San Carlos de Bariloche, Patagonia, Argentina
Bariloche´s view
Well-known as the Gateway to Patagonia and one of its most important touristic centres in the country, Bariloche is characterized by its diversity of landscapes and varied number of free time activities: skiing (alpine, nordic and cross-country), snowboarding, parapenting, canopy, trekking, snow-motorcycle rides , horserides, mountain biking, rafting, boat trips, fishing, hunting, windsurfing , beaches, and a wide range of restaurants which serve both regional and international dishes and exquisite desserts and pastry.
Such an abundant offer of services make the Nahuel Huapi area a tempting place all year round.
The town is situated on the south shore of Nahuel Huapi lake at 764 meters above sea level and it is in the heart of Nahuel
Huapi National Park. Founded on May 3, it is named "San Carlos" after one of the first inhabitants of the region , Don Carlos Widerhold, who was the owner of an important sawmill at the time; and "Bariloche" which is a variation of the mapuche word "Vuriloche".
Born as an agricultural and cattle-raising colony, Bariloche turned into a touristic place with the passing of time, mainly due to two main events: the creation of Nahuel Huapi National park (1934) and the construction of Llao Llao Hotel (1938). The development of skiing at the turn of 1930 also contributed to its fame and popularity.
