.png "pattylulogo 2026 (2)")
.png "pattylulogo 2026 (2)")
After the intense energy of Buenos Aires… everything changes.
Patagonia is another world.
Here the noise fades, the spaces open up and nature becomes the absolute star.
It’s not a place to visit.
It’s a place to live, slowly.
Here you don’t rush anymore… you breathe. Here’s part 2 of my trip to Argentina.
From Buenos Aires I fly to San Carlos Bariloche:
in the heart of the spectacular Argentine Lake District.
Overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi, surrounded by mountains and forests, San Carlos Bariloche recalls, in some ways, European Alpine resorts, but with nature far more vast, intense and wild.
And you realize it right away, already from the plane, as you approach the city: your gaze gets lost for long minutes in a show hard to describe—lakes with endless shades of blue and green, forests, mountains and, in the background, the snowy Andes.
I come from northern Italy, at the foot of the Alps. I should be used to these landscapes.
And yet no. Because here everything is bigger. More powerful.
Between alpine vibes and Argentine soul
San Carlos de Bariloche is the perfect base to explore the whole area.
The city center surprises you right away, with a perfect balance of wooden chalets, refined boutiques, restaurants inspired by European traditions, in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere.
A fascinating mix of familiarity and discovery.
It is considered the chocolate capital of Argentina and among the must-stop places I like to fondly remember: Rapa Nui, where chocolate becomes a true gourmet experience, and Mamuschka, more traditional, with endless chocolate varieties.
Just outside the center there is also a Chocolate Museum with a possible factory visit, and you’ll find an evocative white villa in English style: it’s the store of the famous Patagonia brand. Not just a shop, but the story of a world made of adventure, exploration, and alpine feats.
.jpeg "pin-cards-(2).jpeg")
Campanario Hill: one of the most beautiful views in the world
A few kilometers from Bariloche, along Avenida Bustillo, lies Campanario Hill.
Easy to reach (even by chairlift), it’s considered one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the world.
From the top, your gaze opens onto an incredible panorama:
lakes, islands, mountains and forests stretching on endlessly.
Among them, Lake Nahuel Huapi and Lake Perito Moreno.
One of those places that, on its own, is worth the trip.
.jpeg "pin-cards-(3).jpeg")
Circuito Chico:
Patagonia in one day
The Circuito Chico is one of the most beautiful scenic routes around Bariloche. A loop itinerary among crystal-clear lakes, dense woods, breathtaking viewpoints.
My guide managed to help me grasp the most authentic essence of these places, taking me even to less touristy corners. An experience I didn’t think possible.
And once again I got confirmation: even for those who, like me, live among the mountains, Patagonia still manages to amaze.
The Route of the 7 Lakes: the trip within the trip
It’s the road that links San Carlos de Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes, crossing some of Patagonia’s most spectacular landscapes.
Along the way you come across lakes with completely different shades, pristine forests, glimpses of mountains that keep changing.
It’s a journey that invites you to stop often. To watch. To take photos.
Because here nothing is ever the same: not a color, not a light, not a reflection on the water.
.jpeg "pin-cards-(6).jpeg")
San Martín de los Andes:
elegance, silence and authenticity
Arriving in San Martín de los Andes is like stepping into a more intimate dimension.
The little town is compact, well-kept, tidy, with wooden and stone houses perfectly blended into the landscape.
Everything revolves around Lake Lácar, which at sunset offers a quiet, deeply relaxing atmosphere.
Less touristy than San Carlo de Bariloche, but precisely for that, more authentic.
Here time truly slows down.
My advice as a Travel Designer
San Martín de los Andes isn’t a destination to “do”.
It’s a destination to enjoy slowly: a walk by the lake, an unhurried dinner, a glass of wine or a craft beer.
This is where Patagonia truly becomes an experience.
I recommend staying at Antares Patagonia Suites & Eventos.
A boutique hotel surrounded by greenery, perfect for those seeking an intimate, relaxed experience.
Ask for a corner-window room, to feel nature even more intensely.
San Martin cuisine and the authentic flavors of Patagonia
The cuisine of this region is simple, yet deeply tied to the land.
Among the dishes to try:
- Patagonian trout, grilled or smoked
- deer and wild boar, with a bold flavor
- Patagonian lamb, slowly cooked over embers
- local cheeses
All paired with:
- a Patagonian craft beer
- or a good glass of Argentine Malbec or Pinot Noir
Another tip from a Travel Designer, this time for a great local dinner.
The Morphes It’s a lively, contemporary restaurant, a pleasant alternative to more traditional cuisine. Here Patagonian gastronomy is renewed, while keeping a strong bond with the land.
My trip to Argentina ends here, amid Patagonia’s silences and the authentic beauty of the Lake District. I’ll head back to Buenos Aires for one last day, to enjoy without rushing, letting myself be guided once again by those little hidden corners that make every journey truly unique.
Thank you for your attention.
PattyLu Travel
