Next, I explored Llao Llao Ecological Park. The park is home to many specimens of Luma apiculata, which is a beautiful tree native to Chile and Argentina. The Chilean bellflower, European mountain-ash, Eve’s pin, California poppy, are some other plants found in Bariloche. I saw no wild animals during my hikes. Bariloche is home to pumas (wildcats), but many locals I spoke to have never seen one and I was told that the big cats tend to keep to themselves in more remote areas. Other animals in Bariloche include Andean condors, guanacos, rheas, and agoutis. Unfortunately, I was not able to spot any of these animals on my trip. However, when I was invited to a local person's house, I spotted some people riding horses.
I loved waking up every morning and walking to one of the several lakes in Bariloche. I could see snow on the mountains in the distance and luckily, it wasn’t too cold to walk around all day outside. The average temperature ranged from 47-67 degrees Fahrenheit while I was there. The views and peaceful sounds of of birds chirping throughout the day brought a lot of joy on my trip. I spent many mornings in cafes drinking submarinos (hot chocolate), which is made by placing a bar of chocolate in a cup of hot milk.
Luckily, I was able to connect with some people living in Bariloche and hike some lesser-known trails. It was nice to see the vast differences between the urbanized city of Buenos Aires and the ecological richness of Bariloche.
