park takes its name from the Nahuelito, the Argentinian version of the Loch Ness monster, and provides an entertaining educational experience with 30 life-size replicas of dinosaurs painted by professional artists and set along walking trails in a 10-acre park. Specialized guides will explain depth the history and particularities of these former inhabitants of prehistoric Argentina. Afterwards, head back to Hotel Alma del Lago in Bariloche.
Full-Day Bariloche History & Nature with Canopy Zip Line (best option with older kids)
Begin the day with visits to some of the iconic viewpoints of the area, including Campanario Hill, where you'll have a bird's-eye view over alpine lakes, the snow-capped Andes, and the 5-star Llao Llao hotel resort, first opened as a lodge in 1938. Learn the fascinating history of the mountain village of Llao Llao, now part of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. After a short hike with your guide through a forest of 300-year-old arrayán trees (Luma apiculata), return to Bariloche and head to Gilbert's brewery (Cerveceria Artesanal Gilbert), a fun spot to try out your culinary skills with an engaging lunchtime cooking class that introduces you to the culinary secrets of both the immigrant and native cultures of Bariloche.
After lunch, drive a bit out of town to Colonia Suiza, the first European settlement in Bariloche, where you'll proceed by 4WD vehicle to Cerro López for an adrenaline-filled zip line experience. After instruction and safety advice, glide from one treetop platform to another (there are 10 in all!) for a unique and exciting way to enjoy the Andean landscapes. Afterwards, head back to your hotel in Bariloche.
Full-Day Bariloche History & Nature with Nahuelito Park (best option for young kids)
(This is the same as the first option through lunchtime, then concludes with a visit to Nahuelito Park instead of the zip line adventure). After morning activities and lunch at Gilbert's brewery, visit Nahuelito Park (Parque Nahuelito), a dinosaur-inspired theme park set in a lush green forest. The park takes its name from the Nahuelito, the Argentinian version of the Loch Ness monster, and provides an entertaining educational experience with 30 life-size replicas of dinosaurs painted by professional artists and set along walking trails in a 10-acre park. Specialized guides will explain depth the history and particularities of these former inhabitants of prehistoric Argentina. Afterwards, head back to Hotel Alma del Lago in Bariloche.
Your program today includes your choice of one of the following private guided options. The minimum participation in any option is two persons. Dinner is on your own. Overnight at Hotel Alma del Lago...BL
Kayak and Hiking at Lago Mascardi
This is an ideal day of lake kayaking paired with a hike in lakeside forest of native trees. Head to Camping Wiritray, owned by the local native Mapuche community, for an introduction to kayaking and a safety review, then board your kayaks and paddle across Lago Mascardi in the heart of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. Head to shore at Playa Leones, one of the most beautiful beaches in the park, and enjoy a hike through the forest to a small lagoon. Hike back to Playa Leones for a packed lunch and time to relax on the beach before kayaking back to the starting point. No previous kayaking experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided.
Driving Time: 1 hour
Kayaking Time: About 2 hours, plus a 1-hour picnic (packed lunch) on the beach
Total Duration of Excursion: 5-6 hours
Full-Day Visit to the Valle Encantado
This option brings a complete change of scene from the mountain peaks of the Andes to the Patagonian steppe and craggy volcanic rock towers of the Valle Encantando (“enchanted valley'). To enter the valley, you'll cross the peaceful Limay River by boat, viewing stunning rock faces en route, and arrive in beautiful Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi on the other side. Take a walk among the big walls and volcanic caves with your guide and enjoy a packed lunch in a beautiful outdoor setting before re-crossing the river and returning to Bariloche. The Valle Encantado has long attracted rock climbers to its crags, towers, and classic arête routes.
Driving Time: 1.5 hours each way, depending on traffic around the lake
Total Duration of Excursion: 8 hours
Kayak and Hiking at Lago Mascardi
This is an ideal day of lake kayaking paired with a hike in lakeside forest of native trees. Head to Camping Wiritray, owned by the local native Mapuche community, for an introduction to kayaking and a safety review, then board your kayaks and paddle across Lago Mascardi in the heart of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. Head to shore at Playa Leones, one of the most beautiful beaches in the park, and enjoy a hike through the forest to a small lagoon. Hike back to Playa Leones for a packed lunch and time to relax on the beach before kayaking back to the starting point. No previous kayaking experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided.
Driving Time: 1 hour
Kayaking Time: About 2 hours, plus a 1-hour picnic (packed lunch) on the beach
Total Duration of Excursion: 5-6 hours
Full-Day Visit to the Valle Encantado
This option brings a complete change of scene from the mountain peaks of the Andes to the Patagonian steppe and craggy volcanic rock towers of the Valle Encantando (“enchanted valley'). To enter the valley, you'll cross the peaceful Limay River by boat, viewing stunning rock faces en route, and arrive in beautiful Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi on the other side. Take a walk among the big walls and volcanic caves with your guide and enjoy a packed lunch in a beautiful outdoor setting before re-crossing the river and returning to Bariloche. The Valle Encantado has long attracted rock climbers to its crags, towers, and classic arête routes.
Driving Time: 1.5 hours each way, depending on traffic around the lake
Total Duration of Excursion: 8 hours
Transfer to the airport and fly from Bariloche to Buenos Aires for departing flights. Many travelers prefer to overnight in Buenos Aires before taking the international flight the next day...B
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.