Bariloche, Patagonia

Mountains, Chocolate, and Starry Nights

Bariloche felt like stepping into a dream. I stayed with a friend’s cousin in a humble wooden house hidden deep in the trees, down a winding path far from the main roads. Inside, everything was natural, simple, and cozy, with a layout that felt charmingly unique. The loft where I slept was a tiny platform you climbed to via a rock wall, with a small square window opening out to the mountains and stars—it was magical, like a secret hideaway in the woods.

Life there moved slowly in the best way. Days were for hiking, exploring, and soaking in the natural beauty. I loved the House of Rocks trail, where the scenery seemed almost unreal. Wild dogs wandered the streets, following you with curiosity—adorable, though I was advised to keep a rock handy “just in case.” The roads were full of potholes, locally called baches, which only added to the charm.

Downtown Bariloche offered a different energy—shops, restaurants, and breathtaking views of the lake (or playa, as locals call it, literally “beach” in Spanish). I couldn’t get enough of the food: milanesas, empanadas, steak, media lunas, and chocolate in every form. Rapanui became my hot chocolate haven—thick, creamy, and indulgent. Babuskka was another gem, perfect for cozy Christmas vibes. For steak, El Boliche de Alberto stole the show, and La Parrilla de Tony was another favorite.

I also went skiing at Cerro Catedral, where the food trucks at the base surprised me. La Finca Skatebar had incredible burgers and a lively, youthful crowd—it was the perfect place to hang out after a day on the slopes.

Uber isn’t officially allowed in Bariloche, but locals discreetly use it, and I did too. The mountains, lakes, and crisp air made every moment feel unforgettable.

Bariloche — Quick Lists

To Do:

  • Hike the House of Rocks trail

  • Ski at Cerro Catedral

  • Explore downtown Bariloche: shops, lakefront views (playa)

  • Try food trucks at the ski resort (La Finca Skatebar)

  • Spot wild dogs roaming the streets

Food & Drinks:

  • Milanesas

  • Steak (all day, every day!)

  • Empanadas

  • Media lunas

  • Hot chocolate at Rapanui or Babuskka

  • Steak at El Boliche de Alberto or La Parrilla de Tony

Buenos Aires

Color, Energy, and Coffee

Buenos Aires is completely unlike any city I’ve been to. It’s a chaotic mix of European architecture, 1970s vibes, and vibrant Latin energy. Walking through the streets, I found endless surprises—cafes, street art, tango dancers, and colors everywhere.

Coffee was a highlight. Bar Varela Varelita had classic old-school vibes, amazing empanadas, and perfectly decorated lattes. Vive Café charmed me with sunny yellow interiors, relaxing music, and beautiful illustrations on every coffee.

Exploring Buenos Aires on foot, I loved:

  • Plaza Int. Francisco Seeber

  • La Recoleta Cemetery (a tour is essential!)

  • La Boca, colorful and full of murals, shops, and street vendors

  • Plaza Dorrego, where tango dancers performed in the street

  • MALBA for Latin American art, including Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera

  • Barrio Chino, for incredible Asian eats like katsu sandwiches and octopus croquettes at Takoyaki Buenos Aires

Food was central to the experience. Street choripán, rich provoleta, and endless steak were everywhere. Fresh pomelo juice from a street vendor was refreshing, and pastries from Duopan were a sweet delight. Hidden steakhouse gems like Parrilla Secretito and La Brigada felt like secret treasures—authentic, lively, and unforgettable.

Buenos Aires was alive, chaotic, colorful, and full of energy. Paired with the peace and mountains of Bariloche, my time in Argentina was a perfect balance: adventure, food, culture, and magic in every corner.

Buenos Aires — Quick Lists

To Do:

  • Walk through Plaza Int. Francisco Seeber

  • Visit La Recoleta Cemetery (book a guided tour)

  • Explore La Boca for murals and street art

  • Watch tango dancers at Plaza Dorrego

  • Tour MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano)

  • Wander Barrio Chino (Chinatown)

Food & Drinks:

  • Choripán from street vendors

  • Provoleta at a steakhouse

  • Steak everywhere!

  • Fresh pomelo juice from street vendors

  • Duopan pastries

  • Coffee at Bar Varela Varelita or Vive Café

  • Hidden steakhouse gems: Parrilla Secretito, La Brigada

  • Takoyaki Buenos Aires for katsu sandwiches and octopus croquettes