Bariloche - dest 7

I couldn’t believe I was finished with Patagonia. I know Bariloche is still Patagonia but for me the parts I’d just seen so very distinctly represented everything I’d read and heard about Patagonia that a part of me was pretty sad. Yet the other part was ready for some much needed rest and rejuvenation and so I decided to spend a good 4 days in Bariloche. Known largely as a ski town in the winters and a beach destination over summer holidays, I landed at an unfortunate weather time. I had just missed the sunny 28degree days and it was down to 15 with rain. Not ideal and I think partly also the reason why I couldn’t enjoy it to it’s full capacity. I could see the potential this Lake District of Argentina held and I was hoping for some decent weather to enjoy it.

My flight from El Calafate got me into Bariloche at 5pm. The airport was small and there were no buses into town. Finding a fun German couple to share the taxi with I made it into town for a lot cheaper and then took a bus to my hostel which was by the lake, 10mins outside of town called Bonita Lake House. A lovely hostel and beautiful location.

the view from Bonita Lake House

Having got there on a Saturday night and since Amy was in town then too we had planned on a night out as neither of us had one for a while. I met her at the Penthouse hostel in town which was pretty good and met a whole bunch of fun people. We had a fair few bottles of wine and then head out for some dancing. A fun 3am night out in the town so clearly the following day would be slow and spend relaxing. Also Sunday was the big triathlon in Bariloche so I perched myself on the balcony with my book and phone and watched the cyclists go by while I recovered from my hangover. It was a day of FaceTime and catching up with family and friends and planning to do the bike ride on Monday with Amy and some girls from my hostel too.

Bariloche centre

The fine Sunday triathlon weather

Waking up to what looked like a promising day with blue sky and no rain, we confirmed the bike ride and made our way there to start the circuit. During the 20min journey the weather took a turn and we weren’t sure anymore but we had committed and so we went through with it and rented the bikes. We even managed to start with some decent weather but literally 5 mins in, the rain came and then it came hard and we were soaked. Hands freezing and drenched we continued as the hope of a good beer and burger kept us going till we reached Cervecería Patagonia.

the overcast sky as we cycle the circuit

A lovely spot, with a fire place that was going, we managed to dry up in there while we waited for our table. An hour later the sun was it again and we got to see the beautiful view. Warming up with some lovely beer and burgers we had a great afternoon getting to know each other and of course as you do on travels running into people you’ve already met.

Patagonia Brewery

and it’s clear blue skies again

We didn’t complete the circuit but made it back the same way but this time round the sun was out and we were able to enjoy all the gorgeous views that we couldn’t on the way there. An easy journey back we managed to finally get a good sense of this Argentinian Lake District. I then decided to go straight to the Penthouse with Amy, Sara an Irish girl and Austin a Minnesota guy cause I knew if I went back to mine it would be hard to leave again. 

Nicer views on the way back

Same view but now with sunshine

Austin getting that profile picture for the ladies

Now everyone I met including Tatinka from my hostel we’re all taking the flight the next morning to Mendoza. I on the other hand had no idea there was this cheap airline called flybondi which had recently opened and flew there for just $50, much cheaper and quicker than my original bus plan of $80 and 20 hours!

Realising that I could get a 80% refund from Busbud and also succumbing to peer pressure, I joined the others by booking the flight. This is exactly why you don’t plan everything in advance and from here on my plans really just changed as I met lovely people cause one of the biggest parts of travel are the people you meet.

And so after only 3 days in Bariloche but having a great time meeting some amazing people I knew I would see again, I was off on the early morning flight with 10 other travellers to Mendoza.

over the Lake District off to Mendoza