Cultural life in Bariloche

What kind of Cultural life can I find in Bariloche?

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.

Does Bariloche have an interesting 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.

Who doesn´t like some shopping?

Are there Shopping areas in Bariloche? 

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.

Some interesting links to see Bariloches shopping areas:

http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/arts-and-crafts-tour-in-san-carlos-de-bariloche-5382.html

How safe is Bariloche?

About Safety in Bariloche:

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 in Bariloche

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 in Bariloche?

How to get in 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/
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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.

Common questions you may have before arriving in Bariloche

2. What is the weather like in Bariloche?

Regarding the weather, Bariloche has a cool climate generally. Summers (December to March) in Bariloche are dry, sunny, and windy, with temperatures ranging from 79 °F (26 °C) to a brisk of 36 °F (2 °C), but for example this summer we are having beautiful days of 32ºC, hot and sunny to do lake sports as kayaking and swiming. Winter months are wet and snowy, with temperatures ranging from 46 °F (8 °C) to below freezing point at 14 °F (-10 °C). This time of the year we have Cerro Catedral Skii Resort, to do winter sports, we get plenty of snow every year. If you’re visiting during the summertime, bring a light sweater for your day excursions and a thicker one or light jacket for the cooler nights. If you’re coming in the wintertime, then it’s all about layers. Since the temperature can get to below freezing, make sure you bring protection for your head, hands, and feet, but also Bariloche has lots of shopping options for this like winter jackets, gloves, beanies, waterproof jackets (if you’re planning on skiing) etc.

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Common questions you may have before arriving in Bariloche

1. Is it hard to get around in Bariloche?

Getting around Bariloche is quite easy. Once you’re downtown (where La Montaña is) it’s better to go walking to explore the city, shops and buildings. There are very interesting places to visit in town like the Civic Center (Our town hall); where the Tourism Office is, Sarmiento library and the theater hall. There, you can also find the Patagonian Museum which is a national historic monument and has several exhibition halls as well. Main street is Mitre, parallel to Costanera road (that borders along Nahuel Huapi lake-shore). This is the area for the tourist shops, chocolaterias, and some of the endless list of good restaurants. The second most touristic street is Moreno and it`s one block further up Mitre, and then, cames Elflein, were the school is located.
Getting outside downtown: locals call it “the kilometers” (Los Kilometros, as Bariloche is set all along Nahuel Huapi lake-shore which is large as 24 km or so). In this area you can enjoy beautiful beaches by the lake, mountains to hike, amazing views, ski area at Cerro Catedral, forests, and more! You can take public transportation, bus tours or rent a car. In fact, while the city’s bus system is good and reliable, you may also prefer to rent a car – it’s faster and more efficient.

Reciprocity Fee for US, Australian and Canadian citizens

You can save time with the new regulations for Reciprocity Fee

The Argentine National Immigration Directorate(DNM) has launched a new online method of payment to enable payment of the reciprocity fee via credit card. Travellers can now pay this fee through the Provincia Pagos payment system.
US, Australian and Canadian citizens can pay the reciprocity fee before entering Argentina by accessing the following websites: www.provinciapagos.com.ar and www.migraciones.gov.ar.

How can I pay the Reciprocity Fee Online?

1.Register at www.provinciapagos.com.ar and obtain an entry code.
2.Complete the form including personal and credit card details . This information and the entry code will be sent electronically to the DNM.
3.After payment is processed, print the receipt.
4.Upon arrival in Argentina, go to the DNM Office and present the printed receipt.
5.The receipt will be scanned by DNM staff and the data will be validated to enable entry to Argentina.

Fuente: https://reciprocidad.provincianet.com.ar

What is a homestay like at La Montaña?

A Family homestay will allow you to learn more than just a language. You will have the opportunity to practice your Spanish, immerse in the Latin American culture, share regional home made meals, conversations and experiences with locals, while enjoying the safety and comfort of a familiar environment, in a relaxed and homely atmosphere.
All our host families are centrally located, walking distance from the school. They have more than 10 years experience in receiving people from all over the world. All homes are quality checked by our staff.

Homestay includes:

• Shared or Private Room
• Breakfast and Dinner
• Bed linen and towels
• Wi-fi

Not included:

• Laundry
• Telephone
• Alcoholic Drinks
• Lunch