What to do in Bariloche while learning Spanish?

What to do in Bariloche?

Bariloche is the perfect place for combining Spanish Learning, Adventure, Culture and Outdoor Activities.

Why learning Spanish in Bariloche?

Bariloche has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, with majestic mountains, lakes and breathtaking views. A heaven for all  sports enthusiasts and travellers alike. The area offers a variety of opportunities for skiing, cross country, sledding, snowshoeing, and snowbording, trekking, rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, rock-climbing, rappelling, fly- fishing, scuba-diving, kite-surfing, paragliding, bird-watching, zip-lining, four-wheeling, motocross, horse-riding, sailing, camping, spelunking, nature-photography, etc. Enjoy some views of Bariloche here.

Location:

Bariloche, a small town in northewest Patagonia on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi, is the doorstep to the Andes. The altitude is 800 mt above sea level, and the weather varies gradually from the tipical mountain rain forest to the arid plains.
The city is very well connected to the main cities in Argentina and Chile by plane or bus.
The picturesque village stretches along the banks of the beautiful lake (Nahuel Huapi), surrounded by mountains to the west and the dry steppe in the east.  The geographic and cultural center is the city-hall, built in 1938 in a perfect Patagonian version of the alpine style.  Because the public transportation system quickly connects all parts of the city, visitors don't waste much time communiting.

Weather:

There is so much to do all year round, with four distinct seasons. Patagonian summers, with 16 hours daylight, allow for extended timetables for all kinds of outdoor activities. As for the climate we can expect long, hot and dry days in summer, more precipitation during autumn and spring, and snow covered mountains in winter.

Population:

The population of Bariloche  is currently 120,000 inhabitants, mostly descendants of European immigrants. Swiss, Germans, Austrians, and Italians settled in these beautiful surroundings and kept their traditions and customs giving a special character to Bariloche.
Bariloche shares with Buenos Aires the highest percentage per capita of Argentineans holding advanced degrees. You will find that locals are friendly and supportive with Spanish students. I strongly recommend homestays with a local host family to improve your Spanish skills and also to gain a valuable local perspective.

Cultural life:

Bariloche offers a big variety of events, like theater, exhibitions, cinemas and concerts. There are several interesting museums, and a big public library near the town hall. Centro Civico is the cultural heart, the perfect space for open parties: concerts, parades, dances and other events.
The school makes arrangements to enable students to participate in social or cultural events. When a public event takes place, such as shows, meetings, lectures, or exhibitions, students receive all the information and the school organizes the activity for those who are interested.
Bariloche is home to three universities: Universidad del Comahue, Universidad Fasta and Universidad Nacional de Rio Negro, therefore the university environment is present all over.
While a relatively small city, Bariloche is very modern with wifi available in many public spaces, cafes, bars, accomodations and homestays.

Bariloche nightlife:

Bariloche is the capital of the nightlife in Patagonia. There are several well known discoteques, where you can meet Argentinean football stars and artists. Within its buzzing nightlife, with plenty of great bars, you can learn to unwind like a true Argentine!
Restaurants and bars are open until early hours. At the ski resort, you can find more entertaiment, including ski parties, with fireworks, discos, etc.

Shopping areas:

Most of the important shops in Bariloche are located along Mitre and Moreno streets. There, you will find all the gear you need for outdoor activities or skiing. The ski resort has a big shopping mall where is possible to find all the services and facilities needed.
Traditional chocolaterias and cafes are open all day for people to enjoy delicious specialities in chocolate and cakes. Bariloche is also well known for delicious pastries, smoked food and breweries, which taste even better with dramatic mountain ranges and lakes as the scenery.

Safety:

Bariloche is a small town, with about 120,000 inhabitants. It is one of the safest cities in Argentina. While crime rates are low throughout the year, minor thefts sometime occur and we recommend keeping valuables out of sight or safely stored in your hotel or homestay. Foreigners and women are not specifically targeted and the police are very supportive with tourists. During high season, when more tourists populate the area, the city doubles the number of  policemen.

Weekend Trips and Excursions:

Bariloche is considered the gateway to Patagonia. It is possible to combine Spanish lessons with Half-day excursions, Day trips, week-end getaways and longer excursions throughout this famous region of the world, possible with rented cars, short flights and an extensive, modern and comfortable bus system.
Half-day excursions: (Easily organised right after your Spanish lesson)
Cerro Campanario, Cerro Catedral, Cerro Otto, Cerro Leones, Lago Gutierrez Mirador and Cascada de los Duendes, Llao Llao forest, Piedras Blancas, Playa Bonita.

Day trips:

Seven lakes Road (Ruta de los Siete Lagos) San Martin de los Andes, Villa La Angostura, El Bolson, Cerro Tronador, etc.

Weekends getaways:

El Hoyo, Lago Puelo, El Maiten, Esquel, Parque Nacional Los Alerces, Chile, Pucon, Valdivia, Puerto Montt, Puyehue.

Longer Excursions (4 or more days):

Calafate, Copahue hot springs, Puerto Madryn, Puerto Piramide, Gaiman, Parque Nacional Los Alerces, Esquel.

How to get to Bariloche:

Bariloche is a popular town and is easily accessible by bus or plane from Buenos Aires and many other interesting towns.  Both the local airport and the bus station are only 5 to 15 minutes from city center by taxi or local bus.

By Plane:

Several airlines fly daily from and to Bariloche, connecting Chalten, Calafate, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia in Patagonia or Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Salta, Iguazu and Cordoba.
To check for up to date timetables and prices, please visit their websites:
http://www.aerolineas.com.ar/home.asp
http://plane.lan.com/index-es-ar.html
http://www.andesonline.com/
http://www.voegol.com.br/arg/Paginas/home.aspx

By Bus:

A cheaper option is to travel by bus, which leaves daily from Buenos Aires and takes at least 20 hours. The Bus network in Argentina is very popular so there are plenty of different companies. Often it is even possible to find buses with “camas” (beds).
Our students receive very good deals for the best bus companies, please, email us if you are interested.

If you would like to know more about Bariloche, please, visit:
LOCAL CULTURE www.galeria-bariloche.com
GENERAL INFORMATION www.bariloche.org
LOCAL NEWS: www.elcordillerano.com.ar
SECRETARY OF TOURISM: www.rionegrotur.com.ar
SKI CLUB: www.clubandino.com.ar
LOCAL TOWN COUNCIL: www.bariloche.gov.ar    
SNOW FORECAST: http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Catedral/6day/top
SKIING INFORMATIONFOR CERRO CATERAL – (tariffs, weather, piste maps)  www.catedralaltapatagonia.com
SNOW FORECAST FOR CERRO CATEDRAL: http://www.catedralaltapatagonia.com/invierno/partediario.shtml                    
SNOW FORECAST FOR CERRO CATEDRAL http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Catedral/6day/mid

SOME PHOTOS OF BARILOCHE  here.

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