Trekking

A trek though an area of botanical or historical interest, or a climb up to a glacier to spend a day in the snow and high mountain trails, are some of the options available to tourists seeking a unique experience in extraordinarily beautiful natural surroundings. In winter, some of the trails can be done using snowshoes.

Treks may take longer than one day, in which case the logistics must be organised, and the trekker will be able to discover a variety of valleys, ridges and perhaps even a mountain peak. The best way to really get to know, love and respect the area, is to go out in the company of a knowledgeable local guide. Mountain shelters are an attraction in themselves. There are trails connecting them, leading through a variety of geographical surroundings. The shelters are located in unique spots, which were selected by the pioneers of Andean mountaineering. They offer basic facilities including shared sleeping quarters, cooking facilities, dining room and toilets. Many a friendship began at a mountain shelter and lasted a lifetime.

There are now seven mountain shelters near Bariloche, each with its own distinctive features and varying degree of difficulty to get to. For those who prefer shorter, easier treks, there are trails through native forests with wonderful panoramic views.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is a technique for scaling rock walls in which the climber uses ropes and his own strength. It requires no previous experience, although it is recommendable to be physically fit. Bariloche offers are several sites appropriate for beginners, as well as highly difficult routes for the more daring. .

Rafting

Rafting involves running mountain rivers in an inflatable raft. All rafting excursions take place in beautiful surroundings. Rivers vary in difficulty from Class I, which is the easiest to Class VI, which is unrunnable for rafts. Rafts usually hold 10 people plus the rafting guide, who knows the area and
imparts instructions.

Places for rafting:
Limay River (Class I) - Manso Inferior River (Class II -III) -
Manso a la Frontera River (Class III - IV).

Kayaking

Of all river sports, this is perhaps the most challenging, as you face all the different river obstacles alone. Newcomers can learn the basic manoeuvres in a few lessons. Kayaks are highly versatile and can be used to run all kinds of rivers, ranging from smooth-flowing waters to wild torrents.

Kayak expeditions: Whether you use a single or a double kayak, it is easy to manoeuvre and highly stable. No previous experience is needed for kayak expeditions, which are done on all the Nahuel Huapi National Park lakes as well as the Limay, Manso and Negro Rivers.

Horseback Riding

There are various horseback riding options. You can ride across the steppe at an estancia, where you might come across hares, wild boar or deer, returning to enjoy the typical tasty asado criollo and share anecdotes about the ride. Another alternative is to ride along mountain trails, discovering lakes and rivers till you reach one of the mountain shelters, specially designed to rest at. The horses have been trained to negotiate all kinds of terrain, and rides are led by local guides.

Places for horseback rides:
Manso River or Foyel River valleys - Mount
Campanario - Lake Moreno - Otto Meiling Shelter - Mount Tronador - Steppe -
El León Mountain Pass to Chile.

Mountain Bike

Anyone can go mountain biking in Bariloche, where the variety of terrains will please everyone, from beginners to experts.

Places for mountain biking:
Lake Gutiérrez - Mount Catedral - Mount Otto
Circuito Chico - Neumeyer Shelter

Rides:
Lake Mascardi - Lake Steffen / Lake Steffen - Villegas River
Villa Los Coihues (Lake Gutiérrez) - Villa Catedral / Paso Pérez Rosales - Peulla (Crossing to Chile).

Canopy

Canopy is basically a ride through the top of the trees using fantastic tirolesas, hanging bridges and rappel. Small groups, always accompanied by qualified instructors who teach the basic techniques of sliding and safety.

The safety equipment includes: helmet, professional mountain pelvic harness, carabineers, and tape for anchorage, roldana slider and leather gloves. Canopy is an eco tourist activity, of low impact on the environment that gives tourists a close approach to observe the biodiversity of our Andean-Patagonian forest.

A different and safety activity for the whole family in Circuito Chico..

Paraglider
Duración: medio día o día entero

Take off in a paraglider from a considerable height on a tandem flight with an instructor or specialised pilot. The changeable weather in the area poses a challenge to paragliders. Paragliding is appropriate for all ages and can be done all year round.

Places for paragliding:
Mount Catedral - Mount Otto - Anfiteatro at Limay River.

Fishing

The Nahuel Huapi National Park has many lakes and rivers which are easy to access and offer a particularly favourable environment for species of interest to sport fishing. One of the most common species, the rainbow trout, is found upstream and downstream from rapids, usually in clear, fast-flowing waters. The brown trout inhabits almost all the rivers and lakes in the area. Brook trout, creole trout or perca, and landlocked salmon are also worth a day's angling, using spinning, fly casting and trolling techniques.

Some of the most popular fishing destinations are Lake Nahuel Huapi and its system of streams and rivers; the outlet into Limay River, where rainbow and brown trout abound; and the Manso and Traful River systems, known as the best sites in the area for salmon fishing.

Lakes Mascardi, Guillelmo, Fonck, Hess, Roca and Los Moscos deliver nice rainbow, brown and fontinalis specimens. The fishing season begins in November and closes in April. Fishing is open all year round in Lake Moreno.