Travel guide to Bariloche, Argentina

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It’s often said that certain destinations are hotspots for outdoor activities and amazing landscapes, and in that category Bariloche is among South America’s finest. Tucked onto the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi and Framed by the picturesque peaks of Cerro Otto, Bariloche is a pretty town that reflects its early 20^th-century influences through European-style architecture and cuisine.

The town itself is welcoming and full of interesting restaurants and bars, attracting a diverse range of visitors throughout the year. Bariloche is also the country’s capital of chocolate making, so a must for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Of the many things we love about Bariloche, the town is perfectly set up to make the surrounding Lake District accessible for all kinds of activities and day trips, as well as hosting some great hotels and a friendly population of locals.

Our Travel Guide to Bariloche uncovers some of the many highlights and reasons to visit Argentina’s Lake District on your journey through the country.

What to do in Bariloche

Bariloche is best known for its outdoor activities and stunning surrounding landscape of tree-covered hills, deep blue lakes and snow-dusted mountains. This is a year-round destination, perfect for skiing in winter and hiking or watersports during summer, with even the shoulder seasons offering plenty to do in and around the town, trekking forest trails and exploring the wider Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Some of the best things to do in Bariloche include:

Climb to the Cerro Campanario viewpoint. For elevated views across the lakes and forested hills that enclose them, Cerro Campanario viewpoint is the place to do it. The trail to get there is relatively short but steep, with all effort being rewarded by those panoramic vistas, and you can chairlift back to the bottom if preferred!
Cable car up Cerro Otto. An essential activity while in Bariloche is taking the cable car up Cerro Otto, the town’s iconic mountain backdrop that has close connections with Mapuche folklore too. The cable car will take you over 1,400m up the mountain, and views from the top are simply spectacular.
Hiking. Perhaps the most popular pastime in Bariloche is trekking the many mountain and forest trails throughout the Nahuel Huapi National Park. Among the best Bariloche hikes are:
a) Cerro Llao Llao. Taking roughly 2-3 hours, the Cerro Llao Llao trail gently winds through forest pathways before a steep incline, offering lovely views from the top.
b) Refugio Frey. A wonderful hike that ends at a lakeside, mountaintop cabin, the Refugio Frey route is a great option for experienced walkers. Not only is the finale memorable but the views down to sweeping gorges and Lake Gutierrez will keep you motivated as you go.
c) Refugio Otto Meiling. Take a full day to enjoy the fantastic Refugio Otto Meiling hike, staying overnight beside a mountaintop glacier. The trek itself is scenic and varied, snaking up through a valley across rocky terrain and with open views the higher you get. Otto Meiling takes around 10 hours, and your reward is a cozy mountaintop cabin complete with log fire and excellent stargazing at night.
Boat tours. There are several scenic boat tours around Bariloche including Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest, and Puerto Blest, where you can disembark and hike to a nearby waterfall.
Kayaking. Argentina’s Lake District is ideal for kayaking. Imagine the serenity of gentle water, forested shores and mountains filling the horizon, which is exactly what to expect at Lake Gutierrez and elsewhere around Bariloche. What’s more, though landlocked in the heart of Argentina’s Lake District, Bariloche has its own beaches! Head to Playa Bonita, Centenario or Gutierrez for lazy lakeside afternoons in the sun.
Explore Bariloche Center. Though the area was inhabited by the Mapuche People centuries before European settlers arrived, there’s a Bavarian feel to Bariloche’s town center. These early 20th-century buildings have been converted into stylish cafes, chocolate shops, restaurants and other independent outlets that are a joy to wander through.
Horse riding. Head away from Bariloche just a little and you’ll find rolling grasslands and gentle hills that are perfect for horse riding, and a collection of traditional estancias to show you the way.
Drive/ride the Circuito Chico and Route of 7 Lakes.
a. From one pine forest to then next, passing lakes, lookout points, and through villages, Circuito Chico gives you a great snapshot of Argentina’s Lake District in one hit. Though weaving around 37 miles of hilly terrain, it is possible to cycle Circuito Chico, otherwise enjoy a relaxing drive to admire each viewpoint along the route.
b. The Route of 7 Lakes in Nahuel Huapi National Park’s north is considered to be the most scenic drive in Argentina, best enjoyed between September and March. Traversing 111 miles of beautiful roads that cling to tree-covered hillsides, you’ll pass small towns and isolated viewpoints, pristine glacial lakes and waterfalls on one unforgettable adventure. Along the way, stop at the resort town of Villa La Angostura to break up the journey and enjoy horse riding and boat trips, or the pretty town of San Martín de los Andes on the shores of Lago Lacar. Despite its small population, you’ll find plenty of facilities here like restaurants and shops, in one of the most laidback and picturesque Andes’ settlements imaginable. Both of these towns are well worthy of an overnight stay.
Gastronomy. As well as Bariloche’s well-known chocolate shops, the town is also a hub for craft breweries, local asados (traditional Argentine barbeques), and good steak/wine restaurants. Be sure to try as much as possible during your time here, and yerba mate tasting too.
Skiing, snowboarding and snow bikes. Winter sports in Bariloche are a big draw with powdery snow, a range of slopes and off-piste trails to explore around mount Catedral and Piedras Blancas.

Where to stay in Bariloche

As with any special journey, where you stay can be as important as the destination itself. Thankfully, Bariloche is blessed by some superb hotels and boutique lodges, including:

Llao Llao

Perched on an exclusive ridge overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi, Llao Llao is the best-known luxury hotel in Bariloche, boasting an equally impressive setting and list of facilities. Here, between gourmet meals you can play 18 holes of golf or unwind in the onsite spa, sip cocktails on Llao Llao’s patio or admire mountain views from the infinity pool.

El Casco Art Hotel

Living up to its name, El Casco pays homage to Argentina’s artistic side with hundreds of pieces decorating the gardens and interior, an inviting introduction to the country’s cultural side that helps this hotel stand out. Well-equipped and with views across Lake Nahuel Huapi, El Casco Art Hotel has a health club/spa and pool, individually decorated guestrooms, a gourmet restaurant and those lovely gardens to enjoy the views.

Estancia Peuma Hue

Dotted amongst the spellbinding scenery of Nahuel Huapi National Park, Estancia Peuma Hue offers something altogether different when staying in Bariloche. The estancia sits beside Lago Gutierrez and feels wonderfully isolated, surrounded as it is by waterfalls, forest trails and scenic horse-riding routes. Homely and traditional yet high-end and incredibly comfortable, Estancia Peuma Hue will draw you in with its cozy log fires, welcoming staff and delicious cuisine.

Villa Beluno Hotel & Spa

Evocative architecture, Lake Nahuel Huapi views and five-star facilities, Villa Beluno Hotel & Spa has it all. Whether you’re taking a dip in the crystalline pool or cozying up by a log fire, Villa Beluno is one of the ultimate boutique Bariloche hotels with class, style, and comfort in abundance. If staying at this luxury resort, expect impeccable service—from the spa to the restaurant—and attention to detail that’s worthy of such a prized location.

Aldebarán Hotel & Spa

Situated roughly 15 miles from Bariloche, Aldebarán Hotel & Spa enjoys an isolated location on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. The property combines a lovely mix of modest (yet comfortable) guestrooms with luxuries like a spa and indoor/outdoor swimming pool, sundeck and gourmet restaurant that hosts wine tasting and musical evenings, as well as food served straight from a wood-fired oven.

Las Balsas

Las Balsas strikes the perfect balance between boutique luxury and home comforts, a wonderous waterside lodge near Villa La Angostura you can’t help but fall in love with. Las Balsas’ hospitality is first-class and gastronomy some of the best in Bariloche, thought that’s just the start. From immaculate guestrooms to a proud respect for local culture, Villa La Angostura is a cut above.

Top travel tips for Bariloche

What to wear: Packing for your trip to Bariloche depends on the time of year you’re visiting, whether skiing and snowboarding during winter or hiking and biking in warmer months. Above all, if looking to enjoy outdoor activities then a mixture of loose clothing, waterproofs, solid walking shoes/boots and swimwear for excursions like kayaking and rafting is recommended. You can bring your own ski gear in winter, though rentals are available. Sunscreen is advised throughout the year.
When to go: Bariloche is a year-round destination thanks to its mix of activities and abundant facilities, as well as each landscape being spectacular to explore in every season. You can ski in winter from June to August, while hiking and biking routes begin to open in spring from September to December. Summer is best for long nature walks, trekking routes and watersports, while temperatures begin to drop and rainfall increases in April and May.
Internet: Bariloche has good phone signal and Wi-Fi in most of the hotels, restaurants and bars, as well as mobile phone coverage outside of the main town.
Currency: The currency in Argentina is the Argentina Peso. Most restaurants, shops and bars in town will accept card payments, though some remote local outlets are set up for cash only.
Getting around: We would always recommend domestic flights and a private guide/car to get to and from excursions around Bariloche easily. The town has a domestic airport and there are regular flights from Buenos Aires.
Cuisine: There’s a huge range of cuisine on offer in Bariloche, from traditional asados (or barbeques) to high-end restaurants, tea houses and chocolate shops—to name just a few. As well as iconic steak and empanadas, Bariloche is also known for its trout and lamb dishes, sweet pastries and fresh fruit.
Length of stay: There is so much to see and do in and around Bariloche, we’d recommend at least 3-4 days in the area. Depending on the time of year, 5 full days gives you a chance to not only enjoy the outdoor activities but also time unwinding around your luxury hotel, and simply enjoy the views.

No matter what your interests or group size, speak to the South America travel specialists at Atelier and they will craft your dream tailormade tour to Argentina and beyond.