The Rainbow Tour of the Seven Lakes Road from Bariloche, Argentina

Leaving San Carlos de Bariloche a Rainbow Greets Us

By Roy Heale


One of the most beautiful journeys by car in Argentina is the Seven Lakes' road. Starting in San Carlos de Bariloche the road connects to Villa La Angostura and San Martin de Los Andes for a full day excursion. Along the route are the seven lakes: Machónico, Falkner---where there is a 20meter waterfall---Villarino, Escondido, Correntoso, Espejo and Nahuel Huapi. Plus at the end of the journey the eighth lake is Lacar where San Martin de los Andes is situated on the shore. The road also traverses three national parks: Lanín, Arrayanes, and Nahuel Huapi. This is truly a scenic journey full of wonderful photo opportunities and memories that make for a perfect journey. It is almost 200kms from Bariloche to San Martin de Los Andes---40 of which are across a gravel road--- and the entire journey is surrounded by spectacular mountain vistas, lakes, unspoiled forests, and parks.

During my visit to Argentina's Lake District my host and tour guide Cristian Signorelli from Bariloche Gay Travel made certain that I experienced this distinctive adventure before I left the region. We met early at my hotel for breakfast and then headed out in our car for a day full of activities. It is possible to enjoy this one day excursion on a tour bus, but I recommend a private guide in order to move at your own pace, stopping to enjoy everything this magnificent day trip has to offer.

It was a slightly cloudy and rainy start to the day but that could not daunt my excitement.

I new this was going to be a mystical gay day when at the start of our journey we were greeted by a dramatic rainbow just as we were leaving San Carlos de Bariloche. A sight that always surpasses the rain or clouds, especially when one can almost here Judy Garland's voice singing those inspiring, familiar words.

The first stop was at the quaint small town of Villa La Angostura situated on the northern shore of Lake Nahuel. This is a year-round destination for fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, sailing kayaking, and more including skiing during July, August, and September. The small town site is full of shops, restaurants, and parks with a resident population of about 12,000 people. As we strolled around the village and along the shoreline of the lake we were once again greeted by a rainbow stretching from a mountain peak to the lake. I began to wonder how Cristian organized and planned his gay tours!

After a short refreshing visit around the town and the traditional sharing of mate we were back in the car and on the road to San Martin De Los Andes. On this section of the journey the road winds its way though mountain peaks, alongside the lake shores, though small settlements, forests, and open valleys. Wild flowers and berries adorn the embankments, waterfalls appear by surprise accompanied by small creeks and rivulets. Throughout the journey it is constantly reassuring how this wonderful countryside has been unspoiled by any kind of major commercial development.

We arrived in San Martin de Los Andes just in time for a parilla lunch of beef, salad, and patatas fritas accompanied by a good Malbec. This is another quaint Andean town with year-round tourism and outdoor activities for all to enjoy.

For our return journey we headed back via the highway through the more desert-like region of the Andes Mountains where lakes are not commonplace and the vegetation is more arid. However, Cristian told me if we were lucky there might be a sighting of the region's indigenous bird of prey---the Condor with its three meter wingspan---cruising the wind currents high above.

Sure enough, after about one hour of driving in the afternoon sunshine, Cristian spotted a Condor in the sky and stopped the car for me to take a picture. By the time we were both out of the car, and to our amazement, we were surrounded by what seemed like at least one hundred Condors hovering above. Both of us were completely mesmerized by the sight and they seemed curious about us for several minutes. Then as quickly as they appeared they vanished again. As a local resident Cristian was astounded and impressed upon me that most people were lucky to see just one Condor. He had never before seen or even heard of an entire flock of them traveling together. In fact many people search the skies and never even see one lone Condor. It is important to note that Condors usually travel alone or in pairs making this a very rare sight to behold.

Cristian Spots The First Condor

Suddenly The Flock Arrives!

By the time we arrived back in Bariloche I had spent yet another unforgettable and very gay day in the spectacular Argentina Lake District which was full of memories to last a lifetime.

Two rainbows in one day and The Flight Of The Condors...amazing!

After an incredible week in the Lake District my observations rate this as a wonderful gay-friendly playground and the perfect place for that long-awaited gay honeymoon! Cristian Signorelli of Bariloche Gay Travel will plan your visit so that your memories will be deserving of how long you may have waited for your wedding.

Whether you want to go skiing in the winter, sit on the beach during the summer, or climb a mountain peak, this region has everything for the perfect gay getaway.

For More Information Visit: http://www.barilochegaytravel.com/

Argentina Gives Go-Ahead for Same-Sex Marriages

By Roy Heale
Buenos Aires, Argentina


It's a case of deja vu for me personally! As a young gay teenager growing up in London, England I never thought I would live long enough to see the legalization of same-sex marriages. Now I have been fortunate enough to live in two countries and be a witness as this important “equality” legislation is passed---Canada and now Argentina.

After a fourteen hour marathon session of debates and speeches on July 15th., 2010 Argentina has become the first country in Latin America to legalize gay marriage after the Government Upper House, the Senate, voted in favor of same-sex marriage legislation. Coincidentally, 2010 is Argentina's Bicentennial Year and this is an amazing way to celebrate this country's history as a tolerant society.

The country's Lower House, the Chamber of Deputies, had already approved the legislation a few weeks earlier.

The vote in the Senate, which endorsed the bill by just six votes, approved the legislation---backed by President Cristina Fernandez's centre-left government---passed by 33 votes to 27 with three abstentions.

The law, which also allows same-sex couples to adopt, had met with strong vocal opposition from the Catholic Church and other religious groups. Outside Congress, as the debate continued into the early hours of the morning, supporters and opponents of the bill held rival but mostly peaceful demonstrations. Local television stations covered the entire debate with a live broadcast and follow-up interviews and comments after the vote was completed.

A few gay marriages have occurred recently in Argentina, some of which were annulled by the Supreme Court, creating a legal controversy.

In Buenos Aires and some provinces same-sex Civil Unions have been legal for some time but there was no law to regulate it on a national level.

Argentina's capital is widely considered to be among the most gay-friendly cities in Latin America. It was the first Latin American city to legalise same-sex unions.

Same-sex civil unions are also legal in Mexico, some states in Brazil, and Uruguay, while gay marriage is legal in Mexico City. But Argentina will go down in history as the first South American country to legalize same-sex marriages and adoptions nationally.

LGBT Travel Industry Gathers in Buenos Aires For Third Annual GNETWORK360 Conference

By Roy Heale
In South America July usually signifies the cold of winter, but in Buenos Aires from July 21st to 23rd the temperature will heat up when hundreds of LGBT tourism industry professionals gather together for the third annual GNETWORK 360 conference. This important award-winning FREE event is the major global gathering each year for LGBT travel and tourism networking, educational forums, panel discussions, exchange of ideas, and renewing old acquaintances or making new ones.

Recently the IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association) recognized the GNETWORK360 conference as “The Best LGBT Networking Event” and presented the convention producers, Pablo De Luca and Gustavo Noguera, with an award. The presentation ceremony took place at the IGLTA Annual Convention in Antwerp, Belgium in June 2010. However, this recognition is something which delegates to the two prior conferences are already cognizant. Previous experience may also be the reason why over 300 travel industry delegates have already registered for this year's assemblage in Buenos Aires.

The conference welcome and keynote address will be given by the new Argentina Minister of Tourism, Carlos Enrique Meyer. In June of this year Argentinean President, H.E. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, announced the action to separate the Ministry of Tourism from the existing Ministry of Industry and Tourism and named Meyer, previously Secretary of State for Tourism, as Minister of this new government department. This recognition of the importance of the multi-billion dollar tourism industry to the Argentine economy may perhaps also lead to a new emphasis on the growing sector of LGBT tourism in this country.

During the course of these three days there will be approximately twenty-four distinguished guest speakers, presenters, and members of discussion panels from eight different countries. Delegates can attend a total of sixteen official sessions and receptions. These global LGBT travel industry leaders will share their knowledge and experiences with delegates. Topics will range from Social Network Marketing Tools, to LGBT Diversity, Distinguishing the Lesbian Tourist, The Economic Impact of Gay Tourism, Equality at IBM, and specific Destination Success stories. The expert presenters will travel from Europe, South and North America to share their stories and discuss issues of importance to anyone connected to the travel industry, whether large or small businesses, or individual entrepreneurs.

In the evening of July 23rd starting at 7PM there will also be a Marketplace and Cocktail Reception followed by the closing festivities.

Throughout the three days coffee and lunch breaks will provide numerous networking moments for delegates to spend time getting to know each other and learn about business or networking opportunities. These individual encounters and sharing of knowledge or experiences has been the main benefit of GNETWORK360 in the past and this year is sure to prove no exception.

Perhaps the most unique highlight of this conference is that it is absolutely FREE for all travel and tourism delegates. Truly a unique opportunity to benefit from this experience without having to pay a high price tag for the privilege of attending. Online registration and detailed schedule information is now available at www.GNETWORK360.com or questions can be directed to: info@gnetwork360.com for answers.

Also, at this year's conference the GNETWORK360 organizers will present, for the FIRST time, two new awards to an individual and a company who in the past year have made major contributions to the LGBT community in Argentina.

If your daily life involves the tourism industry, whether you are a hotel employee, a tour guide, a travel consultant, or other member of the industry, then this conference has been designed just for you. So be sure to mark your calendar with the dates July 21 to 23 and head to the Axel Hotel, Buenos Aires Auditorium, and Palacio Alsina to share the experience.

Visit http://www.GNETWORK360.com/ for Complete Conference Details and Online Registration

El Bolson, Argentina---Mountain Magic!

Beautiful "Mirror Reflections" in the Lakes

By Roy Heale


One of the most memorable parts of any visit to Argentina's Lake District is driving around the countryside, enjoying the Andes' mountain and lake vistas, plus visiting the small townships. Although San Carlos de Bariloche is the heart of this region, within a few hours journey there are many smaller and distinctive communities with their own unique characteristics. Any time spent traveling around this domain is rewarded with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, crystal clear blue lakes, and villages with a definite Alpine flair.

During my recent visit to this area I was fortunate enough to have local gay travel expert Cristian Signorelli, of Bariloche Gay Travel, guiding me around the Lake District. One of our leisurely day trips was a journey south into Patagonia to the small town of El Bolson where the specialties are local crafts, home-brewed beers, and the most amazing fresh fruit juice cocktails. It's a short two-hour drive from Bariloche and the mountain roads weave through the immense “mirror reflection” Lakes Guttierrez, Mascardi, and Guillelmo alongside numerous meandering mountain streams and rivulets. With such breathtaking vistas the journey seems much shorter than the actual time lapsed.

El Bolson Village

Upon arrival in the town of El Bolson the Alpine-styled architecture and historical buildings are immediately apparent. In the heart of the town is the Plaza Pagano. It's a beautiful park with grassy banks and a large central pond surrounded by the local artisans' stalls of the world famous El Bolson Regional Fair. This open-air market brings together artisans, a farmer's market---which includes freshly picked wild fruits---musicians, painters, sculptors, writers, and all kinds of talented artists, plus a street band. This fair is a cultural gathering and an historical part of El Bolson, dating back to the early '70s. Today it retains the style and aura of that decade. It is a world-renowned artisan market and provides approximately four hundred year-round jobs, increasing to six hundred during the tourist season. Visitors journey from all over Argentina and around the world for this traditional Latin experience.

After strolling the pathways of this Fair, numerous outdoor cafés and restaurants are ready and waiting to give you a real taste of El Bolson local cuisine. A variety of cheese boards with smoked salmon, trout, venison, hare, wild boar, and locally made pickles can be found on the gourmet menus. Plus local dishes such as homemade pasta with cream sauce and morels---wild mushrooms---or rolls of Patagonian lamb, a trout Roquefort, vegetable strudel, a delicious plate of endive gratin, or Sorrento stuffed with smoked trout smothered in walnut cream sauce, will tempt any discriminating palate. And of course some wonderful Argentine Malbec wines must be sampled or one of the ten varieties of locally brewed beers will refresh you on a hot summer day. The gentle pace of life in this small community becomes instantly infectious.

If you prefer an extended visit to this magical mountain community then Bariloche Gay Travel can assist you with bookings at gay-friendly hotels. They have carefully selected charming Alpine-style accommodations where a warm welcome is extended to all LGBT travelers.

Before heading back to Bariloche a short drive up the mountain dirt roads will reward you with spectacular views of the River Quemquemtreu valley and mountains. Along this short journey many colorful wild flowers and bushes flourish and you will observe the locals fruit-picking to create those wonderful fresh juice drinks back at the fairgrounds.

River Quemquemtreu Valley and Mountains

A day trip to El Bolson is more than just a tour around Argentina's Lake District---rather it is an Argentine cultural experience with a journey back in time to a relaxed and gentle pace of life.

Relaxing in El Bolson Village Restaurants and Cafes

For More Information Visit: http://www.barilochegaytravel.com/

Spectacular Vistas of Mountains and Lakes

View From Aldebaran Hotel

By Roy Heale


In San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina the snow-capped Andes mountains and expansive blue-water lakes are a major tourist attraction. In fact the region is known as the Argentina Lake District and covers a very large domain at the gateway to Patagonia.

I stayed at one of the gay-friendly boutique hotels the Aldebaran Hotel and Spa situated 23km, about a 20 minute drive, from the heart of Bariloche on the San Pedro Peninsula. The property is very private and secluded with great views especially at sunset. A car rental is recommended but not essential. The local Remis service---a cheaper form of Taxi where you share the ride and costs with other passengers---is convenient and inexpensive plus readily available.

Aldebaran Hotel Living Room

I booked my room with Cristian Signorelli of Bariloche Gay Travel who is very knowledgeable of the whole Lake District region and an excellent tour guide. There are so many options available to enjoy in this region a local expert tour guide is very helpful to see everything possible or arrange guided tours and boat trips to smaller islands.

Aldebaran was originally a private home until extra rooms were added to make it a ten-bedroom boutique hotel. The warmth and charm of the home still exist with beautiful stone masonry work and wonderful use of local wood. The common areas include a grand living room, small study and computer work station for guests, entertainment lounge, and small bar adjacent to the restaurant.

The rooms are very large with comfortable beds, cozy furnishings plus some great views and balconies overlooking the lake. The hotel grounds include a waterfront jetty, gardens with outdoor solarium, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, and full spa facilities. Massages are available by appointment. The cozy restaurant serves a buffet breakfast plus lunch and dinner. On special occasions there are gourmet treats like roast suckling pig cooked on the open fire oven.

All of the staff are extremely gay-friendly and speak some English to assist travelers.

Whether it's for a winter ski vacation or a year-round outdoor get-away to nature this hotel is a perfect home-away-from-home with great ambiance.

Bariloche Gay Travel specializes in bookings here and have some special rates available for the LGBT community.

Aldebaran is the name of a giant bright star in the zodiac constellation of Taurus and the Aldebaran Hotel and Spa is the shining star of Bariloche's accommodations.
For More Information Visit: http://www.barilochegaytravel.com/

Mendoza, Argentina is Full of Surprises!

Plaza Espanol, Mendoza

By Roy Heale
Recently I made my second trip to Mendoza and once again I discovered this beautiful city is more than just the capital of Argentina's wine industry. Amidst the beautiful parks and historic Spanish architecture there are some unusual ways for visitors to spend their leisure time.


Dining out is a major part of Mendoza's nightlife but dinner at Los Chocos proved to be a most unique experience. It's a gay-owned and operated restaurant serving a gourmet eight course dinner in a private home similar to the Paladares in Havana, Cuba. Special local Mendoza cuisine was complemented with perfect Malbec wines, wonderful company, and amazingly creative food with mouthwatering flavors, and all for only $50 US dollars. Incredible!

This gourmet restaurant is located in the home of Martin the Chef and his partner Martin who assists with the entire dinner. It's located in the middle of downtown, on the 5th floor of a classic old residential apartment building. You have the whole place to yourself, giving it a familiar and comfortable feel. Reservations are essential as each dinner can only accommodate a total of eight guests.

Martin and his Partner Chef Martin

Chef Martin personally delivers each of the dishes, which are all made with local flavors and ingredients. They feature truly regional ingredients and dishes, unlike anything you'll find in bigger Argentine cities like Buenos Aires. Chef Martin was also kind enough to explain each course, how his creations were conceived, and how long this process takes. The menu only changes with the seasons four times per year but even repeat visits are enjoyable.

Here are just a few of the taste-tempting courses I enjoyed:

Tapa from Cuyo a braised butternut squash in “jarilla” butter, fresh goat cheese with citric notes and onion marmalade in Malbec served over a crunchy “ sopaipilla”.
Toasted tomatoes, leek confit, and black sausage pudding, garnished with grated cheese and poached egg yolk.
An eight hour slow roasted goat meat, served with a sweet potato mash and garnish.

Every dish was accompanied by amazing home made bread and paired with great wines from a local vineyard.

The rest is up to your own imagination, but this is a singular Mendoza experience not to be missed when you visit the city.

After all those calories late at night some exercise might be in order. Just next door to the restaurant building are two more little-known and unusual Mendoza attractions. Dating back to the 1950s is an old-world Pool Hall with a domed ceiling and wood paneling which is truly like stepping back in time. Then downstairs in the next door building is an even more surprising Bowling Alley where the balls and pins are wooden and there is no mechanical equipment as the pins are reset and the balls returned by a human being! Even if you don't feel like a game of pool or bowling, a visit to each of these venues is a must.

Luckily after this late-night feast and entertainment I only had to walk two blocks to where I was staying at the Modigliani Art and Design Suites. This is Mendoza's only gay-owned and operated accommodations which are conveniently located in the heart of the downtown core. Incidentally the staff are very familiar with Los Chocos and can easily help with your reservations and plans for the whole evening.

Modigliani Art and Design Suites

                                                                                                                        
Mendoza truly is a picturesque Andean city full of surprises and, of course, always great Malbec wines to enjoy!
For Reservations at Los Chocos: (54 2611) 5454 5320 or los.chocos@yahoo.com.ar
For More Information Contact: www.deptosmendoza.com.ar

Bariloche Gay Travel Outdoor Adventures With Nature

By Roy Heale


Already a very popular destination with European and South American LGBT tourists, with each new season San Carlos De Bariloche is gaining in global popularity and recognition for being gay-friendly. Almost 3000 feet above sea level in Argentina's snow-capped Andes Mountains with pristine blue-water lakes this region is remarkably eco-friendly and unscathed by man's obsessive interference with the environment. Known as the Argentine Lake District and the Gateway to Patagonia this year-round outdoor adventure haven is the latest addition to the list of new, favorite gay travel destinations in South America. One visit to this spectacular region and the reasons for this acclamation are easily understandable.

Bearing in mind the southern hemisphere's reversal of seasons, skiing and winter sports are available in July, August, and September. Some would say that this is the busiest tourist season in Bariloche. But the region's year-round mild climate offers on-going activities including, hiking mountain trails, sailing, boat tours, kayaking, bird-watching, canopy tours, fly-fishing, river rafting, horseback rides, star-gazing, camping, and much more. Its nightlife includes renowned discos and raucous pubs which have led many visitors to wake up on a lakeside beach observing the sun as it ascends the mountain peaks casting its rays upon this quaint Andean city. Bariloche's alluring mystique has resulted in many repeat visits.

Perhaps the hidden treasure of this region is its affordable pricing during the travel budget constraints of recent times. Many smart gay travelers have already discovered the great South American holiday bargains currently available and Argentina is top of the list for lower-cost vacations. Bariloche offers a skiing experience equal to North America's Rocky Mountain slopes and the Austrian or Swiss Alps for scenery and downhill challenges, but at a considerably more reasonable price. The journey may be slightly longer but the ultimate rewards are immeasurable whether in costs or memories.

When it comes to LGBT travel to this region Bariloche Gay Travel is the first and only gay-owned and operated travel company located in the region. Specializing in working with gay visitors they ensure a positive, gay-friendly experience during any stay in this mountain paradise. Owner Cristian Signorelli has lived most of his life in Bariloche and is dedicated to welcoming LGBT tourists to the region and ensuring that their visit is memorable and hassle-free. He has developed a list of gay-friendly accommodations---from hostels to luxury boutique hotels--- restaurants, bars, and attractions to ensure that all gay travelers can enjoy a wide range of year-round choices during their visit.

The town site of Bariloche is situated on the banks of the expansive Lake Nahuel Huapi with beautiful clear, blue water and numerous beaches. Unique to Argentina the local architecture of half-rounded logs and field-stone is reminiscent of European Alpine villages and has earned the town the nickname of “Little Switzerland”. The entire region is nestled in majestic mountains with large and small lakes of pristine waters ranging from royal blue to emerald green and every shade of color in between. Climbing any mountain or riding one of the several chair lifts is rewarded with spectacular vistas and around every turn in the road is a new, breathtaking view.

Just a short 18 kilometer drive from the heart of Bariloche is Cathedral Mountain ski resort and apres-ski village. It is the largest of its kind in the Southern hemisphere offering a wide variety of slopes for winter downhill skiing and hiking trails for the warmer months. The restaurants, hotels, and boutiques create the perfect village for those who prefer to stay at the base of the mountain. This is also the location of the Bariloche Gay Ski week held each year in September.

Numerous scenic tours are available and Bariloche Gay Travel can help organize any itinerary or plan customized personal tours. The Cau Cau Catamaran tour with Espacio S.A. to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Woods is a must and can be either a half or full day adventure into nature. In the heart of the Arrayanes trees is the Walt Disney Cabin where rumor has it Disney was inspired to create the setting and scenery for his Bambi screen classic. The Seven Lakes tour is a day trip through magnificent forests, large valleys, and includes waterfront vistas of the Nahuel Huapi, Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, and Machonico Lakes, plus stops in the quaint towns of Villa La Angostura and San Martin De Los Andes. A short two-hour journey heading south to El Bolson is rewarded with the small historic town markets and boutiques plus more unforgettable lakes and views along the route. Tours range from just a few hours to full day events ensuring that every day in the Lake District can offer new adventures with nature. The local experts at Bariloche Gay Travel are extremely knowledgeable of this entire region and will ensure that a gay-friendly welcome awaits every LGBT tourist.

Almost every new day is greeted with a dynamic sunrise over the mountain peaks and most evenings begin with a perfectly romantic sunset. Both are quite often reflected upon the mirror-like waters of the numerous lakes for double the magic.

So whatever the season in your hometown, pack your outdoor adventure gear and head to this pristine Argentine Lake District for a gay-friendly escape back to nature at an affordable price for any vacation budget.

SOME EXAMPLES OF GAY-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS AVAILABLE THROUGH BARILOCHE GAY TRAVEL:

For More Information Visit: http://www.barilochegaytravel.com/