Arrived in San Carlos de Bariloche on Thanksgiving Eve after a refreshing bus/sail across the magnificent Andes region Lake District from Puerto Varas, CH, a route over 400 years old. Turned out to be a 12 hour crossing by the time we were delivered to Hotel Nahuel Huapi in downtown. The day started with sunshine but clouds started to hug the watchful eye of Volcano Osorno and there was misting while on the brilliant Todos los Santos which interferred with the amazing color of the water. I have seen similarly colored lakes on the South Island of New Zealand. The landscape is stunning nonetheless. Late November and the Cruce Andino is alive with passengers from across the globe. The bus/boat/bus/boat/bus/boat/bus adventure may sound like too much...but the trip flows smoothly with breaks for the stirring Petrohue Falls and a (little too long) lunch break at Peulla. The single lane road across the mountain pass was thrilling to say the least. Great day of travelling.
Got settled in our modest, clean, and conveniently located hotel. Walked around the corner to AVRooster's favorite Bariloche restaurant, El Boliche de Alberto. The main restaurant was full and we were directed to their other location, empty upon entering and full at our departure. My travel companion, an enthusiastic carnivore, had the best steak of her life cooked to perfection! No picture with the Chef, though.
The hotel's breakfast was ample. We were directed, by our tour guide, to a shop on Mitre Street that offered a good (6), not excellent, rate of exchange. We stumbled upon pomp and circumstance in the town center with the celebration of civil workers. Marching band, speeches and a stirring national anthem sung with passion. It was moving. Had just enough time to buy chocolate before preparing to head for the airport and Buenos Aires. Bariloche lives up to its reputation as an outdoor playground. There is lot to do in this region but not for us on this trip.