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/

LGBT TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS CONFERENCE IN BUENOS AIRES

By Roy Heale


Following the enormous success of the first two conferences, the planning is well under way for the GNETWORK360 2010 International Forum of Businesspeople and Entrepreneurs. With only three months to go, the excitement is building towards the third annual Forum. Businesspeople and entrepreneurs focused on the LGBT market will be gathering in Buenos Aires from July 21 to 23, 2010 at the Axel Hotel, Venezuela 649, San Telmo. Based on last year's attendance of more than 700 delegates it is anticipated that more than eight hundred attendees will join together to share information and learn about business opportunities within the LGBT travel niche market.

The forum producers---GMAPS360---is proud to organize “GNETWORK360” the third of these annual Forums. The event is designed to provide information and networking opportunities for companies and organizations which are currently dedicating part of their communications strategy to the LGBT community. By joining together once again, these businesses will work towards the common goal of promoting Argentina and Buenos Aires as gay-friendly destinations. It is also a unique opportunity for fellow IGLTA members to meet and share information or opportunities throughout South America and around the globe. Conference attendees will also learn about the unique LGBT niche market from distinguished guest speakers, workshops, presentations, and panel discussions.

Photos from 2009 Forum

This year's speakers and presenters will include the following:

Juan Julia, Axel Corp John Tanzella, IGLTA Tom Roth, Community Marketing Bob Witeck, Witeck & Combs Tanya Churchmuch, Tourisme Montreal and Girlports.com Ed Salvato, Gay Travel Expert Jeff Guaracino, LGBT Travel Consultant Ian Johnson, Out Now Global Matt Skallerud, Pink Banana Media Justin Nelson, NGLCC Chance Mitchell, NGLCC Irwin Drucker, IBM

Other speakers and presenters are expected to confirm their attendance before the conference begins.

Attendance at the Forum is FREE and delegates must be registered in advance to attend the events and activities. This is perhaps the best and most inexpensive way to meet numerous other industry professionals and to learn important information or business techniques from the distinguished guest speakers.

In South America this conference affords an unprecedented opportunity to learn about one of the most lucrative and loyal global travel market segments. It will also provide an excellent opportunity for networking and connecting with other travel professionals and businesspeople from different travel-related genres.

So mark your calendar with these important dates and plan to be in Buenos Aires for the 2010 GNETWORK360 International Forum of Businesspeople and Entrepreneurs.

Above: Gustavo Noguera (left) and Pablo De Luca, Event Producers


For More Information Visit: http://www.gnetwork360.com/

Helpful Tips For A First Time Visit To Buenos Aires, Argentina

Photos and Story By Roy Heale


On your first visit to Buenos Aires---also known as the Paris of South America---you are likely to be impressed by the character, style, and friendliness of this enormous gay mecca. Hopefully you were able to spend some time in Spanish language classes before you left home. If you didn't, then be sure to carry a pocket dictionary as many portenos---as the locals are affectionately called---speak little or no English. However, they are welcoming and friendly to visitors, so with your dictionary, some sign language, and a smile on your face, communication becomes easier.

This very large, populous city can be overwhelming at first and will likely dwarf your own hometown. The best way to begin your visit is with a guided tour of the city in order to orient yourself with the diverse neighborhoods. A personal gay tour guide---fluent in English---costing approximately US$100 for a full day tour will probably customize the route to include your own interests. For those on a lower budget the “Hop On-Hop Off” City Tour Bus provides an excellent three hour round-trip route of major attractions and communities for around US$8 and allows you to embark or disembark at twelve different locations.

Once you are familiar with the city you will discover that the LGBT community resides in several different neighborhoods rather than one gay village. A little research will also reveal that the nightlife doesn't begin until well after midnight but continues until dawn. Also, dinner is a late night affair which often begins after 10PM and in fact many restaurants don't open for dinner until much later than you may be used to at home.

Although credit cards are widely accepted throughout Buenos Aires there are always exceptions. For example some restaurants only accept them for payment of dinners and most do not allow you to add the tip onto the credit card bill. Always have ample cash with you to pay for your meal or leave a gratuity. However, this amount of money will be much less than you might expect for dining out in many other countries.

One of the most important handy pocket guides to LGBT Buenos Aires is the GMAPS360 local map and gay guide to all that this city has to offer. Copies are available at numerous locations around the city or online at www.gmaps360.com for research before you leave home.

Enjoy the lower cost of living in Argentina and have a wonderful time in this gay-friendly city. Chances are you will be back for many happy returns like so many other gay travelers who have already discovered that Buenos Aires is the gay capital of Latin America.

A Day Trip To Colonia, Uruguay

Photos and Story By Roy Heale
Many visitors to Buenos Aires, Argentina take the time to enjoy a day trip to the Uruguay city of Colonia del Sacramento. Founded by Admiral Manuel Lobo as a typical Portuguese city of the XVII century, Colonia was declared a Unesco World Historical Heritage Site in 1995 and today charms tourists from all over the world with its well-preserved architectural richness.

From Buenos Aires the one hour fast Buquebus ferry allows travellers to leave early in the morning and return later that night for approximately eighty dollars round-trip. The customs and immigration process in both directions is unusually speedy and there is plenty of time during the day to enjoy the cobbled streets, historic architecture, shops, and restaurants. But be prepared for the afternoon siesta when most businesses---except restaurants and cafes---close for a couple of hours.

This charming old-world city may be visited during all seasons becuase its weather is mainly temperate. In the summer, average temperatures range between 22 and 30ºC; in the winter, dress warmly as the temperatures can drop to 5ºC. Most businesses and dining establishments remain open year-round.

Wandering its historical streets, or a high-energy trip up the lighthouse staircase for a spectacular view of the town and its surroundings, visiting its churches, its various museums and ancient houses are some activities which can be enjoyed by visitors during their stay in the city.

The Plaza de Toros (bullring), today abandoned by the passing of time, is another must visit attraction at Colonia, though at present bullfighting is only part of its past history.

There are many small and large hotels in the old town and the main city offering a wide range of styles and prices to suit all holiday budgets. One can choose a historic architectural experience or a full service modern hotel chain.

Take a step back in time and enjoy the Portuguese history of this early settlement which has been well preserved for everyone to enjoy as they re-visit its history.