Bariloche is a city of approximately 200,000 located within Nahuel Haupi National Park and on the shore of Lago Nahuel Haupi. It emerged as a tourism destination during the 1930's and 40's, so it is a much larger and more developed city than Ushuaia and El Calafate.
We spend our first few days walking around and getting a feel for the city. Now, William will tell you that all of our destinations were uphill both ways, and there is some truth to that. Aside from a few east-west roads close to the lake all roads seem to have hills so even if we are generally headed downhill there will be a small upward climb.
We revisit San Martín Square both during the day and in the evening. By day people are lounging enjoying the sun and the view of the lake or taking selfies in front of the Alpine-style civic buildings. In the evening there are street musicians and people sit around listening and enjoying their maté or perhaps a cerveza they purchased at a nearby kiosko (convenience store).
We spend our first few days walking around and getting a feel for the city. Now, William will tell you that all of our destinations were uphill both ways, and there is some truth to that. Aside from a few east-west roads close to the lake all roads seem to have hills so even if we are generally headed downhill there will be a small upward climb.
We revisit San Martín Square both during the day and in the evening. By day people are lounging enjoying the sun and the view of the lake or taking selfies in front of the Alpine-style civic buildings. In the evening there are street musicians and people sit around listening and enjoying their maté or perhaps a cerveza they purchased at a nearby kiosko (convenience store).
William decided it was time for a haircut and for his beard to come off. We scope out a few of the Stylist shops (we can't find any strict Barber shops) and he chooses one on Avenida San Martín. Between his very limited English and William's limited Spanish they communicate sufficiently. The Stylist is nervous about shaving off the beard - wanting to make sure he fully understands. He stops for a moment with just the mustache remaining and reconfirmed again that William wants it all off. In the end William is pleased with the experience and the results.
We walk along the lakefront photographing the scenery. Soon we see the Cathedral and are compelled to explore. It isn't open, but we enjoy the beauty of it's exterior architecture. Perhaps another day we will revisit and see the interior.
We spend a good deal of time relaxing at cafes enjoying coffee or sparkling water and watching the people on the street. Most are not in a hurry. There's been different types of travelers in each of the cities where we have stayed. Ushuaia is a port city and it has people coming off of the cruise ships mixed in with backpackers. El Calafate is mostly trekkers, about a 50/50 mix of young backpackers and middle-age generally outdoorsy types. The Bariloche we have seen so far is visited by all ages with an interest in nature, but willing to see it by driving around in a vehicle or taking small to medium treks. Perhaps 10-20% of the visitors on the street in the central area are backpackers.
When we are not walking about we enjoy the views from our apartment. It is located on the 6th floor and affords tree-top views of the lake and mountains to the north and east.
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