San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina is situated on the foothills of the Andes, surrounded by lakes (Nahuel Huapi, Gutiérrez, Moreno and Mascardi) and mountains (Tronador, Catedral, López). It is famous for skiing but also great for walking and climbing. The "Cerro Catedral" is one of the most important ski centers in South America.
You can get to Chile a couple of ways, one way is across the Andes to Puerto Montt via 4 buses and 3 boats, another way is via the Samoré International Pass to Osorno.
The name Bariloche comes from the Mapuche word Vuriloche and it means "people from behind the mountain" (furi = behind, che = people). The Vuriloche pass was used by the Mapuches to cross the Andes and was kept secret from the Europeans for a long time.
Settled primarily by Austrians and Germans about 1895, San Carlos de Bariloche has the appearance of an alpine town. Population (1991) 77,600.
Bariloche is located in the west of the province of Rio Negro.
Bariloche stands out for its architectural features and because it is surrounded by hills, woods, mountains covered with eternal snow, lakes and rivers.