Need a Patagonian escape with alpine lakes, chocolate shops, and mountain views? Head to Bariloche! Officially known as San Carlos de Bariloche, this lakeside town in northern Patagonia is famous for its Swiss-style charm, outdoor adventures, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you're hiking the Andes, skiing Cerro Catedral, or sampling artisanal chocolate, Bariloche offers a four-season blend of nature and indulgence.
Bariloche, Argentina Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Trek through Nahuel Huapi National Park – Hike trails to mountain lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic vistas in Argentina’s first national park.
- For History Buffs: Explore the Civic Center and Patagonia Museum – Learn about regional history, indigenous cultures, and natural heritage in Bariloche’s historic core.
- For Shoppers: Visit Mitre Street’s chocolate shops – Taste handcrafted chocolates, shop for souvenirs, and browse cozy cafes along this bustling main street.
- For Couples: Ride the chairlift to Cerro Campanario – Watch the sunset over lakes and snowcapped peaks from one of Argentina’s most stunning viewpoints.
- For Families: Spend the day at Cerro Otto – Ride the gondola, hike forest trails, and enjoy the revolving restaurant with mountain views.
When I like to visit Bariloche, Argentina
The best time to visit Bariloche depends on what you’re looking for. Visit in summer (December–March) for hiking, lake activities, and warm weather. Choose winter (July–September) for skiing and snowboarding. Spring and fall are quieter and offer colorful scenery with fewer crowds.
Tips for getting to Bariloche, Argentina
- By Air: San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC) has frequent flights from Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities.
- By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Bariloche with Buenos Aires (20+ hrs), El Bolsón, and other Patagonian destinations.
- By Car: Driving along Ruta 40 offers scenic access to Bariloche and surrounding lakes and mountains.
Where I like to stay in Bariloche, Argentina
- Llao Llao Hotel & Resort – Iconic luxury resort with lake and mountain views, golf course, and full spa facilities.
- Design Suites Bariloche – Stylish, modern hotel perched on a hillside with views of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
- Hostel Inn Bariloche – Budget-friendly option with social vibes and excellent lake panoramas from the common areas.
Best Things to Do in Bariloche, Argentina
1. Centro Civico
It’s hard not to miss the Centro Civico (Civic Center) when you’re in the public square that surrounds this Alpine style building that happens to be one of the most famous landmarks in San Carlos de Bariloche. A National Historic Monument, the site is home to local government offices and a library. Outside in the bustling square, there are several points interest nearby including the Francisco P. Moreno Museum of Patagonia and a statute of the former president of Argentina, General Julio Argentino Roca, as well as views of Nahuel Huapi Lake from a distance.
Mitre & Reconquista, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-42-24-12
2. Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi
Spread across the two provinces of Neuquén and Rio Negro and to the northwest of Patagonia, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi spans nearly 2 million acres and has the distinction of being the first national park in Argentina. Named after the lake of which it surrounds, the park offers an array of recreational activities from kayaking to fishing, hiking, mountaineering the dormant volcano Mount Tronador and taking in the incredible view from atop Cerro Campanario. Other notable spots to explore include Afrrayanes Forest in the Quetrihué Peninsula, the Limay River, and the Enchanted Valley.
Rio Negro, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-42-31-11
3. A Day Trip to El Bolson
Nestled between two mountain ranges in the southwest of Rio Negro Province, El Bolson is a quaint and quirky Patagonian town that used to be a haven for Argentine hippies in the seventies. Today, the relaxing area offers travelers an abundance of things to experience whether they want to go on an easy hike on one of the trails of Cerro Amigo or go fly fishing and rafting in one of the nearby lakes. Exploring the local market in Plaza Pagano is one activity that is a must with its display of colorful handicrafts and textiles and savory bites such as empanadas, homemade jams, and craft beer. Another spot to see is El Bosque Tallado, a mountainside sculpture park featuring incredible tree carvings by different South American artists. For travelers interested in planning a day trip from Bariloche to El Bolsón, several companies offer organized excursions that take you along scenic Ruta Nacional 40.
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
4. Volcan Lanin
Located in Lanín National Park near the town of Junin de Los Andes between Argentina and Chile, the Volcan Lanin is an impressive sight to see soaring at a height of 12,388 feet. As one of the highest peaks in Patagonia, it’s considered a dream for climbers. While excursions can be organized at various times throughout the year, October through April is the prime season for making the ascent up the summit with an experienced guide. Preparation is recommended as the activity level is high. Travelers can arrange a climb with several adventure outfitters, including Lanín Tourism and Adventure.
Lanín Volcano at Lanín National Park, Neuquén Province, Argentina, Lanín Tourism and Adventure: Phone: +54-9-29-44-12-16-55
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. Museo de la Patagonia
Located in the east wing of the Civic center, the Museo de la Patagonia, or Patagonia Museum, provides an in-depth account of the region from prehistoric times to the present. Inaugurated by the National Parks Directorate in 1940, the cultural destination features captivating collections focusing on natural history, cultural anthropology the changing population, wildlife, and so much more. Among the objects that visitors get to view are fossils, ancient tools, maps, and dioramas.
Mitre y Libertad, Centro Civico 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Phone: +54-29-44-42-23-09
6. Cerro Tronador
In the southern Andes nestled between Nahuel Huapi Park in Argentina and Vicente Perez Rosales Park in Chile lies Cerro Tronador, or Mount Tronador, the highest mountain in Bariloche at 11,660 feet above sea level. Along with the stunning peaks, there is much to see in the surrounding area, home to seven glaciers that inspired the name for the mountain, which is named for the Spanish word for thunder, a sound similar to falling glacial ice. Getting there is an enjoyable journey along National Route 40 with its picturesque spots, including the banks of Guiterrez Lake and Mascardi Lake, Village Mascardi, Pampa Linda, and the unusually dark glacier Ventisquero Negro and Los Alerces waterfall.
Nahuel Huapi National Park, San Carlos de Bariloche
7. Skiing on El Cerro Catedral
One of the most progressive and established ski parks in South America, Catedral Alta Patagonia, or Catedral for short, is a popular place to hit the slopes. Set in Nahuel Huapi National Park just 12 miles from San Carlos de Bariloche, Catedral boasts 3000 acres of on and off-piste terrain, as well as conveniences such as a shopping mall and accommodations at the base of the resort. Catedral is open year-round and features sections that accommodate all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Plus, there’s always something going on from nighttime events to international competitions.
Skiing on El Cerro Catedral, Edificio Telesilla Sextuple, 1er. Piso – Base Cerro Catedral 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-40-90-00
Where to Eat:
8. La Esquina
One block from the Centro Cívico, La Esquina is a casual spot in a chalet-style setting that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as coffee and drinks. On the menu, diners will find a mix of meat, seafood and pasta dishes, along with Argentina and local specialties such as empanadas and chorizo de bife. The eatery offers a convenient location, perfect for popping in before or after walking the main public square and exploring the Francisco P. Moreno Museum of Patagonia.
Francisco Perito Moreno 10, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-42-89-00
9. Mamuschka
Housed in a bright red shop on Mitro Centro, Mamuschka entices passersby with a colorful display of sweet chocolates inside. This place is a chocolate lover’s dream, offering a large selection of scrumptious products, from bonbons to bars, all made with the best ingredients, such as cocoa from Ecuador and citrus fruits from Peru. Customers can choose from an assortment of flavors from the Heart of Hazelnut to Irish Coffee 1997, and Marroc, to name a few. In the back cafe, freshly baked pastries coffee, hot chocolate, and other tempting treats from Argentina and the Patagonia region await.
298 Mitre Centro, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina, Phone: +54-29-44-42-32-94
More Places to Eat in Bariloche, Argentina
- Alto el Fuego – Local steakhouse beloved for its cozy ambiance and top-tier Argentine beef.
- La Salamandra Pulpería – Intimate and authentic bistro offering hearty Patagonian fare and local wines.
- Rapa Nui – Famous chocolate shop with an elegant café serving desserts, gelato, and savory snacks.
My favorite local events:
- Fiesta Nacional del Chocolate (Easter) – Chocolate sculptures, tastings, and family-friendly activities celebrate Bariloche’s sweet specialty.
- Fiesta de la Nieve (July–August) – Winter festival with snow sports, parades, music, and ski competitions.
- Craft Beer Festival (February) – Live music and tastings from Bariloche’s booming microbrewery scene.
My favorite day trips within 30–90 Minutes of Bariloche:
- Colonia Suiza (30 min) – Sample traditional food and shop at the local crafts market in this scenic village.
- Cerro Tronador and the Black Glacier (90 min) – Visit this majestic peak and its unique dark-colored glacier via a scenic mountain road.
- Villa La Angostura (90 min) – Charming lakeside town known for boutique shops, hiking, and access to Los Arrayanes National Park.
- El Bolsón (2 hrs) – Bohemian town with organic markets, breweries, and hiking in the Andes foothills.
- Lake Mascardi (45–60 min) – Paddle, picnic, or relax in this quiet lake surrounded by native forest.
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