Bariloche is gearing itself up to be the Cuzco of Argentina for backpackers. It’s not yet geared up to climbing and mountain adventure like Huaraz, nor for rafting like Cuzco, but it does have all the prerequisites – huge snow-capped mountains for climbing or skiing in winter, great lakes for water sports, expansive wilderness for hiking, and good winds for sailing or flying. Bariloche has it all, but you need to ask around for what’s available as they won’t bug you in your hostel like they would in other South American countries – they’re proud Argentines after all. In this section we thought we’d highlight just some of the activities which are being promoted in and around Bariloche, so we hope that if it’s adrenalin pumping, heart-wrenching, outdoor sports you’re after, these short paragraphs will point you in the right direction. Rafting Understandably, this is a popular sport around Bariloche. The typical rafting trip lasts between half and a full day, however, longer ones of up to a week are also available. Most of them include a coffee and some medialunas (Argentine pastries) upon arrival and at the end of the day an asado (barbecue), wine, and desert. One thing you definitely want is a ‘rescue guy´ in a kayak – ask in advance to make certain that the tour company provides such a man or woman. About the only things you have to take along are a pair of sandals, a swimming costume, and a change of clothes. The tour company will typically provide neoprene wetsuits. Most of the rafting around Bariloche is on the Rio Manso. There are three main sections of the river in Argentina: Manso Inferior, Manso Medio and Manso Superior. Manso Inferior, known as the clasico, starts at Lago Steffen, finishes at Paraje Villegas, and attracts a class II-III rating over its 10km. Manso Medio is not commercially rafted, but if you want to tumble down it in your kayak, you will experience white waters up to grade IV. The Manso Superior starts at the beautiful camping ground La Pasarela, and flows 12km to the Chilean border. This section is rated III-IV, but is dependent on the water level. In November the water level can be up to 10m higher in certain sections, and if you fall out of the boat you might not be able to stop until the Chilean police net you and haul you out for trying to cross the border without your passport. But, if you do manage to slip by, it’s only another 100km to the Pacific… Seriously, it’s quite safe, and the rescue kayaker is there for more than just showing off his Eskimo rolls in front of your boat. Regardless of the water level, there’s no better way to spend a hot summer day. Duckies Duckies are one or two man inflatable kayaks, with super strong plastic hulls so that you can bounce around off the rocks as you scream down a river laughing the whole way. Depending on one’s level of experience, and the state of the river, taking a ducky on your own or with a mate, instead of a 6-8 person raft, can be much more rewarding. Pretty much all the rafting companies also offer ducky trips which are undertaken on the same rivers mentioned above. Kayaking A kayak is like a big canoe – just in case you didn’t know! Although sea kayaking is not exactly a hard-core adrenalin-pumping sport, it is a great way to see the lakes around Bariloche. There’re a number of tour companies offering trips from half a day to a couple weeks. The highlight is obviously being out there in the middle of the lake, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and forest. It doesn’t get any more tranquil than that. For pretty much all the tours you only have to bring a pair of sandals, extra pants, and a fleece. If you don’t speak Spanish and want to be able to ask questions about the ecology while you’re out there, make certain that when you select a tour agency they offer an English speaking guide – it does make a difference.

The Guru Team