BARILOCHE DAY TRIP: Nahuel Huapi BOAT CRUISE 🛥️ + FONDUE FOR TWO at Llao Llao Hotel in Argentina! 🫕

It's time for a Bariloche day trip! In today's video, we'll be enjoying a boat cruise through Nahuel Huapi National Park, we'll visit the famous Arrayanes Forest, and then at the end of the day, we'll treat ourselves to a fancy fondue for two at the Llao Llao Hotel. So, this boat cruise took us to Nahuel Huapi National Park, which is the oldest national park in all of Argentina. We decided to go with a tour operator called Cau Cau and we booked everything online.

The tour departed from Puerto Pañuelo, which is the port directly across the Llao Llao Hotel. Our first stop of the day was at Isla Victoria, where we had some time to explore the island. The beach is a lovely place to linger if you happen to visit on a warm, sunny day, plus there are also hiking trails with cool lookout points along the way.

We learned this a bit too late, but even though this destination is advertised as a day trip, there’s a lodge on the island where you can spend the night. The place is called Hosteria Isla Victoria and it’s a pretty luxurious place offering kayaking, mountain biking, guided hikes, gourmet meals and unbeatable views. If we get the chance to go back, we definitely want to stay here!

We then got back on the boat and continued the journey to the famous Arrayanes Forest. Los Arrayanes National Park was created in 1971 with the sole purpose of protecting the rare arrayán trees. The trees in this forest are believed to be around 300 years old, though there are some specimens upwards of 400 years. The arrayán is known for its cinnamon coloured bark and they are surprisingly cool to the touch. This is because their bark is so thin, that you can feel the sap inside the tree. Once we arrived, we had some time to do the boardwalk loop around the forest and visit the beach.

Then it was time to sail back to Puerto Pañuelo. Once we finished our excursion of Nahuel Huapi National Park and arrived back at the port, we saw the beautiful Llao Llao Hotel at the top of the hill; it was just a little too irresistible, so we decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner!

We managed to get a table at their Cafe Patagonia, where we ordered the fondue for two, which was divine and a super fun meal. We also got to go down to their cellar to select a bottle of wine. All in all a great day!

If you find yourself travelling in San Carlos de Bariloche, this is a classic day trip to add to your itinerary!

#bariloche #nahuelhuapi #patagonia

🌄✨ Bariloche Island Hopping Adventure: Nahuel Huapi, Isla Victoria & Fondue at Llao Llao Hotel | Patagonia, Argentina 🧀🍷

🚐 Getting There: Chalet to Island Hopping

Another beautiful day in Bariloche, Patagonia! Today, we leave our cozy woodland chalet for an unforgettable island-hopping excursion. Our destination: the stunning Nahuel Huapi Lake and its famed Isla Victoria—often mistakenly called Victoria Island by those familiar with Vancouver/Victoria in Canada. We’re also set to revisit the magical Arrayanes Forest, a place we loved on our last trip to Villa La Angostura. Getting to Puerto Pañuelo is simple—just hop on public bus #20 for a scenic 15-20 minute ride. Look for the iconic Llao Llao Hotel across from the port!

🛳️ Organizing the Excursion: Tickets, Tips & Pricing

Booking is a breeze! We used Cow Cow Tours, which offers both morning and afternoon departures. Morning tours give you extra time on Isla Victoria for hiking or exploring. For those who love food (like us), the premium catering package (just $12 extra) includes three meals, drinks (wine, beer, soda), exclusive upper deck seating, and lots of snacks—totally worth it.

🏝️ Isla Victoria: Nature, Solitude & Secret Stays

After a quick 20-minute cruise, we land on Isla Victoria, where crowds quickly disperse, making it feel like we have the island to ourselves. Choose between an easy hike, a more challenging route, or join an English-speaking guide. We opt for a self-guided wander, soaking in breathtaking views of turquoise waters, snow-capped mountains, blooming yellow flowers, and serene beaches.

🌲 Bosque de Arrayanes: The Enchanted Cinnamon Forest

Our journey continues to the legendary Arrayanes Forest—home to cinnamon-barked trees up to 400 years old! These ancient trees are protected in Los Arrayanes National Park (est. 1971) and are famous for their cool-to-the-touch, thin bark, and magical atmosphere.

🧀🍷 Llao Llao Hotel: Fondue Night & Fine Malbec

Back on the mainland, we can’t resist a splurge at the world-renowned Llao Llao Hotel, just up the hill from the port. Insider tip: Make a reservation if you can! We snag a table at Café Patagonia, explore the wine cellar, and choose a special limited-edition Malbec—one of the heaviest, most exquisite bottles we’ve ever held. Dinner is unforgettable: traditional cheese fondue served with cured ham, sausages, noisette potatoes, plums, and endless bread for dipping.

BARILOCHE DAY TRIP: Nahuel Huapi BOAT CRUISE 🛥️ + FONDUE FOR TWO at Llao Llao Hotel in Argentina! 🫕