Bariloche
May 26-May 30
Aerolinas Argentina EZE to BRC

Transportation
First time flying this airline and it is the main airline for domestic flights with some to neighboring countries. Seats were small but short flight. They baggage policy isn't very friendly. We were prepared so no issues, but they were charging other passengers extra fees. Doesn't look like it is enforced everywhere because we only witnessed it flying out of BA. Not on the return flights...We rented a car to cover more ground. Went with Sixt. They were expensive but very easy to work with.
Airline baggage policy

Lodging
We stayed at Llao Llao after a recommendation and price hook-up. Still expensive but one of the nicer resorts I've ever been to. Absolutely gorgeous. We stayed in the Moreno wing which is the newer side. Food was great. Breakfast was included with our rate and top notch. Several restaurants, spa, bars, pool(s), golf course, etc. Everything you would expect from a 5 star resort. Located inside the National Park, but about 30-40 minute drive to city center which is another reason we wanted a car.
Llao Llao website

(Stock photo. Not mine)

View from our bathroom

View from our hotel room

Hotel lounge

Things we Did
NATURE!!
Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi - We hiked the better part of a day.There is a 17KM road which is a loop with trail heads and look-out points the entire way. You can get as aggressive or laid-back as you want with the hikes. We picked out a few and started out on one which took about 2-1/2 hours. Can't remember the distance. We walked over 9 miles that day says the gf Fitbit.

22 second video lookout spot while hiking

8 second video lookout spot while hiking

32 seconds of hiking - apologize for low quality. Still figuring the new go-pro

Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes - We drove the 90 minute drive through the lakes district with great views along the way to Villa LA Angostura (small town with a Main St). From there we took a boat ride to explore an ancient forest with rare trees. Great picture opportunities...You can take a longer ferry from Llao Llao hotel which seems popular. Even if you don't stay there, you can book through the hotel.

City Center - You can google things here, but is what you would expect - shops, restaurants, etc. Chocolate is a big thing here and we chose to buy some at Rapanui after a recommendation. Reminded me a bit of Switzerland villages with the architecture, lakes, mountains, and overall feel. Definitely didn't feel like South America for sure,

Llao Llao - The resort itself was an experience. Normally I don't spend much time at the hotel, but we had a flight cancellation due to a strike and was forced to spend an extra day here. We decided to grab a massage, the indoor/outdoor heated pools (did I mention the weather was in the 30's-40's?), happy hours, high tea, etc. It actually worked out since we were rather active to this point. A good day to relax and catch our breath.

Restaurants
Two of my favorite meals were in Bariloche. I underestimated their food. All I heard about was the beef and empanadas when researching Argentina, but the locals kept saying I have to try the lamb. And I did - it was great. I would absolutely recommend researching a good place for Lamb.

Rincon - Really neat place with a log cabin/wood decor. I got the roasted lamb after taking the recommendation of the waiter and it was the best Lamb I have ever had. I recommend this place if you only have one meal in Bariloche
Rincon website

La Masia - You will need reservations here as it only has 5 or 6 tables. Looks like a husband and wife turned their house into a restaurant and perhaps lived upstairs. Very little English, but amazing food. Mainly Italian dishes. Not as expensive as you would think but only takes cash or Amex. Great meal to end Bariloche. Very romantic.
No website.

Overall
Bariloche was what I was anticipating the most on this trip and it delivered. Although I enjoy exploring cities, I love nature. Hiking the Andes was amazing. I would classify Bariloche as the foothills of the Andes as you aren't surrounded by the majestic peaks I saw in Peru. But perfect for novice hikers such as ourselves.

This was the off-season so we had everything to ourselves, which was great. However, we couldn't ski (which is where this place excels) nor could we do much on the water. This area is the lakes district with the road of the 7 lakes nearby which is a very famous drive in the area. Water activities in the summer appear to be as popular as the skiing in winter...and yes, we went in fall. Haha

It was very cold and wet and we got snow the last day. But it didn't damper the experience. I was aware of the climate before we left. If I were to go back, I would choose a different time of year to take more advantage of the outdoors. (I didn't have much choice on the time of year since it was centered around a work meeting in BA). But I would certainly stay at Llao Llao again - budget be damned!!

Driving back to airport

This post was edited on 6/24/19 at 11:27 pm

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Posted by kciDAtaE

Member since Apr 2017

16018 posts

Posted on 6/17/19 at 8:57 pm to kciDAtaE

Iguazu Falls
May 30-June 1
Aerolinas Argentinas BRC to EZE transfer to AEP to IGR

Transportation
Flights were a pain as the aforementioned flight cancellation. We had to transfer airports in BA and that was stressful. AA rep said we had enough time and included a bus transfer for free (estimated 75 minutes). After plane delay and baggage collection, we got nervous waiting for the bus (30 minute intervals) and grabbed an uber. Heavy traffic, but our AA out was delayed and we made it easily. In Iguazu, I opted for car transfer from hotel for $20 and he was there waiting. About 20-30 minute ride to hotel which is standard unless you are staying in the park. Relied on taxis to/from park/airport from there on out for similar pricing.

Lodging
Loi Suites Iguazu - Since we expensed some flights and hotels with my work obligations, we continued to splurge on lodging. We opted for a villa and it was really nice. Very secluded with a hot tub outside overlooking the jungle. Restaurant and breakfast was nice which worked out great since we had no car and it was secluded. Ate dinner there twice. Again, it was the off season so not busy at all. GF asked about a foot massage once we got back from exploring Iguazu Falls and they were wide open. That hit the spot..Full disclosure, 50% of the massages I ever got in my life were on this trip - 2.

Video of hotel grounds didn’t come out clear so I didn’t post. But here are pics of the pool. This place was legit.

Things we Did
Iguazu Falls - one of the 7 wonders of the Natural World. All we did was the park and that is the only reason to come here. Pictures worth a 1,000 words. We only did the Argentine side as most research said to visit this side if you only have one day. Most of the falls are on this side.
Notes:
-very easy walking. most is handicapped accessible
-you can do all of the Argentine side in one day
-we got there around 9am and left around 5pm
-we hired a taxi from hotel that picked us up when we were done
-food was nothing to write home about
-We saw monkeys, coati, toucan, caiman
-book the Gran Adventure tour if you want to experience the falls in the water. It was the highlight for us. Large boat with about 40 people. High speeds, rapids, under the falls. VERY INTENSE!!
10 seconds of falls from the top
10 seconds of the bottom
17 seconds of Gran Adventure rapids
2 minute video under The Falls. Wow!

I have a ton more pics, but nothing you can’t get on a google search.

Overall
Amazing experience. The power of the falls was incredible. I will never forget the roar of the water. Prepared to get wet.
SPEECHLESS.

This post was edited on 6/24/19 at 11:20 pm

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Posted by HoustonGumbeauxGuy