Portray of the Destination
Indigenous traditions, European cultures, and provincial customs blend in everyday life and modern times, resulting in a combination of great city and village life. Bariloche loves music, so all thru the year choral concerts of the highest level and also the Camerata Bariloche shows are held.

The tradicional “Fiesta Nacional de la Nieve” (National Snow Festival) with its “Bajada de Antorchas” (Torches Descent) and Fireworks brighten the city in August. Other events colouring this city at the foot of the mountains are the Navidad Coral (Choral Christmas), Fiesta de la Rosa Mosqueta (Sweetbrier Festival), Fiesta de las Colectividades Europeo Argentinas y Latinoamericanas (European-Argentinean and Latinoamerican Groups Festival), and the now traditional Fiesta Nacional del Curanto en Colonia Suiza (Curanto National Festival in Colonia Suiza) where you can taste the abundant and varied "curanto", a meal of Mapuche origin.

When you visit Bariloche, you will be in close contact with nature. Horse rides through the forest or the mountains, rafting on the Manso river or canoeing on emerald-colour lakes, trekking, and paragliding are just a few of the alternatives you will enjoy during your stay. In wintertime, Alpine and Nordic skiing are practiced mainly on the Cerro Catedral Winter Sports Center.

Salmon sport fishing is also practiced from November to April. In summertime, you can engage in long walks to the different mountain shelters. The visitor will find a wide variety of regional products, from traditional chocolates and smoked meat to the small brewery located on the road to Llao Llao. Ceramics, candles, sweaters, natural rosa mosqueta (sweetbrier) and lavender cosmetics, sweets, and wooden crafts are among the many Bariloche creations that will be wonderful gifts for your friends.

After supper, a coffee or a drink will be the perfect excuse to keep on chatting with friends or family. But to prolong the evening, you can go to any of the discos or try your luck at the Casino, attend a local show or simply watch the full moon reflected on the Nahuel Huapi lake from some pubs located on the road to Llao Llao at the outskirts of the city. In a nutshell -Bariloche, a place in Patagonia that you must visit and enjoy.

We would like to thank EMPROTUR Bariloche for the information and pictures provided.
Visit: www.barilochepatagonia.info


Geography
The extraordinary landscape beauty dazzled the first explorers and inhabitants. Later on, European immigrants found a great similarity with their homeland and chose this region as a place for permanent residence. The National Park shelters numberless fauna and flora species. The different salmon species are specially valued by fishers coming to the Patagonia lakes.

This is the habitat of the majestic condor. In summer, its forests become an important shelter for the endangered Huemul (Andean deer), also for other animals that in winter go down in search of a more benign climate. With the abundant rains and the mild summer weather, big trees such as the coihue (Nothofagus dombeyi) and the lenga (red oak tree) -which turns reddish in autumn- grow. Along with Caña Colihue (Chusquea culeou) they form thick forests. In autumn, the landscape burst into ochre and red colours. Travelling along this National Park let the visitor enjoy wild views, lonely forests, and crystal-clear lakes, surrounded by the majestic Andes mountain range.

Map



Climate
Continental Cold climate with dry season. In summertime, days are warm and sunny, with cool nights and scarce rains. Due to the latitude on which the city lies, daylight lasts until 10 pm approximately. The average temperature is 18ºC (64.4ºF). In autumn, days are cool and mild with cold nights. In this season, rains are abundant. In wintertime, days are cold with snowfalls. If you visit Bariloche in August, you will enjoy a white landscape and wonderful sunny days.

When to go
The best time of the year to visit Patagonia is between September and April.

History
Human settlement in the Andean lakes region began at the end of the 19th century. Between 1876 and 1902, Francisco Perito Moreno, an Argentinean surveyor, travelled thorougly along the region, describing it as “containing the most interesting view of natural beauty that I have watched in Patagonia". In the summer of 1902 the first tourists arrived and lodged at the Wiederhold (San Carlos) inn, having eleven rooms.

When San Carlos de Bariloche was founded in 1903 there were three inns in the town. From that moment on, the region grew fast mainly due to the magnificent mountain landscapes and the impressive natural views. Bariloche was called then "The Argentinean Switzerland”.

In the 1930’s the city became a favourite resort for aristocratic tourists and guests such as Edward of Windsor Prince of Gales and the Duke of Kent, his brother. Edward would be later Edward VIII, King of England. The Nahuel Huapi National Park was created in 1934. That same year the railway reached San Carlos de Bariloche in December; together with the Llao Llao Hotel building in 1938, notably boosted the tourism industry at that time.

Traditions
The Fiesta Provincial de las Colectividades is held in July; the Fiesta de la Nieve including the Torches Descent, Polo en la Nieve (Snow Polo), Ski competitions, and the Dog Sleighs International Competition. The pull-over contest and the "carrera de mozos" are two minor festivals also taking place in August.

Gastronomy
San Carlos de Bariloche has an exquisite cuisine where to taste “curanto”, cheese and chocolate fondues, deer and wild boar meat, trouts and salmons from hatcheries, and some 130 chocolate varieties. Wild fruits and regional crops allowed the development of small sweets industries. Fish and seafood from the Atlantic coast and roast Patagonian mutton are also favourite of the regional cuisine.

Basic Dictionary
YES: si. NO: no. HELLO: hola. GOOD BYE: adios. GOOD MORNING: buenos días. GOOD AFTERNOON: buenas tardes. GOOD NIGHT: buenas noches. PLEASE: por favor. SORRY: lo siento. THANK YOU: gracias. DOCTOR: médico. PHARMACY: farmacia. NUMBERS: 1: un. 2: dos. 3: tres. 4: cuatro. 5: cinco. 6: seis. 7: siete. 8: ocho. 9: nueve. 10: diez. 11: once. 12: doce. 13: trece. 14: catorce. 15: quince. 16: dieciséis. 17: diecisiete. 18: dieciocho. 19: diecinueve. 20: veinte. 21: veintiuno. 22: veintidós. 30: treinta. 40: cuarenta. 50: cincuenta. 60: sesenta. 70: setenta. 80: ochenta. 90: noventa. 100: cien. 1000: mil. DAYS OF THE WEEK: MONDAY: lunes. TUESDAY: martes. WEDNESDAY: miércoles. THURSDAY: jueves. FRIDAY: viernes. SATURDAY: sábado. SUNDAY: domingo. COMMON WORDS: BIG/SMALL: grande/pequeño. HOT/COLD: caliente/frío. OPEN/CLOSED: abierto/cerrado. GOOD/BAD: bueno/malo. NEW/OLD: nuevo/viejo. PUSH/PULL: empujar/tirar. ENTRANCE/EXIT: entrada/salida. LADIES/GENTLEMEN: señoras/señores. FAR/NEAR: lejos/cerca. LEFT/RIGHT: izquierda/derecha. TAXI: taxi. BUS: autobús. MEALS: BREAKFAST: desayuno. LUNCH: comida. DINNER: cena. MENU: menú. WINES: vinos. DESSERT: postre. THE BILL: la cuenta. COMMON SENTENCES: DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?: ¿Habla inglés?. I DON'T UNDERSTAND: no entiendo. WHERE IS IT?: ¿donde está? HOW MUCH IS IT: ¿Cuánto es? WHAT TIME IS IT: ¿Qué hora es? COULD YOU HELP ME: ¿Puede ayudarme?

Currency
Argentinean peso

Currency Exchange
1.00 EUR = 3.65 Argentinean Peso
1.00 USD = 3.10 Argentinean Peso.
1.00 Pound Sterling = 5.55 Argentinean Peso.

Prices
Argentina official currency is the Argentinian Peso. There are banknotes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Pesos and coins of 1 Peso and 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents.

VAT Refund: it can be refunded at the airport if you have bought national products over 70 Pesos -19 € (with a receipt) in shops members of “Global Refund” system.

Payment Methods: Although the American Dollar and the Euro are generally accepted, the money exchange is done in banks and authorized offices. Most frequently accepted credit cards are American Express, VISA, Dinners and Master Card. Traveler’s cheques exchange may be difficult outside Buenos Aires.

Useful Info

Official name
San Carlos de Bariloche
Country
Argentina
Time Zone
GMT-4
Official Language
Spanish
Population
93,352 inhabitants
Political Regime
Federal Democratic Republic
Public holidays
January 1°: New Year
March / April: Easter
April 2nd: Falklands, War Veteran’s Day
May 1st: International Labour Day
May 25th: First National Government Anniversary
June 20th: National Flag Day
July 9th: National Independence Day
August 17th: Anniversary of the death of General José de San Martín
October 12th: Race Day
December 8th: Immaculate Conception Day
December 25th: Christmas
Religion
The official religion is Roman Catholic, though freedom of religion is complete. Protestantism, Islamism, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and others are also practised.
Religion
Roman Catholic
Arrival / Departure
In Bariloche there are an international airport, border posts to Chile, good road access and bus and railway stations.
Safety
Though Bariloche is a safe city, some precautions must be taken as in any large city. We suggest to leave you values at the hotel safe and carrying only the necessary money when you go out. Pay attention to your belongings specially among a crowd. Place your ID and passport in the front pocket of your trousers and always check the restaurant bill.
Visa
Entry formalities: A passport is required. Visas may be required depending on your country of origin. For more information concerning entry and customs you can contact the nearest Argentine Consulate. Visitors coming from countries not bordering Argentina are exempt from all taxes on traveling articles and new articles with a value not exceeding US $300 and US $600 additional US dollars if purchased in the duty free shops within the national territories. No vaccination certificate is required.
Clothing
It is recommended to wear warm footwear -boots, tennis shoes. Two or three sweaters to go out. A warm windcheater and jeans. In winter, gloves, wool headwear or snow garments (you can rent it on site). In summer temperatures are high; wear light clothes, beach clothing, sunblock, and a coat for the mornings or cold days.
Electricity
In Argentina alternate current is most frequently used - 220 volts. So if you bring any electrical device working with a different voltage, you should use a transformer o consult an electrician.
Radio and Television
The most popular local radio stations are:

94.3 FM Horizonte Bariloche
Radio Metro Mix 89.9
Radio Fantasia Fm 97.3
Radio Bariloche Fm 89.1
Radio Top Fm 101.1
Radio Paisajes Fm 104.7
Radio Urbana Fm 99.1
Radio Dimension Fm 101.5
Radio Renacer 105.7
Radio Dina Huapi Fm 91.3
Radio La Voz de Los Lagos del Sur -Fm 97.9
Radio Laser Fm 107.7
Radio Master Fm 100.7
Radio Estrella del Frutillar Fm 98.5
Del Lago Fm Stereo 92.1
Radio Gente de Radio Fm 90.3
Telephone
Public phones work with prepaid phone cards available at kiosks and telephone company offices, also with coins. There also locutorios, establishments where you can make a call and pay in cash (24-hour open). To make a phone call from abroad, firstly the national code (54) should be dialed; afterwards the area code of the city you would like to call. When you make a national call the 0 should be dialed before the respective code. To make an international phone call from Argentina, you should dial 00 first, after that the national code (54), and lastly the city code. Please have in mind that phone rates are cheaper from 10 pm to 8 am.

Locutorios:

ALTO PENINSULA SHOPPING: Av.E.Bustillo. Phone: + 20400 448398.

DOBLEVECUBO:Av.de los Pioneros 4521.

INTTEL: F.P.Moreno 49.

KIOSCO CHOLITA: 2 20 de Febrero 460 - Phone: +431774.

KIOSCO NIC: Tiscornia 141; +426604.

LA CALENDULA-Q'RICO: Villa Arelauquen +467517.

LOCUTORIO AAT COMUNICACIONES: F.P.Moreno 107; +437883.

LOCUTORIO AAT COMUNICACIONES-Sucursal Mitre 183: +437883.

LOCUTORIO CAPRI: Av.E.Bustillo 8550 +462000.

LOCUTORIO CENTRAL SUR: F.P.Moreno 365; +429993.

LOCUTORIO CENTRO CIVICO: Mitre 21, +437230.

LOCUTORIO EL MONOLITO: Av.San Martín 672; +430510.

LOCUTORIO HOLA QUE TAL: Gallardo y Palacios; + 424547.

LOCUTORIO HUEMUL: Av.E.Bustillo 7500; +461600.

LOCUTORIO LA ESQUINA: Onelli (esq. Elflein) 400; +421914.

LOCUTORIO LAGO MORENO: Palacios 214; +424697.

LOCUTORIO LAGO MORENO Sucursal Av.San Martín 470; +424697.

LOCUTORIO MORENO: F.P.Moreno 726; +428414.

LOCUTORIO NAHUEL: MALAL-Agente Via Bariloche: Av.E.Bustillo 12435, +461650.

LOCUTORIO NUEVA IMAGEN: 12 de Octubre 1571, +421828.

LOCUTORIO PUENTE ÑIRECO: 12 de Octubre 1776, +424209.

LOCUTORIO QUAGLIA: Quaglia 220, +426128.

LOCUTORIO TELECENTRO: F.P.Moreno 480 L.9, +437059.

LOCUTORIO TELECENTRO S.A.: Av.E.Bustillo 13350, +461786.

LOCUTORIO TEMPO: Mitre 201, +428410.

LOCUTORIO TISCORNIA: Tiscornia 19, + 430530.

LOCUTORIO Y KIOSCO JORGITO: Diag.Capraro 1141, +429400.

MACEDONIA: Av. E. Bustillo 5500, +442904.

MAXIKIOSCO ESCORPIO: Onelli 662. MULTIKIOSCO DEL 13: Av.E.Bustillo 131 +44 520153.
Police
101
Ambulance
Red Cross: +423768
Fire Brigade
100
Tourist health care services
107
Newspapers and Magazines
El Cordillerano: Bariloche news. The most important Buenos Aires newspapers get to Bariloche by plane at noon.
Health Care Services
Bariloche has a good network of health care facilities.
Airport
Capital Federal Airport and Ezeiza Airport
(011) 5480- 2093
For more information about flights: http:// www.aa2000.com.ar
Public Transport
-There are several radio-taxi companies in the city:

Radio Taxi - Aguas Azules:
Quaglia and Padre Elguea - Phone: 433338 - 433331

Radio Taxi Bariloche:
Mitre 817 - Phone: 422103 - 431717 - 525333

Radio Taxi Limay:
Estados Unidos 318 - Phone: 468300

Su Taxi (Stop):
Villegas 211

Taxis Bariloche (Stop)
Rolando 202 - Phone: 422103

Taxis Pehuen (Stop):
Albarracín y Onelli - Phone: 426549

-Remises (hired car with driver)
Auto jet:
España 11 - Phone: 422408; 0800 888 4444

Remises de la Ciudad:
Palacios 263 - Phone: 428000; 0800 222 435555

Remises Puerto:
Villegas 216 l 3 -Phone: 435222 - 430777 - 0800 999 0885

Bus lines
10: Colonia Suiza y Bahía López
11: Colonia Suiza thru the old road
20: Llao Llao
50: Cable car: Villa Los Coihues
51: Cable car: Km. 15 Av. Bustillo
72: The Airport
Railway
Tren Patagónico (Patagonia Train): from the city of Viedma you can get to Bariloche by train.

Servicios Ferroviarios Patagónicos:
12 de Octubre 2400 - Mitre 125 Loc.5
Phone: +423172; +424529;
www.trenpatagonico.com.ar - comercial@sefepa.com.ar
Bus
Retiro Bus Station - Buenos Aires: +(011) 4310-0700.
To see routes visit: http://www.ruta0.com.
DDN (local phone code): +02944.
DDI: +54-2944.

Bariloche Bus Station
Information Office: +432860

3 de Mayo, Línea Sur
Moreno 480 Loc. 5 - Phone: +426225
tresmayo@satlink.com.

Albus S.R.L.
Phone: +423552

Algarrobal:
9 de Julio 1800 - Phone: +423081, +427698

Andesmar:
Mitre 385 - Phone: +430211
www.andesmar.com; andesmar@andesmar.com.ar

Bus Norte:
Phone: +430303

Chevallier:
Moreno 105 - Phone: +423090
www.nuevachevallier.com; info@nuevachevallier.com

C.O.D.A.O.:
Moreno 720 - Phone: +425927, +440382;
cooptranscodao@ciudad.com.ar.

Crucero del Norte:
Phone: +435999
www.crucerodelnorte.com.ar; crucerodelnorte@infovia.com.ar

Cruz del Sur:
Phone: +430303

Don Otto S.A.:
Mitre 321
Phone: +437699

El Rápido Argentino:
Villegas 186
Phone: +424565

El Valle:
12 de Octubre 1880 - Phone: +0800-3337575; +431444
www.elvalle.com.ar; info@elvalle.com.ar

Flecha Bus:
Moreno 105 - Phone: +423090; +425914
www.flechabus.com.ar; atencionalcliente@callcenterretiro.com.ar

Ko ko:
Mitre 385 - Phone: +431135

Mar y Valle.
Phone: - 432269

TAC
Moreno 138 - Phone: +434727

TAM:
Mitre 161 - Phone: +431444, +432444

Tas Choapa:
Moreno 138 - Phone: +42666, +422288
www.ailenturismo.com.ar

TUS:
12 de Octubre 2400 - Terminal de Omnibus - Loc 10 - Phone: +424565
www.tussrl.com.ar

Via Bariloche:
Mitre 321 - Phone: +0800-3337575, +432444
www.viabariloche.com.ar; viabrc9@viabariloche.com.ar
Car
To get to Bariloche by car:

From Buenos Aires
Route 5, passing by Santa Rosa, General Acha, Colonia 25 de Mayo, Neuquén, and Piedar del Águila. Distance: 993 miles.

From Neuquén
Routes 22, 237, and 234 through Piedra del Águila, Collon Cura, and Junín de los Andes.

From Chile
Thru Paso Puyehue from Osorno or through Tromen from Pucón.
Car Rentals
There are several car rental companies at the Bariloche airport:

A Open Rent a Car:
Mitre 171, Local 15 - Phone: 426325 -Cell phone: 15587272.
Website: www.opencar.com.ar - opencar@bariloche.com.ar.

A.B.A. Rent a Car:
Mitre 437 1º P - Phone: 461443 -Cell phone: 15604766.
Website: www.abarentacar.com.ar - info@abarentacar.com.ar

Baricoche Rent a Car:
Moreno 115 - 1º Floor of. 15 - Phone: 427638.
Website: www.baricoche.com.ar - rentacar@bariloche.com.ar.

Catedral Rent a Car:
Pioneros 5645 - Phone: 441488 - 15602999.
Website: > www.autoscatedral.com.ar - mariela@autoscatedral.com.ar.

Correntoso Rent a Car:
Rolando 172 1º C - Phone: 427737; 441192.
Cell phone: 15611545. E-mail: correntoso@arnet.com.ar
Ship
The Cruce Internacional de los Lagos (International Lakes Crossing) can be done by catamaran. From Puerto Blest to Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Taking pictures
Pictures can be taken freely, except in clearly signalled areas.

See climate
www.worldweather.org
Currency converter
www.xe.com/ucc
A dinner
Locro (meat and vegetable stew) or pizza: $12-$18 (3 - 4.5 €) Ciervo a la Cazadora or Goulash: $22-$30 (5.5 - 7.6 €); Asado for 2: $30-$35 (7.6 - 6.90 €).
The Bus
From airport to downtown: $8 (2 €) each passenger.
The taxi
From airport to downtown:$18 (4.5 €). Remise from airport to Llao-Llao or Cedro Catedral: $30 (7.6 €).