Unbelievable Nahuel Huapi Views: Your Lejano San Carlos de Bariloche Adventure Awaits!
Unbelievable Nahuel Huapi Views: My Bariloche Adventure (and a Few Mishaps!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on my Bariloche adventure, centered around the gloriously-named "Unbelievable Nahuel Huapi Views" – the actual name, folks, not just a poetic description. Spoiler alert: the views were unbelievable. The rest? Well, let's just say it was an adventure in the most human, chaotic, and sometimes-hilarious sense of the word.
(Meta-Moment: Keywords, Keywords, Keywords… Gotta get those search engines happy, right? Accessibility, wheelchair accessible, Wi-Fi, Spa, Fitness, Pool, Restaurant, Bariloche, Nahuel Huapi, Argentina. Okay, back to the mess!)
First Impressions (and the Elevator Drama)
The first thing that hits you (besides the altitude, of course) are those views. Seriously, the lake. The mountains. Pure postcard perfection. My room, thankfully, delivered, though I did have a minor heart attack initially. You see, I booked what I thought was a wheelchair-accessible room (Accessibility, Wheelchair accessible – check!). And while the room itself was indeed compliant, getting there was a saga of its own. The elevator. The dreaded elevator.
It was one of those old-school beauties, all wood paneling and creaks. I swear, it sounded like it was about to cough up its gears every time I rode it. And let me tell you, with luggage, a slightly panicky disposition, and my mobility aids, it was a test. Several times, I seriously considered just pitching a tent in the lobby. (Rambling a little? Sorry. That elevator… it stays with you.)
Luckily, the staff (Doorman, Front desk [24-hour] – double check!) were absolute saints. Constantly checking on me, helping me navigate the labyrinth of hallways, and even preemptively calling the elevator for me. Talk about attentive service!
(Accessibility: A Mixed Bag)
On the accessibility front, it was a mixed bag. While the room was great (Spacious, bathroom perfect), navigating the public areas felt a little…hit or miss. The restaurants, thankfully, had smooth pathways (though negotiating the outdoor terrace in my chair was a bit of a workout. Car park [on-site] – check). But the spa? The gym? Let’s just say they weren’t ideally designed with accessibility in mind (Facilities for disabled guests - sort of). More on the spa later. Oh, and here's a quirky observation! Sometimes I felt like an extra in a James Bond film where I was accidentally given a role in the escape plan.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity: A Lifesaver (and a Letdown)
Thank the gods for Internet access, especially Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I'm a digital nomad, so this was crucial. The Wi-Fi in my room was rock solid, a total blessing considering the remoteness of the location and my need to work. However, the Wi-Fi in public areas, as I recall, was spotty now and then, an occasional and minor setback.
(Food, Glorious Food (and Some Slightly Less Glorious Moments)): Dining, drinking, and snacking
Okay, let’s talk food. This is where things got…interesting.
- The Good: The breakfast buffet (Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant), included in my stay, was fantastic. A true Western breakfast (Western breakfast) with enough variety that I somehow managed to eat something different every single morning. I even had a chance to try a couple of Asian-inspired dishes (Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant). The restaurant also had A la carte in restaurant, options and a good Soup in restaurant, and Salad in restaurant.
- The Okay: The main restaurant (Restaurants) was pretty good, with International cuisine in restaurant, and a decent selection of local wines. I did manage to order a delicious bottle of water(Bottle of water). The Poolside bar was a dream, though I'm not sure if I got the best deal during Happy hour.
- The Uh-Oh: Room service [24-hour], was a lifesaver on a couple of occasions, but let's just say the presentation wasn't always Instagram-worthy. The "steak sandwich" incident… well, let's just leave it at that (though the taste was fine!). I'm not sure what exactly I got, and the experience made me crave a hearty snack bar.
(The Spa: A Tale of Two (or Three) Worlds)
Now, the spa… this is where my experience veered into truly opinionated territory. The spa was advertised as a highlight. They had a Massage, a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a Spa/sauna (Spa and Gym/fitness). And, yes, the pool with view (Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor] was magnificent. The whole place looked like something out of a travel magazine.
But, and it's a big "but," navigating the physical spaces with my mobility aids felt…complicated. The pathways were a little treacherous. The treatment rooms were gorgeous, don't get me wrong, but maneuvering in the sauna when it was hot was a challenge in itself.
I tried a body scrub, which was lovely (Body scrub). The therapist was absolutely wonderful, though, and went above and beyond to make me comfortable. I think I got a body wrap a little later too (Body wrap).
(Relaxation, Oh Yes! And Fitness Center): Ways to relax
Honestly, I loved the fitness center. Even though there was a Gym/fitness, I didn't go. I have a home gym, and I was enjoying the views! I would just lie and relax in some ways.
(Cleanliness and Safety: A Peace of Mind (Mostly))
In these post-pandemic times, cleanliness and safety are paramount. I appreciated the emphasis on this by the hotel. They had:
- Anti-viral cleaning products and, to be fair, the place felt clean.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- The option of having a room sanitization opt-out available.
- Safe dining setup.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and, to be fair, seemed like they were always cleaning.
I did notice a few hiccups here and there (a slightly grubby corner in the gym), but overall, I felt safe and secure.
(Things to Do (and a Little Bit of "Oops!")
Bariloche is an adventure paradise! The hotel had all sorts of brochures for attractions. The hotel staff also seemed well-versed in the region and the culture. There were options for Meeting/banquet facilities, and maybe even for Seminars and Meetings. The area is filled with natural beauty!
(For the Kids: Babysitting Service. Maybe Not?!) I did not bring any kids, but I saw that there was a babysitting service, as well as some kids facilities.
(Getting Around: Car, Taxi, or… the Bus?!)
Airport transfer (Available), Taxi service, and Car park [free of charge], were available, but I mostly used the taxis. It was the easiest.
(The Verdict: Views to Die For, Imperfections Included)
So, would I recommend "Unbelievable Nahuel Huapi Views?" Absolutely. The views alone are worth the price of admission. Yes, there were some quirks. Yes, the accessibility could be improved. And, yes, the elevator may haunt my dreams forever. But the staff's warmth, the comfortable room, and the breathtaking scenery more than made up for the minor hiccups. It was a memorable Bariloche adventure, imperfections and all. Just bring your sense of humor, your patience, and maybe a flashlight for the elevator. You'll be fine!
Escape to Paradise: Glory Island Okinawa's Yabusachi Resort Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-ordered travel brochure. This is Lejano Nahuel San Carlos de Bariloche: The Messy & Magnificent Edition. I'm going to try and unravel this Patagonian beauty, even if it means getting lost in a cloud of chocolate and existential dread.
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Anxiety (and a Seriously Good Empanada)
Morning (ish): Buenos Aires, bleh. Flight delayed. Again. Honestly, the airline should just apologize in advance. Arrived in Bariloche around noon, the airport was a whole different vibe – small, cute, smelling faintly of pine. Immediately grabbed a taxi, and I’m not sure why I always think I'm going to become best friends with taxi drivers. This guy, Roberto, was super chatty about the best empanadas in town. He also warned me about the altitude. "Breatha easy, señora," he said with a wink. Now, I'm not a señora, and I have no idea what's breathable about existing anywhere, but I still gave him a generous tip.
Afternoon: Checked into my "rustic cabin with a view" - aka, a glorified shed with a stunning view of Nahuel Huapi Lake. The view was legitimately breathtaking. Seriously, I just sort of stood there, mouth agape, for a solid five minutes. Forgot everything else. And then the altitude kicked in. Just a subtle, persistent headache and a nagging feeling that my lungs were made of cotton candy. I took two aspirins and immediately ordered an empanada from a local bakery, per Roberto's recommendation. The smell was… heavenly. And the empanada? The flaky crust, the juicy beef… I think I might have actually had a religious experience.
Evening: Stumbled (mostly metaphorically) into the town center. The streets are all winding and charming, and I was immediately obsessed. Also, people are dressed so well. I found a cute little restaurant called "El Refugio" (the Refuge), and the food was decent, but the ambiance was EVERYTHING. I tried to take a deep breath but just felt like I was choking on air.
Day 2: Chocolate Overload & the Cerro Campanario Debacle
Morning: Okay, let's be honest, the main reason I came to Bariloche was the chocolate. Forget the mountains, the lakes, the stunning scenery. It's the chocolate. And it did not disappoint. I spent the entire morning bouncing from chocolate shop to chocolate shop. My favorites were Rapa Nui and Mamuschka. My personal philosophy is to eat as much chocolate as possible before I have kids so by the time I do, my taste buds are already dead from the consumption lol.
Afternoon: Hiking Cerro Campanario. This gondola ride promised panoramic views. The actual view was AMAZING…but then, I went a bit too fast. I rushed out of the gondola, wanting that picture, and nearly tripped over my own feet! Seriously, I almost rolled down the side of a mountain. I swear, the adrenaline was pumping, and I got so winded. It was an absolute spectacle. The wind practically ripped my hat off my head, and I was definitely not feeling my best. And then there was the sheer number of other tourists! It was like a giant, slow-moving conga line. "Okay, yes, the view is great, but is it 'worth the potential embarrassment of a spectacular tumble down a mountain' great?" I seriously might need therapy.
Evening: Chocolate fix. The only solution following the Cerro Campanario debacle. And, because I'm a sucker for a good story, I wandered into a bar where a guitarist singing folks songs in spanish. His voice was magical, especially with the backdrop, felt like a movie scene.
Day 3: The Boat Trip from Hell (and the Unexpected Beauty)
Morning: Convinced myself a boat trip on Nahuel Huapi Lake was a good idea. The weather forecast was…questionable. I should have listened to the clouds. I probably would have been happier taking a nap.
Afternoon: Embarked on said boat trip. About thirty minutes in we were sailing through a torrential downpour! Visibility zero! I was soaked, freezing, and contemplating my life choices. The boat was also packed with families, the children's screaming and crying. It was utter chaos. I felt like a drowned rat. I also saw some really ugly scenery. I spent the rest of the trip huddled in a corner, contemplating my return to society.
Evening: After the ordeal, I went exploring the area near the port. And, guess what? It turned out to be beautiful. The sky cleared, the water turned to glass, and the mountains looked majestic. Found a little restaurant near the shore, the smell of fresh fish brought me back to life. The fish was delicious and the sunset was magnificent. I swore the boat was all a dream.
Day 4: The Perito Moreno Gamble (and the Realization that Sometimes, Things Just Click)
Morning: Decided to take a day trip all the way to El Calafate to see Perito Moreno Glacier. A grueling 7-hour bus ride. Was it worth it? Depends on who you ask, but absolutely.
Afternoon: The glacier, in all its glacial glory. Seriously. I’m a little obsessed. The ice was impossibly blue, the size of the glacier was mind-blowing, and I was completely awestruck. I spent hours just watching the ice calve. That crack was a sound like thunder! I really had to step back from the railing here. The experience itself was so raw and the only word that comes to mind is “majestic”.
Evening: Arrived back in Bariloche late, exhausted but buzzing. The bus ride back was brutal, but the memories were worth it. I ended the day with a simple pizza and a bottle of local wine.
Day 5: Farewell & Final Thoughts (and the Unfortunate Incident with the Alpaca)
Morning: Packing, and getting ready to checkout the area as I say goodbye. Before I could leave the city center, i came across a friendly alpaca. That was my first and last experience with an alpaca.
Afternoon: Time to go. The flight was, thankfully, on time. Bariloche, you magnificent, messy, occasionally infuriating, and absolutely stunning place. I’ll be back. Even if it means facing more altitude sickness, more overpriced chocolate, and another near-disastrous boat trip. Because sometimes, the mess is what makes the memories.
Unbelievable Nahuel Huapi Views: Your Lejano San Carlos de Bariloche Adventure Awaits! (Probably... Maybe... Depends if the weather cooperates!)
Okay, Bariloche. Everyone’s raving. Is it *really* as beautiful as the Instagrams suggest? Like, for real?
Alright, let's be real. Insta makes EVERYTHING look perfect. But Bariloche? Yeah, it's close. I mean, the lake itself? Nahuel Huapi, in all its ridiculously turquoise glory? Seriously breathtaking. I remember the first time... I think I actually gasped. A genuine, involuntary gasp. Like, "Oh. My. God." It’s the kind of beauty that makes you want to simultaneously cry (happy tears, hopefully!) and take a million photos you'll never look at again. But yeah, it's pretty darn gorgeous. The mountains… the air... the smells! Okay, sometimes the air smells a *little* like chocolate (thanks, factories!), but mostly… magical. Just be prepared for the *other* Instagram reality: it can rain. A LOT. More on that later.
Trip Planning 101: When's the BEST time to go to Bariloche? Don't give me generic answers! I want the *real* tea.
Oh, *the* question. Look, the absolute BEST time? **It depends on what your priorities are.** For me, personally? Early December. The crowds haven't *quite* swarmed yet, the weather *should* be relatively decent (pray to the weather gods!), and the trees are bursting with life. Think vibrant green, not brown and dreary. BUT, I've also been in January, and it was...intense. Massive floods of people, everything booked solid, and the lines for the cable cars? Forget it. You'll spend half your day in one. Then again, skiing is amazing in the winter but freezing. So, again, depends what you like. You’ll need to plan.
**Pro-Tip:** Don't expect perfection. I went in October once, and it SNOWED. In October. So, you know...pack accordingly.
I'm a foodie. What culinary delights await me in Bariloche? I need the good stuff, not just the tourist traps!
Foodie heaven, my friend. Heaven. Forget your diet. Seriously, just do it. Bariloche's got everything. First, the obvious: CHOCOLATE. Seriously, go into places with chocolate and spend more of your days in one of the most amazing shops in town. You'll find incredible chocolates with different flavors. Second, Lamb. You've got to get lamb! The Patagonian lamb is famous, it's tender, and is flavored like nothing you have tasted. Then try the craft beer, which is just good for you and will keep your days going. It is all really worth it!
Okay, okay, enough about the scenery and food, Let's talk Activities... What are the "must-do" things in Bariloche? No boring stuff!
Alright, buckle up. This is going to be a long one. First, take the cable car up Cerro Campanario. It's a classic, yeah, but for a reason. The view's are mind-blowing. Just be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season. I'd recommend going early in the morning if you can handle it. You'll also need to consider, weather is an issue, so be patient. You need to be ready to get wet, or not be able to go up but in the end, it's always worth it. This is something I did and got to experience the most amazing feeling in the world!
Then, rent a car and drive the Circuito Chico. Seriously, do it! You'll go along the lake, stopping for photos, eating chocolate (again!), and just generally soaking it all in. You could also hike, a lot. If you like hiking, go out there.
How do I get around? Do I need a car? Public transport? Taxi? Gimme the lowdown!
Okay, car or no car? That depends. If you want freedom and to explore at your own pace, you should consider renting a car. Plus, the drive around the Circuito Chico is an absolute must, and it's much easier with your own wheels. However, parking can be a nightmare in the town itself. So many cars! Too many! You can take buses, they're decent, but they don't go everywhere. Taxis are kind of expensive. So, I recommend a rental. It is the easiest.
I've read about the "weather roulette" in Bariloche. What's the deal? Do I need to pack the Ark?
OH. MY. GOD. The weather. Yeah. It changes. Constantly. One minute, sunshine, the next, you're in a blizzard. Okay, maybe not a *blizzard* in summer, but you get the idea. Layers, people. Layers are your best friend. Also, a waterproof jacket. And waterproof pants. And waterproof shoes. And maybe a waterproof hat. And an umbrella. And… you get the idea. I was once caught in a *massive* downpour while hiking, and I was SOAKED. Like, my underwear was soggy. It was cold, miserable... and hilarious in retrospect.
My Spanish sucks. Will I survive?
You'll survive. Seriously. Bariloche is a tourist town, so English is spoken in many places. You can get by with a little Spanish, but don't worry about fluency. I know some basic phrases, like "Dos cervezas, por favor" (two beers, please), which is generally enough to get me through most situations. Learn a few more, and you'll be golden.
What should I pack? I'm a terrible packer, help!
Okay, okay. Essentials: Layers! Good walking shoes. A waterproof jacket (seriously!). Sunscreen (even if it's cloudy!). A hat. A scarf. Comfortable clothes. And, if you're a photographer, your camera gear. I once forgot my memory card and almost cried. Almost. Also, bring a small backpack for day trips. And maybe a sense of adventure. You'll need a camera for the views. You simply must.
