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Bariloche and the seven lakes

Written by Nadine Zangerle on . Posted in Argentina

In the bus we had a Cama Ejecutivo, which is a seat with a 150 degrees. The party and lack of sleep before made us tired and we had a couple of hours sleep only. In the bus we played Bingo and funny wise I won a bottle of wine. After 18 hours we finally arrived in Bariloche and shared a taxi with two women into town.

The hostel we choosed was just fantastic. We had the 4 bed dorm for ourselves and an ensuite bathroom. The kitchen was perfectly equipped and with the girls we arranged our bus ticket for the next trip. Jenny and Anna are traveling together since a couple of months and they know each other from a former trip. We are having a great time together and since we are on the same route we might travel partly together.

Strolling around the cozy town of Bariloche, we could see how busy it might become in high season. It was very touristy place but in a nice way. The wood-brick houses reminded us a bit of the Switzerland. Coincidently this town is also well known for its chocolate. The hot chocolate was super rich. Somehow we didn’t find the time to go in a Chocolate Museum. Well Chocolate wasn’t the main reason why we came to this place.

When we returned to the hostel we planned to do a day trip together the next day. Unfortunately Jenny got sick and the three of us headed to the bus station. Even being in time the bus passed us without stopping. Due to low season the buses only run once an hour. So we decided to start the tour at Cerro Catedral and hopped on the next bus just five minutes later.

Cerro Catedral is the skiing area here and it was just the end of the ski season. Walking uphill through this forests of white trees and the snowcapped mountains we enjoyed the view over the Lago Gutierrez. The last couple of hundred meters to the Refugio Frey where covered in snow and ice and it was a bit slippery. The wind was harsh and freaking cold so we found refuge in the hut.

After a little snack – bananas, crackers and peanuts – we headed back to the Lago Gutierrez and down into the Villa los Coihues. We just made it in time for the bus, unbelievable. This day we had been lucky and everything happens for a reason. If Jenny would have come with us, our bus fare on our card (you have to buy a tarjeta which you charge with money) wouldn’t have been enough for this route we took, since we have planned to start and end our trip from the Villa los Coihues.

If we would have get into the bus 50 instead in the morning, we would have had a tougher route since it would have been mainly uphill. And if we wouldn’t have been hiking so fast we would have missed the bus. All happened for the better.

Sure after a 6 hours strenuous hiking trip we deserved a beer and a good dinner. Michael cooked for the four of us a great veggie pan. Since we had a long trip ahead of us we just wanted to watch a movie, do some packing and hit the pillows. Our next trip will bring us to El Calafate and the Glacier Perito Moreno. Let’s go!

Accommodation: Peryko’s Hostel, Calle Morales, Bariloche

Price: $ ARG 130 p.P., 4 bed dorm, ensuite bathroom, incl. breakfast

Comment: one of the best hostels we have stayed in since we are traveling through Central and South
                  America, awesome kitchen, beautifully arranged in chalet style, just great.