Bariloche is like the Switzerland of South America. It has this cool Alpine vibe that makes it feel like a European mountain village but with the wild, rugged beauty of Patagonia all around.

It’s a laid-back spot with a mix of outdoor adventure and cozy relaxation. Here you can go skiing or hiking mountains and end your day with cheese fondue with a side of wine.

For thrill-seekers, there’s no shortage of adventure: skiing, hiking, horseback riding, you name it, Bariloche delivers.

And did we mention it’s the (unofficial) Chocolate Capital of Argentina?

Best Time to Visit

Bariloche is the kind of destination that never takes a day off! Every season brings its own magic, making it hard to pick just one time to visit. In fact, it’s one of those places you’ll find yourself wanting to return to again and again because each season offers a completely different experience.

☀️ Summer (December to February): Perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and swimming in beautiful lakes.

🍁 Autumn (March to May): The colors are unreal! Plus, you can still squeeze in some hikes before the snow starts falling.

❄️ Winter (June to August): Ski season is in full swing, making this the most expensive time to visit. But with skiing, snowboarding, and cozying up to some cheese fondue, it’s totally worth it.

🌸 Spring (September to November): Almost like summer but with fewer crowds and a friendlier time for your wallet.

How Long to Stay in Bariloche

To make the most of all Bariloche has to offer, we’d recommend staying for around 5 to 7 days. This gives you plenty of time to explore the must-see spots like Circuito Chico, the stunning 7 Lakes Route, and, of course, the charm of the town itself, plus some quality mountain/snow time without feeling rushed.

How to Get to Bariloche

Getting to Bariloche can be a bit of a journey, as it’s somewhat isolated and far from other major points of interest in Argentina. Because of this, flying is generally the best and most convenient option — unless you’re already on a road trip through Patagonia.

Here’s a quick guide on the best ways to reach Bariloche, depending on where you’re coming from:

✈️ From Buenos Aires and other regions within Argentina: Direct flights from Buenos Aires to Bariloche take about 2 hours and 15 minutes, with several daily options available. Major airlines such as Aerolíneas Argentinas and the low-cost JetSMART and Flybondi operate this flight from all major Argentinian cities.

🚌 By bus: While buses are available, we wouldn’t recommend them unless you’re already fairly close to Bariloche. For example, if you’re traveling from northern provinces like Mendoza, Salta, or Jujuy, or even from popular southern spots like El Calafate or Ushuaia, bus trips can take anywhere from 20 to 30+ hours.

The one time we’d actually recommend taking the bus over flying is if you’re coming from Puerto Montt or Osorno in Chile, which is a manageable 6-hour journey through the Andes.

Getting Around Bariloche

🚗 By car: Renting a car is the option we recommend most! It gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and stop whenever you want to take in the stunning views. However, if you’re visiting in winter and don’t have experience driving in icy conditions, take tours instead!

Rent your car with RentalCars >

🚌 By bus: The local buses (or colectivos in Spanish) are a super easy and affordable way to get around. Just grab a SUBE card, load it up, and you’re good to go. They’ll take you to most of the main spots, including the famous Circuito Chico.

Tip: Bariloche’s town center is easy to explore on foot. It’s compact, with plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants, so you can comfortably spend time wandering around without needing a car or public transport.

🎟️ Guided Tours: If you’d rather leave the planning and driving to someone else, joining a guided tour is a good option. You can check out our guide on the top things to do in Bariloche, where we outline all the best tours in the area to help you make the most of your visit!

Where to Stay in Bariloche

Bariloche offers a variety of accommodations for all budgets. The most popular areas to stay are downtown, near the lakes, and in the ski resort area of Cerro Catedral. We stayed downtown and highly recommend it for its convenience and lively atmosphere.

Hot tip: If you’re splashing out on this trip, we’d also recommend Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Alma del Lago Suites & Spa, or Catedral Ski Resort for a luxurious stay.

Note: Airbnbs in Argentina are also super cheap and convenient, especially if you’re a digital nomad and need more structure than just a hotel room. In Bariloche, you can find really good places starting at 30-40 euros a night in the off-season.

Where to Eat in Bariloche

Bariloche isn’t just a feast for the eyes, it’s a paradise for your taste buds too (gotta love the South American food!). This charming city offers a delightful mix of Patagonian specialties, international cuisine, and LOTS of chocolate.

Here’s where and what to eat when in Bariloche:

🍖 Meat: For Patagonian lamb, El Boliche de Alberto is a must-visit. If you’re craving a classic Argentine asado, head to Alto El Fuego. For something more adventurous, try wild game like deer and wild boar at El Ciervo Rojo.

🧀 Fondue: Nothing beats cozying up with cheese fondue at La Marmite (our favorite), Chez Philippe, or Chalet Suisse. Perfect for a chilly evening with plenty of bread and veggies to dip.

🍫 Chocolate: Stop by Rapa Nui or Mamuschka for iconic artisanal chocolates and a hot chocolate or pastry to enjoy on the spot.

🥐 Treats: For delicious, hand-crafted empanadas, visit La Masía. If you’re in the mood for cheesy chipas (a type of cheese bread), Tienda de Chipá has you covered. And for local pastries, Café Delirante is a must.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking for tasty, affordable food, we love La Esquina. We went back several times. It’s that good!

Things to Do in Bariloche

Bariloche is an outdoor lover’s dream. From hiking through rugged mountain trails, enjoying scenic drives along pristine lakes, to hitting the slopes in winter, there’s always something exciting to do.

Here are some top experiences you won’t want to miss:

🚗 Scenic Drives: the number one thing to do in Bariloche. The Seven Lakes Route is a stunning option that takes you past beautiful lakes with plenty of photo stops, and Circuito Chico is a shorter drive that offers great views of the surrounding mountains and forests, with stops like Cerro Campanario for panoramic views.

🥾 Hike to Mountain Huts: Mountain hut culture in Argentina is just as popular as it is in the Alps! Bariloche is dotted with these, and Refugio Lopez is one of the easiest to access. You can do it as a day hike or spend the night for an unforgettable experience.

⛷️ Winter Activities: Cerro Catedral is the main hub for skiing and snowboarding, offering a variety of runs for all levels. If skiing isn’t your thing, Piedras Blancas and Cerro Otto are great for sledding and snow tubing.

⛵ Boat Tours: Explore Lake Nahuel Huapi on a boat tour to Isla Victoria or the Arrayanes Forest. It’s a great way to see the natural beauty of Bariloche from the water and visit unique spots only accessible by boat.

Tip: For an in-depth guide on what to do in Bariloche, check out our Bariloche Bucket List: Top 10 Things You Can’t Miss post which includes all of the activity costs as well as personal recommendations!

Bariloche on a Budget

🏠 Accommodation: hostel dorms start at around €10-25 per night, while budget private rooms range from €30-50.

🍔 Food: local restaurants offer meals for around €5-10 per dish. Empanadas cost about €1 each, and you can find beer for €1-2 in convenience stores.

🚗 Transport: car rentals begin at roughly €40 per day (prices can rise during winter). Local bus fares are affordable, around €1 per trip. If you’re feeling adventurous, hitchhiking is also a common way to get around Bariloche.

🎟️ Activities: some attractions such as the Cerro Campanario charge a small entrance fee of about €10-15 per person. In winter, a daily ski pass will cost around €300 at Cerro Catedral. For gentle skiing and sledding options, Cerro Otto is a more affordable option at around €25 for a daily pass.

Note: we spent a couple of months in Bariloche at the end of summer, staying mostly in Airbnbs downtown. We cooked during the week and rented a car for weekend adventures (digital nomad life for the win). Our budget averaged around €40 per person per day on weekdays and €80 per person on weekends.

Tips for visiting Bariloche

• Some hiking trails and mountain activities in the Bariloche area can bring you to higher altitudes. Stay hydrated, take it slow, and allow your body time to adjust to avoid mild altitude sickness.
• Note that cell phones have very limited signal in the mountains. In case of emergencies, please call 103 or 105.
• There are only two hospitals in town: San Carlos Hospital and Dr. Ramón Carrillo Regional Hospital.
• Even in summer, temperatures in Bariloche are mild, rarely getting too hot, especially in the evenings. During autumn and winter, the weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains, so dressing in layers is key.
• While many people in tourist areas speak English, learning a few basic Spanish phrases goes a long way.
• Popular activities like guided hikes, ski passes, and tours tend to fill up quickly. Booking early secures your spot and may help you get better rates.