Picture a gorgeous little ski-town, nestled in the Andes mountains, and surrounded by Nahuel Huapi National Park. That’s Bariloche.

THE TOWN ITSELF is a small little haven of Artesenal chocolate, beer, numerous parillas (bbq’s full of the world- renowned Argentinian beef) and a growing number of Italian, Mexican, Chinese and veggie restaurants. It contains pretty much all amenities the average traveler needs…..Internet cafes, Supermarkets, cinemas, bars that rock ‘til 6a.m., outdoorsy shops to buy or rent trekking & skiing/snowboarding equipment….you get the idea. And just one block away from the main street in town, you’ll find the peaceful shores of the massive Lake Nahuel Huapi (557 square kms), surrounded by the Patagonian Cordillera- a stunning scene. And it’s all just 5 minutes’ walk from PUDU.

Regular buses run from town to Cerro Cathedral (2405m), the SKI RESORT which contains over 67 kms of runs- and that’s not taking into account the amazing off piste runs waiting to be explored. It’s about 30 minutes by bus from town to the foot of the mountain. It caters for all levels of skiers/snowboarders…..from those taking their first steps, to lovers of more hard core backcountry routes. All equipment can be hired and stored at the mountain- leaving your arms free for that much needed après ski beeeeer. We’ll help you organize it all at PUDU.

Because many treks around the area take you high up into the mountains, TREKKING options are slightly limited in this period. But there are still trekking options available, both short and long, in winter. Snow shoes are often required, but easily hired in town. Short half day treks are so rewarding at this time, as there tend to be far less people braving the elements, and standing at a view point overlooking shimmering lakes and snowy peaks really is awesome (not awesome like a hot dog, actually the real meaning of awesome.) If you’re going trekking, chat to us at PUDU and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Now NIGHTLIFE. Whether you have been out in the fresh air and snow all day, or just pottering around the town eating chocolate, we all know that there is nothing like a cosy bar and a cool beer to wash it all down. The bar, has a ridiculous amount of tunes and drinks to choose from, including the specially selected local draught beer Manush (Stout, Kolsch, Plae Ale and for this winter a specially made 9% belgian beer). The bar is open 'til 12 midnight(it's a noise thing), and happy hours from 6 till 8. You can then hit Bariloche, which has a good choice of bars-both in town and a few kms out. Some offer happy hours that last for 4 hours, or simply some of the finest home brews you’ll ever taste.

A place where you have so many trekking options, you won’t know here to start. So many adrenaline fuelled activities, that you’ll be spoilt for choice. You could go to the beach and eat home-made ice-cream. Or just park yourself in a hammock in Pudu’s garden & drink beer for the day……That’s Bariloche in the summer.

The best times for trekking are between mid-November to the start of May, with January and February generally being the hottest and most crowded months. Whether you’re a super-fit hike meister, or prefer a gentle meander up a mountain for a day hike, there really is something for everyone. Talk to us at Pudu and we’ll do our best to help you plan your ascent!

Other activities include rafting on the Rio Manso, from grade II to IV rapids. Cycling the Circuito Chico is one of the best and most popular ways to check out the area at your own pace. There are beaches dotted along the way, where you can cool off with a dip in the lake, have a beer surrounded by stunning scenery….it’s all very stressful as you can tell. Paragliders are often seen from Pudu’s back garden- a great way to get an ariel view of the lakes and mountains. Horse trekking, climbing……the options are infinite. Or you could just sit in a hammock in Pudu’s garden & drink beer for the day.

If you’re having a day off from all there is to do in Bariloche, and you’ve spent so much time in the chillout room in PUDU, you’re developing a pressure sore, then there are loads of day trips you can take from here.

The closest town is El Bolson, which is 2 hours by bus from here. It’s a little laid-back hippie town in a micro climate, with a beautiful artesenal market on twice a week. The beer is to die for, as is their ice-cream. There are also some hiking options here, although many of the hikes involve quite an ascent.

One of the best ways to see the surrounding area is by car. To buy a second hand car here costs a small fortune for a piece of tin, but rental cars are very reliable, the roads are great, and you can take things at your own pace. Some attractions to see in a day or two are the seven lakes tour (La Ruta de los Siete Lagos), a scenery packed journey that will take your breath away. Cascada de los Alerces (beautiful waterfalls), Mount Tronador (stunning views of glaciers), or a trip to the nearby Colonia Suisse are other such options. Or you could take a spin to Chile….

But once you get here, talk to us at PUDU, and we’ll help you plan your trip.