LivingInPatagonia.com

Top 7 Adventure Activities

Written by Shanie 

Patagonia is such a great place to play in nature.  There are trails, great mountain biking and fabulous rock climbing.  But there are some less talked about adventure activities that make living and visiting here that much better.  Here are my top seven favorites:

1.  Canyoning in the Arroyo de la Virgen:  There is more than just the Bariloche area to experience the adrenaline rush and beauty of canyoning in Patagonia but this is an especially gorgeous place. There are different companies found in the center of town that offer guided trips and also offer the needed equipment.

2.  Canopy Tours: There are a few different companies but the most popular is the Canopy Adventure Tour.  Located off the Circuito Chico, the owner has taken his own private land and made a great course among the tops of old growth Lenga trees.  It is boasted to have the longest distance of flying through the trees anywhere in the world.  The route is 1.5 KM long. The company also offers the service during the winter allowing the beauty of flying through a snowy landscape. They also offer full moon trips including pizza and local beer. The tour includes the drive up to where the flight platforms are via a fun and picturesque 4×4 road. 

3.  River rafting the Rio Manso River: located outside of Bariloche is the amazing, world famous Rio Manso.  There are   multiple companies that offer varying difficulties of trips down the emerald green waters outlined by lush forests.   The trip finishes in Chile (remember to bring your passport) so the bonus of visiting another country is included.  Many of the companies also offer an authentic asado (Argentine-style BBQ).

4.  Traveling by windcars on the sandy beaches of Rada Tilly, Patagonia: This high speed   beach sailing is a fun, all natural adventure. Experienced drivers of the wind propelled cars assist you in experiencing the rush of flying along the ocean’s waters. The intense Patagonian winds make this an ideal place to experience the joys of flying in a windcar.

5.  Paragliding:  There are different paragliding spots around Bariloche, the most popular being off the top of Cerro Otto.  Another is off the Piltriquitron mountain outside of El Bolson.

6.  La Piedra Recreation Center in Villa La Angostura, Patagonia: This ingenious outfit has included such activities as rappelling, rope swinging, quad running and rock climbing at one location.

7.  Kitesurfing on Lago Nahuel Huapi:  A great idea here in Bariloche because of the hefty winds that steadily blow.  Kitebeach Bariloche has formed a professional company that takes advantage of the winds creating good waves and an ability to fly with breezes.  Kitebeach offers one hour classes with certified instructors.  Included in the price is the needed equipment and wetsuits.  The company doesn’t have a website so the best way to get a hold of them is via phone at (02944) 1553 KITE (5483) or email at kitesurf@bariloche.com.ar.

Well, that’s enough writing for now…time to go play.