Each new region we discover in South America seems to rival the previous in terms of scenic beauty, and the Chilean/Argentinian Lake District is definitely no exception. Compariable in size to all of England, it includes 63 huge lakes and pristine pasteurised landscapes with backdrops of countless snowy peaks, scree slope ridges and volcanoes (some active) which offer year round climbing, trekking, fly fishing, horse riding and skiing options for visitors.
Known as the Switzerland of South America, the pastured lie of the land here made stark contrast to the wild rainforest wilderness seen in the fjord regions of Central Chile; supposedly a direct result of German and Austrian migrants who arrived in the late 1800s with their sheep, cows and chocolate/patisserie shop obsessions.Shortly after World War II many high-profile Nazis fled to this area of Argentina, bringing their riches with them in exchange for protection. Despite Israeli special forces hot on the heels of such war criminals with some success, many locals insist that Adolf Hitler himself, fled from Germany to spend his remaining years in hiding around San Carlos de Bariloche, to die at a ripe old age.
Before reaching Bariloche however, Nicole and I first arrived at the pretty lakeside town of Puerto Varas with a plan to meet up with my parents, who had coincidentally arrived in Chile only days prior whilst on-route from their own travels. Whilst there we chased lamas, discovered Australian eucalyptus trees and emus were imported here, caught a few photos of a poor Puma in captivity and spent an afternoon ascending Volcan Orsorno; complete with patisserie shop break and ski-lift half way up the darn thing!
Once arrived, despite some miserable wet weather Bariloche redeemed itself with 2 glorious sunny days which we took to full advantage with some short walks, a bouncy 4x4 jeep tour of lake Nahuel Huapi and a chair-lift to the top of Cerro Campanario; a scenic lookout point with YET ANOTHER patisserie shop at the top ;)
