The sun hits hard on the Nahuel Huapi waterfront and the first kayaks are already in the water. If you're looking for what to do in Bariloche in summer, this Patagonian city combines lake, forest, and mountain within a 20-mile radius. In January, demand is at its peak, so booking in advance is the difference between doing it all or being left out. The water is cold, but when the sky is clear, the 85-degree weather invites you to the beach.
- Best time
- From late December to late March
- Where to stay
- The city center, near the Civic Center and Mitre Street
- Perfect for
- Families, nature lovers, and adventurers
- Don't miss
- The Arrayanes forest on Victoria Island
Things I'd Tell a Friend
Three tips you learn after traveling through the city, all based on traveler experience.
Book for January
In January, demand is at its peak and the most popular excursions fill up fast. Booking in advance ensures you a spot on the lake tours and adventure activities.
Source · I learned this during high season
Rent a car
With a car, you can manage your own time and reach places like Cerro Tronador or Circuito Chico without depending on schedules. In the city, there are rentals downtown and along the lakeside miles.
Source · The best way to get around
Bring layers
Even if it's hot during the day, it always cools down at night. Pack a jacket and a sweatshirt in your suitcase. In March, the weather is pleasant but changeable.
Source · Tip for not getting cold
Circuito Chico
Bariloche's classic circuit, a must-do whether it's your first time or not.
- Approximately 37-mile circuit
- Follows Bustillo Avenue to the Llao Llao Hotel
- Enters a forest of Lenga trees
- Must-sees: Llao Llao Forest, Llao Llao Hill, Cerro Campanario, and more
Circuito Chico is the quintessential tour that cannot be missing from your list. It starts from downtown and follows Bustillo Avenue to the Llao Llao Hotel. From there, the road goes into a lush forest of Lenga trees where you can breathe pure air and feel the vastness of the woods. It's about a 37-mile loop. Along the way, you'll find the Llao Llao Municipal Forest, Llao Llao Hill, Cerro Campanario, Patagonia Brewery, Colonia Suiza, Cerro López, and the Panoramic Point. It's ideal to do by car or bicycle. If you like hiking, the Villa Tacul trail starts here and goes down to the most beautiful little beaches in just 1.8 miles.
Starts from downtown
You leave from the city center via Bustillo Avenue. You can do it by car, bicycle, or even by public bus.
It's 37 miles
Plan for time and fuel. The full trip takes several hours if you stop at every viewpoint.
Combine it with Villa Tacul
From Circuito Chico, you can take the Villa Tacul trail, which after 1.8 miles leads down to hidden beaches.
Drive the circuit in the opposite direction of the tours to avoid traffic.
Staying downtown puts you just minutes away from the start of the circuit.
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.
Cerro Otto
A classic that combines a cable car, views, and a revolving cafeteria.
- Access road begins 1.2 miles from downtown
- 4.3-mile road to the summit
- Cable car takes 12 minutes
- Revolving cafeteria at 4,610 feet above sea level
Cerro Otto is one of the city's most classic tours. Just 1.2 miles from downtown, the access road begins, stretching for 4.3 miles to the summit with views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Along the way, there are complexes with activities: Piedras Blancas offers ziplining, the EUCA aerial park, and a giant swing. The cable car goes up in 12 minutes to the revolving cafeteria at 4,610 feet above sea level. From there, you see the 360° landscape while eating a slice of cake. In summer, the colors of the city are unique. There is also a forest labyrinth, a suspension bridge, a hall of mirrors, an art gallery, and a micro-cinema.
1.2 miles from the center
Access begins very close to downtown. You can walk or drive to the base of the cable car.
Don't miss Piedras Blancas
On the way, you'll find Piedras Blancas with ziplining, an aerial park, and a giant swing, ideal for families.
Revolving Cafeteria
The cafeteria rotates slowly, so you can have lunch with a 360° view without leaving your table.
Take the first cable car up before the cafeteria gets crowded.
The base of the hill has several accommodation options, but downtown is just minutes away.
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
Huinid Bustillo Hotel & Spa
- Indoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- 2 restaurants
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness center
- Bar
- Wonderful Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Cerro Campanario
One of the eight most stunning panoramic views in the world, according to National Geographic.
- Located on Circuito Chico, 10.8 miles from downtown
- 3,445 feet above sea level with a 360-degree view
- Access by chairlift (10 min) or a 0.6-mile trail
- Operating hours from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Cerro Campanario offers a breathtaking 360-degree view. National Geographic lists it as one of the eight most impactful panoramic views in the world. It's located on Circuito Chico, 10.8 miles from downtown on Bustillo Avenue. There are two ways to get there: the chairlift, which takes about 10 minutes, or a steep 0.6-mile mountain trail. At the top, there is a cafeteria, restrooms, and souvenir sales. It's open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
The hill is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Arrive early to make the most of the light.
How to get there
It is located on Bustillo Avenue within Circuito Chico. You can go by car or by taking bus line 20.
Alternative trail
The hike up is a 0.6-mile steep trail. It's demanding, but the view makes it worth it.
If you're in good physical shape, hike up the trail and take the chairlift down.
There are cabins and hotels along Bustillo Avenue, near 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.
Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest
A lake excursion that combines sailing, a unique forest, and beaches.
- Departs from Puerto Pañuelo (Mile 15.5 of Bustillo Avenue)
- One-hour boat ride to the Arrayanes Forest
- Only place in the world where the arrayán grows as a tree
- On Victoria Island, there is a volcanic sand beach and cave paintings
The most visited excursion is Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest. It departs from Puerto Pañuelo, at mile 15.5 of Bustillo Avenue. After an hour of sailing, you reach the Arrayanes Forest on the Quetrihue Peninsula. It is the only place in the world where the arrayán takes the form of a tree; elsewhere, it is a shrub. Afterward, you visit Victoria Island, where you can hike to Playa del Toro and see cave paintings from indigenous peoples. There is also a volcanic sand beach. Catamarans run daily excursions. It’s an option all year round, but in summer the lake is calmer.
From Puerto Pañuelo
Departure is from Puerto Pañuelo, at Mile 15.5 (km 25) of Bustillo. There is parking and services available.
The most visited
It is the most requested lake excursion. Book the day before, especially in January.
Hike to Playa del Toro
On Victoria Island, the hike to Playa del Toro takes you to see ancient cave paintings.
If you have time, combine this excursion with Puerto Blest for more sailing.
Staying near Puerto Pañuelo makes it easier for you to access the excursion.
El Casco Art Hotel
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Bariloche Beaches
Transparent water lagoons and beach clubs with lifeguards to fight the heat.
- Beaches on Nahuel Huapi, Moreno, and Gutiérrez lakes
- Beach areas assisted by lifeguards throughout the summer
- Playa Bonita at 5 miles and Playa Centenario are the most famous
- Kayak rentals at the Lake Moreno beach in Colonia Suiza
The beaches are the perfect choice for hot days. Bariloche has a wide variety across its three closest lakes: Nahuel Huapi, Moreno, and Gutiérrez. On Nahuel Huapi, you'll find Centro, KM 4 (Melipal), Bonita, Bahía Serena, and Villa Tacul. Lake Moreno offers beaches at the Circuito Chico bridge, Colonia Suiza, and the 'wind beach' at mile 8 (km 13) of Bustillo. Lake Gutiérrez has Villa Los Coihues, Villa Arelauquen, and El Retorno. The city offers swimming areas with lifeguards that operate all summer. Playa Bonita is 5 miles away, and Playa Centenario is another well-known spot. At the Lake Moreno beach in Colonia Suiza, you can rent kayaks because its bay shape protects it from the wind. They also offer banana boat rides.
Low-cost Kayaking
Renting a kayak at the beaches is an affordable activity and adds fun to your beach day.
Lifeguards in Summer
Lifeguard-assisted beach areas operate throughout the summer, so you can swim with peace of mind.
Ideal for kayaking in Colonia Suiza
The Lake Moreno beach in Colonia Suiza is bay-shaped, which protects it from strong winds.
The water is cold, but if it's hot out, you'll enjoy it anyway.
Decide based on the beach you prefer: downtown is convenient, but Colonia Suiza is calmer.
Hotel Tirol
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Garden
- Elevator
- Very Good Breakfast
Nbh Premier Hotel
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Elevator
- Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Rafting
Adrenaline in the Andes mountain rivers, with options for the whole family.
- Excursions in inflatable rafts with capacity for 10 people
- Limay River float: low difficulty, half day, ages 4+
- Lower Manso River: low difficulty, full day, ages 5+
- Manso River to Chile: medium difficulty, ages 14+
Rafting is one of the most requested adventure activities. You descend rivers in inflatable rafts with a capacity for 10 people, led by authorized companies. There are three main options: the Limay River float is low difficulty, lasts half a day, and is suitable for ages 4 and up; the Lower Manso River is also low difficulty but lasts all day and the minimum age is 5; and the Manso River to the border with Chile is medium difficulty, for ages 14 and up. The landscapes feature deep valleys and endless forests in the heart of the Andes. For a family experience, the Limay float has calm, crystal-clear waters.
Ages and Difficulty
The Limay float is for ages 4 and up, the Lower Manso for ages 5 and up, and the Manso to Chile for ages 14 and up.
Choose based on level
If it's your first time, the Limay float is the calmest. More experienced rafters can head to the Manso.
If you're going with kids, choose the Limay River float.
Most rafting companies offer transfers from downtown, so you don't need to stay near the river.
Nido Del Condor Hotel & Spa
- Indoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Bar
- Good Breakfast
Charming Residences & Suites With Private Spa
- Pool – outdoor (kids)
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- Airport shuttle
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Very Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
When is the best time to visit Bariloche in summer?
Summer runs from late December to late March. January is the peak season, so you should book everything in advance.
Can I do Circuito Chico in one day?
Yes, it's about 37 miles. By car or bike, it takes a few hours, with time to stop at the viewpoints and at Cerro Campanario.
Which lake excursion is most recommended?
Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest is the most visited. it departs from Puerto Pañuelo and lasts half a day, combining sailing and hiking.
Which beach is ideal to go to with kids?
Playa Bonita at 5 miles and Playa Centenario are the most recognized. The swimming areas have lifeguards throughout the summer.
Is rafting suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Limay River float is low difficulty and accepts children ages 4 and up. It's the calmest option to start with.
How do I move between places without a car?
There are buses like line 20 to Campanario and line 50 to Otto. For further excursions, you can book transfers or rent a car.
