Arriving in Bariloche in summer and finding rocky beaches and sunshine in the middle of the Patagonian mountains was a surprise. This city of 150,000 inhabitants, surrounded by lakes and hills, is much more than just a ski destination. If you're wondering what to do in Bariloche, here are six plans that never fail. The weather changes fast: bring layers and a coat even in January.
- Best time
- From December to March for trekking and outdoor activities. From June to September for skiing. Spring and fall have less tourism and more affordable prices.
- Where to stay
- Outside the center for more peace, or downtown if you want to be where the action is. Campgrounds and staying with locals are recommended options.
- Perfect for
- Nature lovers, hiking, artisanal chocolate, and beer. Families, couples, and backpackers.
- Don't miss
- The views from Campanario Hill, considered by National Geographic as one of the 10 most spectacular panoramic views in the world.
Things I'd tell a friend
Three practical tips taken from my own experience in Bariloche.
Stay with a local
Using Couchsurfing allows you to meet authentic people. In my case, I was invited to an asado with friends and even a poker game. The outskirts of the city are quieter than the hustle and bustle of the center.
Source · I lived it in person
Walk up Campanario Hill
The chairlift costs 300 pesos, but the hike is less than half an hour and it's free. The views from the top are just as incredible. However, the parking lot is small, so you should get there early.
Source · I checked it
Try the milanesa at La Fonda
At Dondera La Fonda or La Fonda del Tío, the milanesas are giant. We ordered two for three people and almost a whole one was left over. Always go for the beef, with mozzarella and chorizo.
Source · I loved it
Campanario Hill
Considered by National Geographic as one of the 10 best viewpoints in the world, this hill offers 360° views of lakes and mountains.
- Panoramic view of Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes
- Chairlift or free 30-minute trek
- Internationally recognized viewpoint
- Confectionery at the summit with views
Located 17 kilometers (about 10 miles) from downtown Bariloche, getting to Campanario Hill is easy by car or by the number 20 bus. The chairlift takes you up in less than 10 minutes, but if you prefer to save money, the hike is half an hour and costs nothing. Once at the top, the views are brutal: Nahuel Huapi Lake, the San Pedro Peninsula, Moreno Lake, and El Trébol Lagoon. National Geographic rated it as one of the 10 most spectacular panoramic views in the world. No photo does it justice. At the summit, a confectionery allows you to grab a snack while you take in the landscape. Parking is limited, so you should arrive early. If you don't have a car, bus 20 departs from the center.
Walking up is free
The trek to the summit takes about 30 minutes and costs nothing. You only need good footwear.
The parking lot is small, arrive early
The parking lot at the base of the hill has few spots. You better arrive before 10:00 AM during high season.
Chairlift: every day from 9 AM to 5 PM
The cable car runs daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The chairlift price is 300 pesos (about 7 dollars).
Arrive before 10 AM to avoid the chairlift lines.
To wake up with the best views, look for hotels in the Llao Llao area, just a few miles from the hill.
Peninsula Petit
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Exceptional Breakfast
Los Juncos Patagonian Lake House
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- BBQ facilities
- Bar
- Wonderful Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Short Circuit
A 60-kilometer circular route that passes through the most iconic landscapes of the area: lakes, hills, and forests.
- Lasts between 3 and 5 hours depending on stops
- Includes San Eduardo Chapel and Llao Llao Hotel
- Navigators' Viewpoint and crystal-clear beaches
- Patagonia Brewery with lake view
The Short Circuit begins at Campanario Hill. It consists of about 60 kilometers of road passing by the San Eduardo Chapel, designed in alpine style, and the Llao Llao Hotel, a luxury resort where many stop for tea. The Navigators' Viewpoint offers views of the lake, and Llao Llao Beach has crystal-clear waters with snowy peaks in the background. From there, you can hike up Llao Llao Hill (about an hour). Following Highway 77, you will find viewpoints for Moreno Lake, Escondido Lake, and López Bay. A stop at the Patagonia Brewery is almost mandatory: its craft beers and lake view are spectacular. If you only have one day, this circuit summarizes the best of Bariloche.
Renting a car is the most comfortable option
There are also panoramic tours that include the circuit. If you don't have a car, you can book a tour from the city center.
Combine it with Colonia Suiza if it's Wednesday or Sunday
The Colonia Suiza fair is held on those days, and it is just a few miles from the end of the circuit.
Patagonia Brewery offers guided tastings
You can book a tour with food pairing or a guided tasting to learn about the brewing process.
Do the route in the opposite direction of the tours to run into fewer people.
Boutique hotels and lodges with lake views, such as the Hotel Llao Llao, offer a unique experience.
Llao Llao Resort, Golf-Spa
- 2 swimming pools
- Private Parking
- Wifi in all areas
- Spa and wellness center
- Airport shuttle
- Beachfront
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Wonderful Breakfast
Gran Hotel Panamericano
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Garden
- Elevator
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Mount Otto
Just 10 minutes from downtown, taking the cable car up Mount Otto provides one of the most complete views of Nahuel Huapi Lake and the mountain range.
- Modern cable car up to 1,405 meters
- 360° Rotating Confectionery at the top
- Short trails and suspension bridge
- Art gallery with Michelangelo replicas
Mount Otto is 5 km from downtown Bariloche. The cable car runs every day from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM and goes up in just a few minutes. At the top, the Rotating Confectionery turns slowly, allowing for panoramic views while you have a drink. Additionally, there is a suspension bridge, walking trails, and an art gallery with replicas of Michelangelo's works. From the summit, you can see Nahuel Huapi Lake, the city, Cathedral Hill, and Mount Tronador. In winter, you can enjoy sledding and snowshoeing. If you come by car, there is an alternative gravel road, but it's not recommended.
The gravel road is not recommended for low cars
There is a free bus from the center to the base of the cable car. Going up by car on the gravel road can damage your vehicle.
Cable car: every day from 10 AM to 4:30 PM
The cable car operates from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. There is no night schedule.
In winter, there are snow activities at the base
Sledding and snowshoeing are available at the Piedras Blancas complex, near the base.
If you go by cable car, buy a round-trip ticket to save money.
Mount Tronador
The highest peak in Nahuel Huapi National Park, featuring the Ventisquero Negro glacier and high-mountain routes.
- Dark-colored Ventisquero Negro Glacier
- Devil's Throat, an amphitheater of waterfalls
- Ascent to the Otto Meiling Refuge (5h)
- Gravel road with views of Pampa Linda
90 km (about 56 miles) from Bariloche, Mount Tronador is a dormant active volcano. To get there, you drive along a gravel road to Pampa Linda, a valley with spectacular views. The main attraction is Ventisquero Negro, a glacier that is dark in color due to sediments. From the base, a 1 km walk leads to the Devil's Throat, where meltwater waterfalls drop. For the more adventurous, the ascent to the Otto Meiling Refuge takes 5 hours (one way). There are entry times: outbound from 10:30 AM to 2 PM, return from 4 PM to 6 PM, and two-way traffic from 7:30 PM to 10:30 AM. You can also visit Los Alerces Waterfall, with outbound traffic from 2 PM to 5 PM and return from 11 AM to 1 PM.
A car or a booked excursion is needed
The road is gravel and there are specific entry times. There are also full-day excursions available from Bariloche.
Entry times are strict and the road is narrow
Respect the times: outbound to Mount Tronador from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM, return from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The road is very narrow.
Outbound to Mount: 10:30 AM-2 PM, Return: 4-6 PM
Two-way traffic from 7:30 PM to 10:30 AM. For Los Alerces Waterfall: outbound 2-5 PM, return 11 AM-1 PM.
Check the road conditions after rain; the gravel gets complicated.
Colonia Suiza
A small settlement of European origin 25 km from Bariloche, famous for its craft fair and curanto.
- Artisans' fair on Wednesdays and Sundays
- Curanto cooked underground
- Wood and stone architecture
- Tea houses and antiques
Colonia Suiza was founded by Swiss and German immigrants. It preserves wood and stone buildings that recall the early settlers. The artisans' fair is held on Wednesdays and Sundays, and it's the ideal time to try curanto, a traditional dish cooked in a pit with hot stones. There are also several tea houses and antique shops. Although some travelers find it a bit artificial, it's worth it if you catch the fair. It can be combined with the Short Circuit.
Free admission to the fair
You don't have to pay to explore the craft fair. The curanto has a price, but it's a unique experience.
Without the fair, the town loses much of its interest
If you visit Colonia Suiza on a Monday or Tuesday, you'll find few stalls open. You better plan for Wednesday or Sunday.
Try the curanto, it's unique
The curanto is cooked underground with hot stones. It's a typical dish that's only prepared on fair days.
Go on a Wednesday or Sunday to see the fair; otherwise, it loses its charm.
Small cabins and rural hostels for a peaceful experience in the forest.
Design Suites Bariloche
- Indoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness center
- Very Good Breakfast
Hotel Tirol
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Garden
- Elevator
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
San Carlos de Bariloche
The center of Bariloche combines Alpine architecture, world-famous chocolate shops, and the shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake.
- Alpine-style Civic Center
- Mitre Street and Rapanui and Mamuschka chocolate shops
- Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi
- Stroll along Centenario Beach
San Carlos de Bariloche was founded in 1902, and its wood and stone architecture reflects the influence of Swiss and German immigrants. A walking tour starts along the shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake to Centenario Beach. Then, Mitre Street concentrates chocolate shops like Rapanui and Mamuschka, where you can try ice cream and the famous Franui. The Civic Center, surrounded by Alpine-style buildings, includes the Old Post Office and the City Hall with its clock tower. The Museum of Patagonia is located there. Don't miss the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi, in neo-Gothic style. For eating, La Fonda del Tío and Alto El Fuego are recommended. The breweries Manush, Stradibar, Bachmann, and Antares complete the experience.
The free tour of the center is an economical option
You can book a free walking tour that covers the main monuments of the civic center and the history of the city.
The center fills up in winter, book in advance
During ski season, the city reaches its maximum occupancy. Restaurants and hotels fill up, so it's better to book ahead.
Chocolate shops open late
Chocolate shops like Rapanui close around 10:00 PM. Ice creams and Franui can be enjoyed until closing.
Don't forget to try the Franui from Rapanui: frozen raspberries dipped in chocolate.
From hostels to hotels with lake views, the center offers options for all budgets.
Nbh Premier Hotel
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Elevator
- Good Breakfast
Alma Del Lago Suites & Spa
- Indoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- Beachfront
- Restaurant
- Fitness center
- Bar
- Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
What is the best time to visit Bariloche?
It depends on what you want to do. For hiking and nature, from December to March. For skiing, from June to September. Spring and fall have fewer tourists and lower prices.
Can you walk up Campanario Hill?
Yes, there is a trek of less than half an hour that is completely free. The chairlift costs 300 pesos ($7) and goes up in 5-10 minutes.
Is it worth visiting Colonia Suiza?
Yes, but only if you go during the craft fair, which is held on Wednesdays and Sundays. There you can try the curanto. Without the fair, the place loses its charm.
How much time is needed for the Short Circuit?
Between 3 and 5 hours, depending on the stops. It includes viewpoints, beaches, and the Patagonia brewery. It can be done in half a day.
How to get to Mount Tronador?
By car via a gravel road (90 km) or by booking a full-day excursion from Bariloche. There are strict entry times.
Where to eat milanesa in Bariloche?
At La Fonda del Tío or Dondera La Fonda. The milanesas are giant, ideal for sharing. Try the beef one with mozzarella and chorizo.
