Things to do in Bariloche, Argentina | Your Ultimate Guide

If you’re wondering what to do in Bariloche, you’ve come to the right place. Bariloche is nature’s playground all year long. Come to hike, relax, and eat well in this southern Argentina paradise.

Bariloche, Argentina is located in the Rio Negro Province, the same region as Argentina’s Patagonia. Bariloche sits along the banks of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, which is divided in half by the Rio Negro and Neuquen provinces. It is a nature lover’s paradise.

From skiing in the winter to hiking and biking in the summer, Bariloche has everything. It’s a great spot to base yourself for more adventures around the area. While there are endless possibilities for these parts, I aim to help you decide what to do in Bariloche with the time you have. I spent two weeks in this area and was able to pack in a ton of activities.

Short on time?

Where to stay in Bariloche: Hospedaje Penthouse 1004
Famous place to eat in Bariloche: El Boliche de Alberto
Best hike: Refugio Frey
Perfect day trip: Circuito Chico
Best Weekend trips: Route of the 7 Lakes and El Bolsón

Bariloche, Argentina Facts

• Bariloche rests along the banks of the Nahuel Huapi Lake.
• The architecture around Bariloche feels very Swiss and European.
• The Bariloche city center is full of hotels, guest houses, and shops- a very touristy vibe.
• Most of the people you see walking around Bariloche are international and domestic tourists.
• Bariloche is extremely hilly- like a miniature San Francisco.
• Download the Patagonia maps on Maps.me or AllTrails (very useful for all trails around here).

I use AllTrails Plus when I go hiking. I highly recommend it as you can download offline maps, and send out “lifelines” to friends and family to let them know exactly where you are. You can rate trails, and get inspired to try new ones. The membership is $35/year, but with this discount, it is just $25 for the year. That’s barely $2/month.

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Transportation Around Bariloche Argentina

In Bariloche, you can use the same SUBE card for the local buses as you can in Buenos Aires. However, I’ve heard that it is difficult to purchase the card here, as they have a much smaller allotment for foreigners. Make sure to bring your SUBE card with you from Buenos Aires. You can recharge it in the kiosks.

There are several buses that go from the city center to the mountains and surrounding areas. However, the schedules change often, as do the correct bus stops. Definitely ask around before relying on what Google says.

You can check Bariloche city bus schedules here. I’ll be honest though, the website doesn’t make it easy to decipher. Try your best, and ask around. But from what I noticed, the majority of the buses left from the stop directly across the street from Manush (a wonderful craft beer restaurant), or right in front of the park on Avenida San Martin.

The bus terminal in Bariloche sits on the east edge of town. You can purchase tickets there for buses headed to different cities, however, you can also purchase tickets at Via Bariloche offices in the city center or on BusBud. That way you can avoid going all the way to the station. This office is much more convenient.

Things to do in and around Bariloche

I will divide this blog post into 3 parts:

• 8 Activities within the town of Bariloche
• 5 Activities just outside of Bariloche
• 3 Day trips from Bariloche.

8 Things to do in San Carlos de Bariloche

The main town center of Bariloche is not that big, and easily walkable. You can see the majority of activities in just one day. Then spend the rest of your time in nature. That’s why you’re here, right?

These are the 8 activities to do inside the town of Bariloche:

• Walking Tour
• Chocolate Museum Tour
• Centro Civico
• Artisan Fair
• Walk Along the Coastline
• Visit the Cathedral
• Eat Good Food
• See old cars on the 1000 Millas (1000 Miles)

1. Walking Tour

There are several available walking tours around Bariloche, which are fantastic and full of information. The most well-known tour is that of the German Influence & Nazi Presence in the south of Argentina which has led people to believe that Hitler escaped to Argentina.

2. Chocolate Museum Tour

You can find the Havanna Museum just west of the main town center. This was once the Fenoglio Family chocolate factory until Havanna purchased it a few decades ago.

The tours are only in Spanish and cost 2 USD to enter (in 2022). They do not have a set schedule, but begin whenever more people arrive, enough to form a group. You can get a coffee and an alfajor in the cafeteria while you wait.

The truth is, I didn’t love the tour and found the staff to be rude. If you are really passionate about chocolate or the Havanna company, you should do the tour. But if not, don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything important.

3. Main Plaza (Centro Civico)

The center of town is technically here at the Centro Civico Bariloche. There is a statue in the center of the plaza, as well as hundreds of painted bandanas on the ground, representing the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo.

The Swiss-inspired triangle arches over the street can be seen on one side. You can also find several tourist information booths and offices surrounding the square. I was here during the World Cup in 2022 when Argentina beat Mexico and there was great energy.

4. Artisan Fair (artesanias en Bariloche)

Just one street above the main plaza is a large park. Inside the park, you can easily see two large tents set up. There you can find artisan markets, with several goods from hand-carved wooden utensils to knitted scarves to raspberry jam.

5. Walk Along the Coast of Bariloche, Argentina

The Lago Nahuel Huapi is stunning and deserves your attention. There is a walkway along the coastline to take in all the views. You can also stop to see the “BARILOCHE” sign along the water. Next to the sign, there is a path that goes right over the water. On the other side of the BARILOCHE sign, you can find a small rocky beach.

6. Go to Church

The Cathedral Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi here in Bariloche, was quite impressive. It was not as ostentatious as many other Catholic churches are. It was large but modest, with stone brick walls and beautiful stained glass windows. The lawn next to it is also great to sit and admire the lake.

7. Eat in Bariloche

Bariloche is full of great restaurants so you will not eat badly here. Just keep in mind that because the south of Argentina is much more expensive than the rest of the country, you should expect prices to be higher than you’re used to in BA and other cities. Here are a few of my favs:

Almado

This restaurant is right along the water. There is an outdoor patio and an indoor room with windows for walls, which is perfect for viewing the sun setting over Lago Nahuel Huapi. The food had decent prices in comparison to the rest of Bariloche. You won’t go broke trying to have dinner with a view.

El Boliche de Alberto

This is easily the most well-known steak house in the city. People line up early to get a good spot. They open at 8 pm, but I recommend arriving at 7:30 pm to get in line, which grows long pretty quickly.

Once you get seated, the chefs come around to take your meat order, which is great if you have specific questions about the meats. There are usually two meat options available: Chico & Grande. A normal person is just fine to order the chico.

Once the chefs take the orders, they head to the grills to begin cooking. Then the waiters come around to take drink orders. Side dishes are not included in the price of the meat, but can be ordered separately: mashed potatoes, french fries, salad. Each portion is generous.

Restaurante Huang Ji Zhong Chang Kuan

This is probably the best Chinese food I’ve had in all of Argentina, which is surprisingly bad in the rest of the country. The food is delicious and authentic, the people working here are kind, and the prices are reasonable.

Manush

This is a major hot spot for visitors to Bariloche. The food is good, the atmosphere is fun, and the beer is fantastic. There are a ton of craft beer places all around the city, but it’s easy to see why this one is so well-known.

If you go alone, take a seat at the bar, and wait to be greeted by other solo travelers. It’s very social and easy to meet people here.

Belakay Resto Bar

This is a small corner cafe in the center of town. While it’s not particularly unique, it is super cozy. The people working there are nice, the food good, and the vibes pleasant. It’s a great place to grab a coffee and read your book or people watch out the window. It’s off the main streets so it is not overly busy.

8. Check out the 1000 Millas

Every year in Bariloche, there is a classic sports car race called the 1000 Millas. It is a one-thousand-mile race that goes from Bariloche to San Martine de los Andes, the Circuito Chico, and several other parts of the area. It happens every November. I was lucky enough to be in Bariloche in November and saw these cars all over the place.

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Where to stay in the center of Bariloche

Berkana Hostel

This hostel is literally right next to Lago Nahuel Huapi. The views are ridiculously nice. There is a patio and bar that extends over the water so you can enjoy a craft beer and burger as the sun goes down over the lake. Heavenly experience.

Book your stay at this great hostel over the water Now

Hospedaje Penthouse 1004

This hostel has the best view in all of Bariloche, as it is a very tall building so you can see everything. They serve free breakfast as well. It is a popular destination with backpackers and travelers, so make sure to book as soon as possible.

Stay at the Penthouse. BOOK NOW, space fills up fast!

5 Activities Outside of Bariloche

Hiking in El Chaltén gets all of the attention in Patagonia, but Bariloche also has a lot to offer in terms of nature and hiking. If you want to see more wildlife in Patagonia, you should head to Puerto Madryn or Ushuaia. Here are the 5 best activities to do just outside of Bariloche:

• Hike to Refugio Frey
• Hike to the Stupa de la Iluminación
• Go Around the Circuito Chico (Cerro Campanario, Llao LLao Hotel, Sendero de los Arrayanes, Cerveceria Patagonia)
• Colonia Suiza
• Isla Victoria

1. Refugio Frey

This is one of the most popular and well-known hikes, and it’s easy to see why. You can do this as a day hike, or you can even spend the night up top. If you bring a tent, no reservation is required. If you want to sleep in the Refugio, it’s best to book in advance as it fills up pretty quickly. This is one of the best things to do in Patagonia.

Refugio Frey on AllTrails.

How to Reach Refugio Frey

Take bus 55 from the bus stop in the center of Bariloche, directly across the street from Manush. The main hike starts in the parking lot at Villa Catedral, and this is where the bus will drop you off. The bus stop is a small hut near the entrance to the parking lot.

The schedule seems to be a little erratic though. Supposedly it comes every 30 minutes, though I waited an hour before sharing a taxi with other travelers I had met at the bus stop. Word is, the bus came 5 minutes later.

What the Refugio Frey hike is like

The hike up to Refugio Frey from Villa Catedral takes about 3 hours, the first half giving you amazing views of Lake Gutierrez. If you go back down the same way, it takes about 2 hours. If you prefer to go back down a different way, you can follow the path on the side of the Laguna Toncheck up top, and then make your way around the back to Cerro Catedral.

An alternate path to Refugio Frey

Take bus 50 to Villa Coihues, and get off when you see Lago Gutierrez. Walk 30 minutes down a dirt road, and then follow the well-marked signs up to Refugio Frey. You’ll pass by the Playa Muñoz as well.

If you go this way, you can also make a quick stop at the Cascada de los Duendes and the Mirador Lago Gutierrez. It will be obvious how to find these additional spots as there are several signs around.

2. Stupa de la Iluminación

If you want a relaxed day in Bariloche but still want to get out into nature, this is the perfect place to visit. It’s not far from the city, it’s easy to reach, but you’ll still find yourself alone in the forest, with a stupa and prayer flags to keep you company.

I stayed for an hour to enjoy the view and didn’t see a single other person until I was about to leave.

Stupa de la Iluminación on AllTrails.

How to reach the Stupa de la Iluminación

Getting here is easy. Take bus 50 or 51 from the city center. Get off at the stop Avenida de Los Pioneros – Nilpi. It’s just 1-2 stops after the Cerro Otto Teleferico stop.

Follow the dirt road that leads uphill. You’ll zigzag back and forth along this main road as you make your way up. It only takes about 35 minutes to reach the Stupa.

I recommend using Google Maps or AllTrails. Many other smaller streets branch off the main road, and could cause some confusion. I had no problem getting reception in the area.

3. Circuito Chico

The Circuito Chico is a 27km loop northwest of Bariloche. You can walk, bike, or drive it. If you decide to walk, be prepared for a very long day. Also, you’ll be walking along the road which can get busy.

If you choose to bike, then I suggest the Cordillera Bike Rentals & Tours. It is right at the start of the Circuit Chico loop. You can get there by taking bus 20 from the center of town to km 18. They even rent e-bikes! They are open from 10 am to 7 pm, so you’ll need to return the bike before they close.

If you prefer to go by car, you have a lot more freedom to make stops when you want. You can hire a driver, tour, or rent a car. Luckily I made a friend who had rented a car, so a few of us piled in and did the loop on our own.

Cerro Campanario

This is a very easy (but kinda steep) 30-minute hike up. You can also take the chairlift up. Getting there is easy by bus- take bus 10 or 20 up to km 17.5 Campanario. The bus stops near the start of the trail. If you go by car, put “Aerosilla Cerro Campanario” into your Google Maps. You can get back down the same way- hike or chairlift.

At the top, you are treated to incredible views of several lakes all around you. There is also a cafe up top, so enjoy your coffee while you take in the views.

Cerro Campanario on AllTrails.

Llao Llao Hotel

This is a 5-star luxury hotel that sits on a large plot of land along Circuito Chico. Even if you don’t stay here, you can stop in to have a drink in the lobby. While it is a 5-star hotel, the prices are not as bad as you might expect. It is more expensive than the rest of the housing in the area, but not so bad if it’s a special occasion.

Sendero de los Arrayanes/Cerro Llao Llao

This is a great hike that is not too challenging. It makes its way around a big loop, offering views of multiple sides of Lago Nahuel Huapi- beaches, and rocky cliffs. As you reach the start of the climb to Cerro Llao Llao, things start to get steeper. However, I would still say the hike is at a beginner to intermediate level.

Sendero de los Arrayanes Loop on AllTrails.

Cerveceria Patagonia 24.7

It goes without saying that this stop is an absolute must if you’re making your way around the Circuito Chico. This Patagonia Brewery is one of the most famous in the entire country and has the best views of any brewery ever.

There is a restaurant, a beer tent, a garden growing hops, a merch shop, and some fantastic seating with lake views out back. They offer tours as well as a dome experience. However, you can also just show up and have a beer on tap.

4. Colonia Suiza

Colonia Suiza is an old Swiss-inspired town. You can take bus 10 to get here. But be aware that the bus 10 schedule is very sporadic and comes every 2 hours, so if you miss the bus, you’ll be waiting a while for the next one. It takes about one hour each way between Colonia Suiza and Bariloche.

5. Isla Victoria

You can take a boat trip on a catamaran into the Lago Nahuel Huapi to the Isla Victoria, where you can also find the Arrayanes Forest. For more info, head to the Cau Cau office in the center of town. Check with Cau Cau for the schedule, as it changes per season.

There are usually two trips per day. The trip lasts around 4-5 hours and leaves from the Pañuelo Port. The price of the trip will increase by adding additional services such as transport from Bariloche to Puerto Pañuelo, or VIP service.

Where to stay just outside of Bariloche

If you’re looking for some luxury and prestige, the obvious choice is the famous Llao Llao Hotel.

Treat yourself in Bariloche and stay in Hotel Llao Llao, BOOK NOW

However, if you’re looking for something a bit more modest around the Circuito Chico, here are a few great places:

Chalet Vintage

This is a beautiful vacation home with beautiful lakefront views and a wrap-around patio. It’s off the main road so you should have a car if you decide to stay here.

Stay in your own chalet, BOOK NOW

Alihuen Cabañas

These cabins feel like they are right in the center of the forest. There is free private parking here, as well as a full kitchen, living room, and dining room.

Stay in a cabin in the forest, BOOK NOW

Cabaña Patagonica de la laguna

This chalet is beautiful in both the summer and winter seasons. The living area is cozy and even has a fireplace for the winter. There are beautiful views of the lake, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with a BBQ.

Get some peace and relaxation at this beautiful chalet, BOOK NOW

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3 Day Trips from Bariloche, Argentina

The 3 best day trips from Bariloche are:

• El Bolsón
• San Martin de los Andes
• Ruta de los 7 Lagos (Route of the 7 Lakes)

1. El Bolsón

El Bolson is a small town about 2 hours south of Bariloche. You can check bus schedules on BusBud. The bus terminal in El Bolson is right in the center of town (Onelli & Gral. Roca). It’s not a very big place so you will most likely be able to walk to your accommodation.

There is a market in the center of town (around Plaza Pagano) every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. However, it is best on Sundays when it tends to be fuller with stalls, food trucks, and live music. There are quite a few restaurants and craft beer places in the center, along Av. San Martin and its side streets.

Hikes from El Bolsón

There is a great hike called Cajon del Azul. It’s about 20 minutes from the center of town. You can take the Wharton bus to the base of the hike, though you should ask about the schedule once you get there since the times seem to change often. If you drive there, there is a donation-based parking lot.

It takes about 3 hours to reach the peak. About a 15-minute walk from the parking lot along the trail, you’ll see a fantastic brewery called Mystic Fog. It’s owned by a family from Los Angeles that has been in the area since the 90s.

Where to stay in El Bolsón

I stayed in an eco-hostel called Earthship where they have community vegan dinners (7 USD), and breakfast is included. I highly recommend this hostel as it has a super relaxed vibe, and a lovely garden full of hammocks. The food every night was incredible.

Book your stay at the Earthship Eco-Hostel, nights get booked fast.

2. San Martin de los Andes

San Martin de los Andes is about 3.5 hours north of Bariloche along Ruta 40. The town has a very cozy mountain feel to it. There are several fantastic restaurants, cafes, and even food trucks with a lakefront view. The center of town has an artisan market.

Hikes from San Martin de los Andes

If you’re looking to do some hiking, check out Cerro Colorado. It is about a 30-minute drive down dirt roads from San Martin de los Andes. From the “parking lot” (a dirt patch), it’s 3 hours to the peak, and another 1.5 hours coming down.

Out of all the surrounding towns (Villa La Angostura, Bariloche, El Bolsón), San Martin de los Andes is easily my favorite.

About 12km further down the road, you can find the Playa Yuco. It is a small peninsula that is made up of 5 smaller beaches, aptly labeled 1 (Turquesa), 2, 3, 4, & 5. Some are sandy, some are rocky, but all are beautiful. There is a food truck near Beach 2 where you can get some snacks and/or beer.

Where to stay in San Martin de los Andes

I stayed just outside of town in an A-frame cabin with a shared kitchen and bathroom. The owner of the cabin was very kind, and it came with a lovely cat.

Stay in the same A-frame cabin as me in San Martin de los Andes

3. Ruta de 7 Lagos

If you head to San Martin de los Andes, I highly suggest renting a car to get there from Bariloche. The section of the road along Ruta 40 between Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes is called “Ruta de los 7 Lagos,” for the seven lakes you’ll pass by.

If you have a car, you’ll have more freedom to see even more than just those 7 lakes. While officially there are 7, there are actually about 11. It’s possible to do it all in one day, but you might be rushing it. Without stops, it’s 3.5 hours between San Martin de los Andes and Bariloche.

I suggest spending at least 1-2 nights in San Martin before turning around to drive the route back. We made stops at the first 3 lakes, and Villa La Angostura on the way up. Once it started getting late, we drove directly to San Martin for dinner.

Two days later on our way back down to Bariloche, we stopped at all the lakes we missed on the first day. I preferred to do it this way so I didn’t feel rushed to see them all in one day.

The 7 “official” lakes are:

• Lago Nahuel Huapi
• Lago Correntoso
• Lago Espejo Grande
• Lago Escondido
• Lago Villarino
• Lago Falkner
• Lago Machónico

The other spots to stop and see:

• Lago Traful
• Lago Espejo Chico
• Lago Hermoso
• La Cascada Vullignanco
• Lago Lácar
• Many many other ‘miradores‘

The route is truly stunning. Each lake is unique and has something new to offer. The lake district is one of the most beautiful parts of Patagonia, and you would be remiss not to see it.

What is the Best Time to Visit Bariloche

Bariloche is great in all seasons, depending on what you want to do. If you want to ski, the best months are July to September. If you want to hike, the best months are November to January. I went in November and the weather was perfect. It was sunny during the day and I could wear shorts. At night, it was chilly and I needed a light jacket.

How many days should I spend in Bariloche?

You can easily see the attractions in the center of town in 1-2 days. However, if you are coming here to hike, then I suggest a minimum of 5-7 days. You can do several shorter and longer hikes in that period, though you may want a day to rest in between the longer ones.

I spent one week based in Bariloche and did several hikes from there. I spent another week doing day trips to the surrounding areas, including the Ruta de los 7 Lagos.

What is Bariloche famous for

Bariloche is known to be a very European town in Argentina. Because of the large Swiss and German influence, you can find great beer and chocolate. There are several chocolate shops along Calle Mitre, as well as at the Havanna Chocolate factory.

Bariloche is also famous for its nature: the ski resorts and all the great hikes.

Is Bariloche worth visiting

San Carlos de Bariloche is beautiful and very worth visiting, especially if you love nature. The city is surrounded by dozens of hiking trails, mountain peaks, and ski resorts. It is more expensive than other cities in Argentina, but it is worth a visit.

Final Thoughts on Bariloche, Argentina

While I spent just two weeks in the areas surrounding Bariloche, you could easily spend two years and still not see all the beauty and nature there is. The biking, hiking, walking, beer, and wine-drinking possibilities are endless in Bariloche, Argentina.

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