The wind, which kept us awake for most of the night, is shaking the windows so badly that we expect they will explode inwards at any moment. The rain, which has been falling steadily, would no doubt follow. But at 8:30 am, we rush out the door and run to catch the municipal bus to Cerro Cathedral, some 20km west of the city. It’s normally a full bus in the mornings, with throngs of Brazilians, Argentines and Americans making the daily trip to ski, but on this morning the weather has most people staying in bed. Thankfully, they are not blessed with insider knowledge that says if it’s raining and less than 5 degrees in the city, it’s snowing hard on the mountain.

We arrive at the deserted base area, where it is half raining and half snowing and the mountain is hidden by thick fog, so we fear that the weather will be too strong to allow the chairlifts to operate. Our fears are quickly eliminated, when we see the bull wheel turning on the six-person chair that takes people to the mid-mountain. We quickly load the chair, along with one other local skier, and begin our assent into the invisible abyss. We quickly rise out of the rain and find that the snow is tapering off. As we near the top of the lift, something amazing happens; we rise above the fog and have nothing less an empty mountain full of freshly fallen powder.

The local skier smiles as we unload. He motions for us to follow him, which we readily do. It’s Alex’s first day skiing in South America, and he is laughing aloud at how ridiculously lucky he is to arrive to these conditions. I have been here many times, but never seen conditions so perfect or the mountain so empty. To have them both on one day is special.

The local, who becomes our impromptu guide for the day, leads us on a sort of strategic powder tour of the mountain, the kind that takes you from one sweet section to the next, making sure to take into account lift openings, avalanche closures and scoring runs on all the best places before they become tracked. It’s the same system that many of us use back at our local mountains but, at home, competition and egos are too big to share it even with your closest friends, let alone a complete stranger. Argentina is so friendly sometimes!

Run after run of perfect snow, we work our way from right to left, continuing to chase our local friend through tree runs, open bowls and exhilarating chutes and couloirs. He really knows this mountain, but as we are sticking mostly to two person chairlifts, we still have not exchanged a single word. The day continues and we shift around the mountain before standing atop one final run, to the far skier’s left, called La Palmera.

He stops at the top of a steep ridge. We ski up beside him, stop to see views of breaking skies out across the majestic Lago Nahuel Huapi, and take a silent moment to enjoy it all. He speaks first, “This one is the best, enjoy!” and drops into the best run of the day, before we even get a chance to reply.
We give chase, snow funneling up and over our heads on every turn to the bottom.

As we slide past our new friend at the base area, we simply say, “Beers are on us!” and motion for him to follow. He readily agrees. Now there will be plenty of time to talk about this magic day.

• Cristo el Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) is Also in Patagonia
• Avalanche Awareness Classes Begin in Bariloche
• Arrival of Snow Makes Some in Chubut Look Past Volcano to Ski Season
• 3 Climbers Rescued from Aconcagua
• Heavy Snow Blocks Tunnel between Argentina and Chile

I must admit: I have never been much of a hiker. My usual trek entails 40 minutes of prep time (both mental and logistical), 45 minutes of walking, and then a strong desire (often expressed verbally) to descend to base camp and seek out the nearest place to get a foot massage and a cider. So, I actually surprised myself when I agreed to go to Bariloche, the land of mountains and hiking, with my sister in mid-May. Little did we know that the fall weather would produce rain for an entire week, and all my mental and logistical preparations would be rendered unnecessary. Ultimately, we were able to discover plenty of enjoyable activities for hikers and non-hikers alike in Patagonia’s Lake District.

You should not avoid Bariloche in the autumn. Although the weather is unpredictable, the brilliance of the foliage and the drama of the Patagonia’s peaks put Vermont to shame. At this time of year, the weather is crisp; neither too cold nor marked by repressive heat associated with the summer months. Prices are lower (falling between the summer trekking and winter skiing high seasons), and there are more locals in the towns.

While we were eager to appreciate the benefits of autumn, we were not willing to suffer outside in the incessant downpour (surprising, given that we are Oregonians and accustomed to the rain). The first thing we decided to do was rent a car. There are great car rental deals in Bariloche, especially in the low season. We bargained VW Polo down from well over ARG$500 to $380 for three days (driving a maximum of 800 km). Our success could be attributed to the fact that we are girls, that we spoke Spanish, and that we did our research ahead of time, but I think that taking advantage of at least one of these criteria should reduce the rental price.

We rented from Correntoso car rental (just off of Avenida Mitre), but Liz Rent-A-Car and A-One (both located in the center of town) also had competitive deals. You must be 21 years old to drive, have a valid driver’s license, passport, and credit card. Prices include full insurance costs and taxes.

We decided to follow the famous Ruta de Siete Lagos (“seven lakes route”) from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes. The drive is spectacular (although clouds on our first day obscured our view), and we completed the full drive to San Martín in a matter of hours. In the rain, be aware of the 50km stretch of unpaved road; we had to weave through stones, ford mini-rivers, and avoid mud-hydroplaning. Don’t be discouraged: the road was not dangerous, just slow-moving.

We chose to stay the night in San Martín; which, although it is beautifully situated on Lago Lácar, is somewhat disappointing in weather not suited for outdoor activity. In low season much of the town seems to shut down- restaurants were closed, hotels out of season, and craft markets non-existent. Moreover, driving in San Martín is surprisingly frustrating. I would stop in town for lunch but avoid longer stays in the rainy season.

One activity we could justify due to the rain was a spa session in Villa Angostura. The lakeside town has been deemed an expensive luxury destination, and is therefore often snubbed by backpackers (although our hostel, the Hostel Angostura, gave us a private room with heated floors for just 40 pesos). Surprisingly, given the town’s reputation, we were able to easily locate economical services for our day of pampering. We first toured the breathtaking Hotel Sol Arrayán (http://www.solarrayan.com), a subtle seven story luxury resort overlooking the lake which was just inaugurated in January. Spa treatments were similar in cost to US prices, and housed in a state-of-the-art facility. We were unable to get appointments without a 24 hour advanced booking, but we settled on Hostería Las Nieves (http://www.lasnieves.com), a cozy bed and breakfast with amiable hosts that offered massages for ARG$60 per hour.

Another local tradition that is satisfying in any weather is the consumption of sinfully delicious local products- notably the Patagonian chocolate and beer. Mamushka chocolates are the local behemoth, and we went back three times to have their dark-chocolate covered orange peels. There is also a local chocolate museum that we failed to visit, but looked like a promising rainy-day activity. During our time, we took full advantage of the handful of local pubs and factories serving artisanal beers. We discovered two on the road to Bariloche’s local circuito chico and indulged in our recently discovered obsession for cerveza frambuesa (raspberry beer). Our favorite bar was Blest, which has a great selection of home-brewed beers, and invites you to immortalize your thoughts on beer coasters that line the walls.

Finally, we drove to have tea at the famous Llao Llao. The hotel resides on a peninsula with stunning views over the lake, and is one of the most prestigious hotels in Argentina. We dried off in front of the massive fireplace, and enjoyed a pot of Argentina’s fabulous Tealosophy tea. At ARG$16 for a small pot the drink is not cheap, but much more economical than the ARG$50 high tea served at 4PM.

While the weather on our trip was disappointing, we were pleased that we had carved out an alternate itinerary rather than escaping north to sunny Mendoza like many of our fellow travelers. It allowed us to appreciate the moments of sun and the fleeting vistas through the clouds much more than we might have otherwise. And who knows: maybe the frustration of not being able to hike will allow me to fully appreciate the activity next time I strap on my boots and head to the trail

• Bariloche Looks to Brazil to Increase Tourism
• White Spring in Bariloche Keeps Visitors Skiing
• San Martin de Los Andes: Twice the Beauty, Half the Crowds
• Avalanche Awareness Classes Begin in Bariloche
• New Family Excursion in Bariloche to Valle Encantado

I’m happy to report that today we rolled out a whole new destination guide, this time, to the Lake District in Patagonia.  It’s a great place to get all your questions about the Lake District answered (like, what to do while you’re there?).  It’s a great resource help you plan your trip.  If you want to know where to stay, how to get there, and where to eat, we have you covered.  Oh, and the beautiful picture is El Lago Espejo, in case you were wondering.

• Launching Our “Photo of the Week” Feature
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• San Martin de Los Andes: Twice the Beauty, Half the Crowds
• Villa Traful, This Andean Gem is More Than Just a Little Fishing Village

Sitting aboard my cozy LAN flight from Buenos Aires, I enjoyed some of Argentina’s famous chocolates, a nice cup of tea and anxiously awaited our arrival into Bariloche. With each turn of the engine my inner outdoorsman began to emerge and I could feel us approaching those beautiful Andes Mountains. When the wheels finally touched the runway I rushed out of the plane, eager to catch that first sight of the Andes and Lake Nahuel Huapi bordering Bariloche. One glance was inspiration enough to quickly get to a hostel, drop off my bags, and head out into the rugged outdoors.

My hostel recommendation turned out to be much better than convenient, comfortable, and clean as I had previously heard; it turned out to be nothing short of AMAZING! Hostel 1004 sits on the tenth floor of the highest building in Bariloche and is a tease to those eager to get outside. The views are incredible. My camera was out within seconds snapping away at the lake side views, and my nose was pressed up against the glass. (That was before I realized there was an outdoor balcony). The friendly staff must have noticed my kid in a candy store reaction and pointed me toward Cerro Campanario for the best views of the region.

From peak to peak within the Andes Mountains I’ve found that every lookout brings a new experience and a new memory; however there is one specifically that has captured notable attention from the masses. It doesn’t take an expert to realize the beauty of the views from the peak of Cerro Campanario, but if an expert opinion is what you want, how about this one? At one point National Geographic named Cerro Campanario one of the “Top 10 Views of the World.” After hearing about this wonder I packed a sandwich and headed out the door.

Cerro Campanario is 17 km outside of town, a little further that I felt like walking. But the immaculate bus system of Argentina once again came to my rescue, as did the conveniently placed bus stop at the base of the building in which Hostel 1004 sits. Buses numbered 10, 20, and 110 all travel down Avenida Ezequiel Bustillo, the only road heading west out of Bariloche en route to my destination, and in no time I had waved down a colectivo, and I was on my way. Av. Bustillo hugs the lakeside and provides beautiful scenery that served as foreshadowing to what lay ahead. 17 km later I buzzed the bell for my stop and stepped off the bus in what appeared to be the middle of nowhere. However once the bus rolled on my attention was directed to the opposite side of the street where there was a sign posted at the base of the mountain.

To be able to appreciate this view I knew that I would first need to get to the top of the mountain. There are a few different paths to follow up that were relatively short climbs but a little steep. However, I decided to push my Easy Button and use the Aerosilla Cerro Campanario…aka chairlift. Ten pesos for a one way ticket to the top, or twenty pesos to get up and down. I enjoyed my relaxed climb to the top from the seat of my cozy chair, although I found myself struggling to keep myself faced forward as I continued to rise higher and higher. With each tree that passed below my feet, the views continued to get better and better until I finally reached the top.

A friendly man was there to greet me and escorted me off the appropriate side of the chair lift. The moment my feet hit the ground I rushed off to the nearest lookout point, reaching for my camera. Fantastic panoramas, fresh mountain air, and breathtaking scenery had me feeling as if I was in my own Oz. The mesmerizing mountains were surrounded in blue with the wide open sky up top and the huge lake waters of Nahuel Huapi and Perito Moreno down below. I could see for miles in any direction until my line of sight was stopped by another one of Mother Nature’s beautiful mountain peaks: Cerro Otto, Cerro Lopez, Cerro Goye, Cerro Catedral, and Cerro Capilla to name a few. I saw Hotel Llao Llao stretched across the Llao Llao Peninsula below, the enchanting Isla Victoria, and looking back to the east, I saw the town of Bariloche. It didn’t take long at all to understand exactly why Cerro Campanario has received so much attention.

After spending some time at each lookout, and once my high had worn off enough to allow me to sit, I made my way into the little café, the only man-made structure there. I found a table right next to a window, ordered a cup of tea, and sat back to soak it all in. It was a wonderful way to spend my first day in Bariloche.

I highly recommend this adventure to anyone that will be in the area. There’s good reason that National Geographic named this look-out spot one of the Top 10 Views of the World.”Any sight deserving that title can not accurately be described in words or pictures. It’s an all-consuming, must-be-there, see-for-yourself spectacle that you will be grateful you took the time to see.

• El Circuito Chico, Bariloche – The Argentine Bike Ride You Can’t Miss
• La Morada Hostel – Who Else Wants a Secluded Mountain Getaway?
• Hostel 1004 in Bariloche – Penthouse Views at Hostel Prices
• Paragliding in Bariloche, Argentina
• The Seven Lakes Crossing in Patagonia – Take a Road Trip You Can Be Proud Of

However well informed of the destination, most books and tour organizers fail to elaborate on one thing: the great food. Some of the best meals I’ve consumed during the past three months living in Argentina were sampled during my two-week navigation of Patagonia.

La Cocina Restaurant in El Calafate

El Calafate, best known as the gateway town to the illustrious Parque Nacional Las Glaciares and the Perito Moreno Glacier, should also be known for its quaint restaurant La Cocina (Av Libertador 1245). Suffering from a bad cold after several days of overnight buses and noisy nights in hostels, I found my cure in La Cocina’s heaping bowl of vegetable soup.

Also specializing in large servings of ravioli and pasta, La Cocina’s home-style cuisine and friendly service kept me coming back several times during my stay in El Calafate. There’s no better way to keep patrons returning than finishing a meal off with La Cocina’s fruit salad, complete with Calafate Berries (legend has it that anyone who consumes the tasty berry is certain to revisit Patagonia).

Home of the stately Fitz Roy Range, El Chaltén is located just four hours (by bus) from El Calafate. Though the town itself is quite charming, most backpackers see very little of it, staying only a night or two at a cheap hostel and spending the daylight hours trekking through the northern half of Parque Nacional Las Glaciares. Due to a lingering knee injury, I spent less time than your average backpacker hiking through the park and more time exploring the neglected culinary delights.

Ruca Mahuida and Del Bosque in El Chalten

Tucked down a smaller side street in town, Ruca Mahuida (Lionnel Terray 104) appears more like a vacation cabin than a restaurant. The atmosphere is cozy, dare I say romantic, with sheepskin-covered benches, a small wooden bar, and a panoramic view of the mountain range towering above the tiny town. Ruca Mahuida lays claim to the most tender, juiciest melt-in-your-mouth steak I’ve sampled in Argentina (a colossal accomplishment in a country rampant with parillas).

After sleeping off the evening’s delectable provisions I stumbled into Del Bosque (on San Martín near Rancho Grande Hostel). The cure for the common hostel breakfast (read watered down coffee, soggy toast and peach jam), Del Bosque served up a fluffy waffle covered with a mountain of mouth-watering fresh fruit and an unbelievable cup of Argentine-born chai tea (Inti Zen’s Chaman Chai – available at the supermarket chain Norte!)

Heading north from El Chaltén and El Calafate, travelers’ next stop on the Patagonian tour route includes the Lake District Capital of Bariloche. Known as the ski capital of the country and arguably the most popular ski destination in all of South America, the city is also host to a whole slew of outdoor activities from horseback riding to trekking to paragliding.

El Vegetariano in Bariloche

What better way to build an appetite than by spending all day mountaineering through the backcountry of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi? One needs to bring along only one thing to Bariloche’s vegetarian hotspot El Vegetariano (20 de Febrero 730): a voracious appetite. With bountiful portion sizes and daily set menus for lunch and dinner, El Vegetariano dished up some of the tastiest grilled vegetables and fresh soup and juice I’ve ever had (this coming from a girl raised in California). In addition to the monstrous portions, the friendly wait staff and the delightful complimentary homemade tea rounded out the laudable dining experience at El Vegetariano.

• El Vegetariano Restaurant in Bariloche; NOT Meat
• Naturata, a Great Vegetarian Restaurant in Mendoza, Argentina. Really.
• El Calafate – A Beautiful (and Fast-Growing) Little Tourist Town
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Tucked behind a small garden and a welcoming entry way is a quaint, yet beautiful home-turned- vegetarian-restaurant. El Vegetariano strives to provide delicious yet healthy food and the results are impressive.

Made from all natural ingredients, they prepare a fixed menu for those looking for a nourishing dining experience. One any given day you can order various kinds of soup and an impressive salad prepared with every sort of vegetable you can imagine. (The pumpkin soup is highly recommended!). If dining out for a full meal they will give you an option of choosing between a fish plate or the fully vegetarian plate. To accompany your meal there are also freshly squeezed fruit juices, mineral water, beer, and the oh-so-wonderful Argentine wine.

I am about as far from being a vegetarian as it gets. However, I have to admit that I enjoyed this meal immensely and went back on a number of occasions to get my veggie fix. I must say that I never knew how many different ways it was possible to prepare a vegetarian dish until eating there. It was a mouth-watering experience and I felt healthy the whole while I was eating.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is an extremely welcoming and friendly one. The staff makes an extra effort to greet you and always provides their wonderful service with a smile. At night the lights are dimmed, and the candles are lit, making it a great option for a special dinner date as well.

Vegetarian or not, all are welcome and bound to be impressed. I strongly recommend trying it out while passing through town.

• Naturata, a Great Vegetarian Restaurant in Mendoza, Argentina. Really.
• La Marmite – For Fun Fondue Dining
• Weekend Buzz: Not Steak Edition
• Want Real Organic Food in Argentina? Here’s How.
• Patagonia Cuisine: As Delightful as its Scenery and its Adventures

La Morada Hostel

Hostel 1004 was one of my favorite hostels in Argentina and when I discovered that La Morada Hostel was their sister hostel in the mountains, I knew it had to be good. The same staff operated both locations, and a visit to La Morada is strongly recommended for those passing through. All the hype triggered my curiosity. Free daily transportation to and from the hostel, coupled with a great price led me to book a bed for two nights on the mountain.

The next day Javier, from the hostel staff, threw our sacks on top of his Jeep, tied them down, and we all piled in. The 20 minute ride ended in a bumpy adventure up a windy dirt road. Laughing while we bounced around in the back, I realized why they offered daily service to this hostel – there is no way a bus could make it up there. It was a perfect ride and introduction to the rugged mountain location.

Half way up the mountain and right next to Cerro Otto, this beautiful building sits in the middle of the forest. It was constructed four years earlier as the home of the hostel staff and soon after was opened as a hostel. The homey feeling is very evident at La Morada Hostel where one can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the stunning nature with all the conveniences of the city.

The first thing you notice upon entering is the wall to wall windows and the distant mountains that provide a backdrop to the hostel crowd. The views are so incredible that it almost appears as if the scene has been painted on the wall. Tables and chairs line the wall of windows for everyone to enjoy the sights and a fireplace crackles in the background creating the perfect cabin feel. Not to mention there is a beautiful, well-stocked kitchen and an internet ready computer.

The staff of Hostel 1004 in the city and La Morada on the mountain runs both locations and they are the friendliest and most easy going of any I have ever encountered. After cooking up a large dinner, I spent the remainder of my first night at La Morada playing a game of chess with the owner of the hostels and learning about the lives of the others on staff.

Just outside the entrance to the hostel sits the trail head to a short hike up to the top of Cerro Otto. A cable car runs from the bottom of the mountain and travels above the same path that takes the hostel guests a mere 40 minutes to climb. A light snack or meal can be enjoyed at the restaurant that sits at the top and the views provide the perfect picture taking opportunity.

La Morada Hostel’s location is definitely secluded. However, if you need to get into the city, there is a bus that runs from downtown Bariloche to the base of the mountain. From there you can walk along the road until you reach La Morada. And don’t forget the transportation services provided by the hostel once a day.

Chances are you will leave La Morada feeling refreshed and rejuvenated – ready to take on the Andes Mountains and all the adventures you will find in the area.

• Hostel 1004 in Bariloche – Penthouse Views at Hostel Prices
• Puma Hostel in San Martin de los Andes
• Cerro Campanario, You Gotta See This.
• The Bicycle Diaries of a Day in San Martin de los Andes
• SKI: The Early Bird Gets the Fresh Powder

One day, seven lakes, five towns, the Andes Mountains, and the wild outdoors. An amazing trip, and there is no better way to maximize your sight seeing experience around the Lake District. Here are the facts on a road trip from Bariloche that will weave you through the Patagonia Seven Lakes crossing.

A car rental is a highly recommend expense to consider on this adventure. The wildlife and nature provide intriguing views with every turn of the tire and you will appreciate having the freedom to place a foot on the brake and pull over whenever you feel the desire.

There is only one main road heading north out of Bariloche and that is the one you are looking for. Highway 237. Shortly after leaving the city limits you will come to a turn in the road. Here is where the first decision needs to be made. There are two routes that you can take on the seven lakes crossing. One may be more desolate, one more bumpy, one a little faster. On one you may feel lost in the mountains, and on the other you may feel like you are on an endless highway. But both are beautiful and have their own benefits and rewards. If you have rented a car and plan on returning it to the same location as I did, why not get the best of both worlds? We took a last minute left heading toward Villa La Angostura and eventually made a big loop out of the road trip to see both paths.

I was initially surprised to see all of the development in Villa La Angostura. It is a beautiful fishing village but with many big city influences. Many Porteños head here in search of an outdoorsy yet posh get away. You can fish by day and shop by night. The Aluminé river has been the setting of many fishing tales and runs straight from this town onto the next two: San Martin de los Andes and its neighbor Junin de los Andes. They are both enchanting towns surrounded in mountains. The tip of Volcano Lanin sits in the near distance and watches over all of the spectacular mountain and water vistas. Fishing is a specialty in this area and there are endless hiking options.

As you continue on past Junin, the mountains begin to level out and the climate gets drier. For a part of the trip, the vegetation is replaced with big rocks and boulders. Make sure you pull over to the Andean Condor look out where you can spot the largest flying bird in the western hemisphere. The condor is very important and symbolic within Argentina. They inhabit these vast territories and graceful soar high above in the neighboring cliffs. You can read about the impressive creature from the signs posted within the look out spot – in either English or Spanish – and you’ll gain a better understanding of the life and significance of the Condor to the indigenous people of Argentina.

Back on the road now. The next sight seeing wonder is Valle Encantado. When you reach the Enchanted Valley you will witness mother nature’s handy work. For years the numerous boulders and rock formations of this area have been molded with rain and the famous Viento del Sur, the Wind of the South. Most notable among them are the Finger of God, the Castle, and the Penitente.

A quick side trip within the Valley is a must; there is no way you can come all this way and not see Villa Traful. Of all the views, I would have to say that what I saw from the look out spots in Villa Traful was a personal favorite. Words can hardly do it justice; even the picture can’t capture its beauty. The small serene town is nothing but a speckle along side the enormous Lake Traful which appears to be fenced in by the mountains that hover over the small village in all directions. The town and people living there are just as charming as their surroundings. A short hike to the nearby waterfall is a great way to stretch your legs and top off the trip.

Once you get back in the car you will once again pass through the Valle Encantado and be back on the road to Bariloche. It’s smooth sailing from there.

If time permits, any of these locations would be great stopping grounds for a night. Various forms of lodging are available all along the way and you won’t find a better place for a night of camping under the stars.

• Villa Traful, This Andean Gem is More Than Just a Little Fishing Village
• If You Want to See the Real Patagonia, Rent a Car
• Refugio Frey – Bariloche Hiking at its Best
• El Circuito Chico, Bariloche – The Argentine Bike Ride You Can’t Miss
• Want to Indulge Yourself? Head to Bariloche

At the base of the Bariloche Center Building, the door attendant will direct you to the “backpackers elevator” that they encourage everyone to use when carrying their big sacks. However, after dropping off your life in a bag upstairs, both elevators are free game. At the end of the tenth floor hall, the door to Hostel 1004 sits awaiting new visitors to come inside and enjoy its cozy and welcoming environment.

The hostel ambiance is one of the most relaxed I have experienced. The advantageous tenth-story views, and the comfortable chairs and couches spread throughout the shared living area, encourage a chill atmosphere. Outdoor activities around Bariloche are endless; but if you find yourself stuck inside on a rainy day as I did, Hostel 1004 is not a bad place to be. Games, books, fellow travelers, and the biggest hostel kitchen I have ever seen are readily available. The kitchen is so big and well stocked that cooking up a big dinner becomes an exciting event and bonding experience between the guests every night.

Once a week, the hostel staff hosts a welcoming dinner for all of the new guests. The big feast is pot-luck style and is a great way to get to know other travelers as well as the hostel staff. For this big occasion, we decided to add a little spin to our dinner and we had each group prepare a dish from their home country. The staff supplied the wine and we spent the night laughing, getting to know one another, and sharing a piece of ourselves and our individual cultures.

The staff is amazing and so friendly – made up of a group of friends who live in the hostel and go to extreme measures to take care of their home. The hostel is always clean and well kempt. The staff makes an extra effort to get to know those passing through, and they are always happy to offer advice or give directions to any of your must see destinations. And is if this isn’t enough, 1004’s location is so great that the majority of those destinations are within walking distance. The main streets of downtown Bariloche, the chocolate shops, the beautiful lake, numerous restaurants, the hottest local bars, and the discotecas are all just minutes away.

Hostel 1004 in Bariloche also has a partner hostel – La Morada – that is placed up in the mountains. They offer daily transportation to and from this location that is equally as unique and charming. If time permits, a night at La Morada should not be missed.

I cannot say enough about Hostel 1004. I had the greatest time while there due to the wonderful facilities and staff. This was definitely one of my favorite hostel experiences and I highly recommended it for anyone passing through Bariloche.

• La Morada Hostel – Who Else Wants a Secluded Mountain Getaway?
• Hostel Lao in Mendoza, Friendly, Fun, and They Have a Dog!
• El Vegetariano Restaurant in Bariloche; NOT Meat
• Milhouse Youth Hostel in Buenos Aires Review
• Puma Hostel in San Martin de los Andes

I was surprised when arriving in the town of Bariloche to see the number of restaurant options. Of course you have your Argentina asado hot spots, a Mexican restaurant for those wanting to spice things up, a vegetarian respite from the constant beef, and even a European Fondue restaurant! I had to go.

As far as fondue goes, let’s just say I’m no novice. I have managed to dip my way through various fondue joints throughout the years and can easily recognize a fondue gone wrong.

When the big dining night finally came around, I saved my appetite and arrived at La Marmite with high expectations. I followed our waiter through the wooden, candle-lit rooms, hardly able to contain my excitement.

Other food options are available at La Marmite but the only menu I needed to see that night was the one for the wine. Our waiter took our order with a big grin and a few minutes later we were winin’ and dinin’ over a beautiful golden pot of fondue. We went all out that night. We started off with bread and veggies to dip in our cheese fondue and followed it with a full plate of meat to cook at our table and dip within our colorful arrangement of sauces.

In case you have never “fondued” before, you must know that it’s not just the food that is so wonderful but also the experience. Fondue should be fun and the dipping entertainment is all inclusive in the price. If you arrive at La Marmite in a group, make sure to consider your seating chart. As the fondue rules state: if a woman drops her food into the fondue she must give the man to her right a kiss; however if the man drops his in the pot, he buys the next round of drinks. Obviously, following the rules makes for an exciting night!

I was very pleased with my Argentina fondue experience at La Marmite. The food and wine were terrific, the restaurant ambiance was cozy and welcoming, and the service was worthy of a big tip.

• El Vegetariano Restaurant in Bariloche; NOT Meat
• Argentine Food in Mar del Plata
• Naturata, a Great Vegetarian Restaurant in Mendoza, Argentina. Really.
• Refugio Frey – Bariloche Hiking at its Best
• Return to Kansas (the Restaurant in Buenos Aires)