Bariloche Blue
Anushka here! After all, it is two take flight.
We spent a few days in Argentina’s beautiful lake district city of Bariloche. The highlight of our time in Bariloche was riding the Circuito Chico, a 27km loop around lakes, pebble beaches, mountains, breweries and Swiss villages. The ride is about 4-5 hours and void of flat ground, making it both challenging and rewarding.
Taking in the views on stops around the Circuito Chico. Not pictured - us riding, thank god.
Despite frequenting spin class in NYC, I was still highly unprepared to ride an actual bike up an actual hill. Turns out bike riding in nature is very different, but far better, than riding to the beat of the latest Top-20 song in candlelight.
I’ll admit we walked up some hills but veered off the paved path and quite literally trail-biked to Colonia Suiza, a small Swiss town (let’s be honest, it was a single street) known for its earth-covered cooking called curanto and its delicious beers. I would highly recommend carving out time for its Sunday market if you find yourself in Bariloche.
Nom nom nom. Colonia Suiza at work.
We also discovered our top beer destination thus far on the trip - Patagonia Cerveceria is a beautiful beer garden and restaurant at the beginning of the circuit that appears after your first major hill. Essentially the perfect spot, and honestly much needed break, for a cold beer.
Cold, refreshing beer = happiness
We ended the ride at Llao Llao Hotel for some cold water and adult beverages (like all serious bikers do), and cheated a little by dropping off our bikes there and taking the bus back into town. While biking Circuito Chico under the sun’s heat on possibly the hottest day in Bariloche was a standout experience for us, it does get exhausting and a bit scary sharing the road with cars.
If you find yourself doing the Circuito Chico, here are some things to keep in mind.
It ain’t easy but it’s worth it. That said, get yourself the “premium” bike at the rental shop with better gears for a few more dollars. We used Circuito Chico Adventures, which is right at the beginning of the circuit.
Stop frequently and enjoy the views and beers.
Use public transportation (Line 20) to get to KM 18, the circuit’s starting point. It’s cheap and quick.
You are riding on a road so watch out for cars.
Bariloche is also known for its chocolate. In fact, there are several blocks on the main street in town dedicated to chocolaterias. Since all the chocolate shops are right next to each, we had no excuse but to try them all. The winner... Mamuschka with its warm crepe and its name sake chocolate spread.
Chocolate tour!
Next up… Chile (again)!
