Colonia Suiza is a small Swiss settlement just outside of Bariloche, accessed via the Circuito Chico. I often get asked, is it worth it or is it a tourist trap? Yes, on both counts.

It's an adorable little village. I find it worthwhile if you have the time. It was settled by Swiss immigrants who arrived here via Chile. On the way through Chile they picked up a few things, like the Curanto style of slow cooking meat and vegetables underground. That is the big draw here on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Go on those days to see Colonia Suiza in its full splendor and to see the Curanto in action. The different stalls make a show of it and you can watch them set up the coals and smoke as they bury the meat and veg you'll have for lunch. Come early if you plan to eat (a good rule for anything re: avoiding a crowd in Argentina).

I feel obliged to share my opinion, albeit unpopular: I do not care for Curanto. I find it a bit flavorless. Think steamed veggies and meat. But if you want to try it, give it a whirl. If you want to try something else, you have your pick from the many food trucks and restaurants here or even just around the corner at the Cervezeria Berlina.

There is a small artisan market surrounding the booths where Curanto is made and sold. On my first visit here in 2010, that was all there was. Now, 15 years later it has grown quite a bit with more food trucks and a larger market across the road.

📅Go on Wednesdays and Sundays to see it bustling and to try Curanto. Other days it is sleepy and a lot of places don't open.

🛝Playground: Behind that newer market there is an old playground that kept our kids happy for a while with some ice cream.