A favorite destination for the Brazilian middle class, San Carlos de Bariloche, in Patagonia Argentina, is still a good option for those who want to see the snow and try skiing. The city, however, maintains the slightly tacky air of the 1990s, when it was discovered by Brazilians as a more affordable option than a winter walk through the USA or European countries.
The city has a family atmosphere, given the number of Brazilians who occupy every corner. There are so many of them that the locals nicknamed them “brasiloche”, in a more acid than affectionate tone. The high season is in winter, from mid-June to September — the ideal period for those who want to ski.
During this period, the main attractions are Cerro Catedral and Cerro Otto. The first, about 30 minutes from the center, is the most suitable for skiing.
The day with all activities included costs ARS 9,990 for an adult (approximately BRL 330), but can drop to ARS 7,300 (approximately BRL 240) if the traveler opts for beginner activities. The second offers snow activities like snowmobiling and butt skiing – fun, you have to admit. Paying for tokens ends up generating some savings.
However, it is still not a truly accessible destination. It remains a cheap option compared to the north, but this responsibility does not come from the air.
In high season, in July, a direct flight costs around R$3,500. Therefore, those who go usually take advantage of the double with Buenos Aires, and leaves and arrives in Brazil from there, spending the same or less on tickets. The daily cost for skiing, eating and lodging, however, is considerably lower.
At the time of exchange, using a credit card or exchanging in the official market is a mistake. The thing is to look for parallel sellers downtown. The economic crisis in the country opened space for the blue dollar, a kind of parallel exchange rate that values the real.
In early October, while the official exchange rate was 25 pesos per real, blue sellers were offering up to 48 pesos.
Even the alternative market fluctuates according to demand. In winter, for example, it is more expensive than in summer, when demand is lower. And, contrary to popular belief, Bariloche is not a destination to visit only when there is snow.
In the hottest season of the year, tourists can find rafting, kayaking, trails and horseback riding. In the first one, the difficulty level is chosen, from “light” to what takes “to the limit”.
The landscapes seen in Patagonia during each tour are unique. But the sports that are practiced there during the summer are also found in Brotas, in the interior of São Paulo🇧🇷 Depending on the purpose of the trip, it may not be worth the investment.
Bariloche continues to be a good option for family travel, as it is receptive to children and has interesting alternatives for teenagers — it is even a favorite destination for Argentine graduation agencies, which makes the traveler stumble upon large groups of young people anywhere in the city .
Even so, it emerges as a possibility for couples and groups of friends looking for outdoor activities at any time of the year, as they eat and drink very well there.
In addition to sports, the city also wants to be seen for its gastronomic scene, living up to Argentine cuisine. It gathers around 30 breweries, more than 20 chocolatiers and restaurants serving meats such as deer, sheep and even goat.
Among the essentials is a visit to the Patagonia brewery, where it is worth investing in the factory tour.
As for activities that combine scenery and good food, there is a sailboat ride on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, which bathes much of the tourist area of Bariloche.
Travel agencies offer Argentinean wine accompanied by a well-served cold cuts board with raw ham, cheeses and breads, in addition to other snacks. The view is breathtaking.
The experience, which lasts about three hours and can be divided between four to ten people, costs between ARS 40,000 (about R$ 1,300) to ARS 90,000 (approximately R$ 2,950).
Service
Access to all activities for one day
- Over 12 years old
ARS 9.990 - From 6 to 11 years old
ARS 8.300 - Up to 5 years
ARS 5.800
Access to base sector starter activities for one day
- Over 12 years old
ARS 7.300 - From 6 to 11 years old
ARS 6.100 - Up to 5 years
ARS 4.200
tour with pairing
Includes starter, main course and dessert.
ARS 7.500
tasting tour
Includes beer tasting.
ARS 4.500
The journalist traveled at the invitation of Emprotur
