requesting a change in scenery

it’s hard to believe that places like this exist outside of my imagination.

📍San Carlos De Bariloche, Rio Negro, Patagonia

this has been the most interesting Easter to date. I am used to putting on a colorful sundress and having brunch after attending church with my family, this year, I spent Easter with my best friends in the most lovely mountain town I have ever witnessed.

I am so proud of my friends and myself: When we got off the plane on Friday, we went directly to the trailhead and started a 21km hike. This hike started off in the beautiful shaded hills, covered in red and orange trees, but quickly turned to an intense incline in desert like terrain. This is the hardest, and longest hike, i have ever done in my life. the rewarding summit was a crystal clear lake surrounded by beautiful rock formations that looked like a whole different planet. i found myself on a rock in the lake just basking in the glory of this creation.

Saturday, we went into town in which they were celebrating the week of chocolate. Every. single. store. had samples, and naturally i ate my weight in chocolates. Bariloche is known for their chocolate!

We also rented bikes and biked 16 miles around the province. Every single inch of this bike ride was breathtaking. we rode bikes along cars, next to lakes and cliffs, and under the colorful trees. We stopped at a lake, a few panoramic points, and took a long break at a hidden lake. This lake seemed almost untouched by man and the reflection of the mountain was almost perfect on the water. this bike ride was one of the most physically challenging things I have ever done.

I have never been anywhere so beautiful in my life. I can't help but be in awe of this life and the creation in it. It is inspiring to know that I was created under the same stars and alongside the same mountains that are this magnificent.

Monday we visited some friends at the nicest hotel in Argentina (no, i did not stay here but glad we could crash the day with our friends). I went for a peaceful walk around the property and just admired the beauty.

📍 Llao Llao

if you visit Bariloche, make sure to visit Llao Llao. You can see the incredible hotel from miles away since it's up on a hill and the beautiful landscaping is worth touring. If you do stay here, take advantage of the pool, spa, golf course, sauna, and so many other marvelous amenities.

📍 Paseo Del Chocolate

Come to Bariloche when they are celebrating Easter! Easter seemed more like a holiday about chocolate rather than Jesus but that means free samples everywhere. Chocolate in Bariloche is the best I have ever had, make sure to take some home with you.

📍 Patagonia Cervecería

There is a beer garden hidden in the woods at the 24.7 kilometer marker. We rode bikes here and took a break for a much deserved beer. Stop for a minute to walk around, drink a beer, or eat a choripan overlooking the lake.

📍 Refugio Frey

Hike to Refugio Frey. This 21km hike is the most beautiful yet challenging trail I have ever done. it starts off in the beautiful tree covered hills and quickly turns to a steep incline. The summit has a clear lake surrounded by rocks that look like another planet. At the refugio you can camp or you can just buy merch, food, water, and coffee! You will also meet the most amazing people here.

📍 Chair Lift

Take a ski lift to a panoramic point. This requires no effort and is super cheap. The views from the top are unexplainable. At the viewpoint we met some guys from Buenos Aires who invited us out later that night. Like I said in an earlier post, everywhere we go we meet the most interesting and amazing people.

📍Bike around the province

this is a must do while in Bariloche. biking is such a great way to see the mountains and have the option to stop whenever you want. We stopped for food, skip rocks, sit on a dock, and overlook the mountains.

Food:

• Eat at any of Alberto's restaurants, he has two parillas and a pasta place, they are both incredible and highly rated.

• I also suggest Chimi Deli, they have healthy but magnificent options and Chimi Bar has the best choripans.

Stays:

• there's a hostel named Penthouse that has an incredible view of the lake and is walking distance to the main street. You will meet the most amazing people here.

• There are plenty of incredible Airbnb's in town, I suggest to stay close to town because Taxi's are expensive or you can take the bus that runs every 30 minutes.

here are some more noteworthy pictures: