Bariloche is one of those rare places that has it all: stunning scenery, outdoor adventure, and a vibe that makes you never want to leave. It stays with you long after you’ve gone!

But with so much to do, planning your trip can feel overwhelming. To help you get started, here are the top 10 things to do that will make your time in Bariloche unforgettable!

Pro tip: Want to know when to visit, where to stay, and the best spots to eat? Check out our complete Bariloche guide here.

Top 10 Things to Do in Bariloche

1. Circuito Chico Loop

A loop around Circuito Chico is one of the best things to do when visiting Bariloche. This scenic drive stretches for approximately 60 kilometers and offers some of the most postcard-worthy views in the region.

You can visit Circuito Chico on your own or by hopping on a guided tour. If you decide to DIY it, make sure to read our full guide here: How to Visit Circuito Chico: a DIY Guide for the best tips and tricks.

2. Sleep in a Mountain Hut

Argentina is full of them and so is Bariloche! Refugio Frey and Refugio López are hikes that can be done in one day and don’t require you to spend the night, although we think it’s a memorable experience to do so.

Refugio Jakob, on the other hand, is a much more challenging trek that requires you to spend the night in the mountains. If you’re a pro, you can easily put together multi-day trails between huts for a few days out in nature.

3. Take a Boat Tour

With the gigantic Lake Nahuel Huapi sitting right at the doorstep, a boat tour here offers front-row seats to some of the most stunning panoramas Patagonia has to offer. Our favorite boat tour is this one that goes to Bosque De Arrayanes near Villa La Angostura.

Here are some of the best boat tours in the area:

4. Try Windsurfing at Lake Nahuel Huapi

Maybe not the best activity for winter, but during summer, Lake Nahuel Huapi’s perfect windy conditions make it a prime spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The best places to hit the water are Playa Bonita and Playa Serena, which have great infrastructure, plenty of rental shops, and options for lessons.

Fun fact: Lake Nahuel Huapi never freezes, not even in the coldest winters! Despite its proximity to snowy mountains, its depth and constant movement keep it flowing year-round.

5. Epic Drives in Bariloche

Bariloche offers some of the most stunning drives on the planet! Rent a car and go explore these two top drives you can’t miss:

🚗 The Seven Lakes Route: This is the A-lister of scenic drives in Bariloche. Linking the town to San Martín de los Andes, this road winds past not one, not two, but seven crystalline lakes!

Pro tip: follow our itinerary for the best 2-day adventure along this amazing route!

🚗 Circuito Chico: Probably the most famous, this is a shorter loop filled with panoramic views, the coziest restaurants, hidden lakes, and hikes.

Also read: How to Visit Circuito Chico, Bariloche: a DIY Guide

6. Visit a Black Glacier at Cerro Tronador

Cerro Tronador, named for the thunderous sounds of ice breaking from its glaciers, is the tallest peak in Nahuel Huapi National Park. This extinct volcano sits on the border between Argentina and Chile, offering breathtaking views of lakes, waterfalls, and a rare black glacier formation.

The best way to explore Mt. Tronador is by joining a full-day tour that includes transportation, visits to all the main attractions, and a stop for lunch in a cozy mountain hut:

Tip: For those seeking more adventure, you can also embark on a glacier trekking tour, like this one.

7. Hike Bariloche’s Best Trails

Strap on your hiking boots! Bariloche is a hiker’s paradise and here are some of our favorite trails:

⛰️ Cerro Llao Llao (~2 hours): This relatively easy hike is perfect for beginners and offers some of the most iconic views in Bariloche (map here).

➕ You can also extend this hike to both Villa Tacul, a beautiful lakeside village, and the Sendero de los Arrayanes, which takes you through a forest of rare and ancient myrtle trees (map here).

⛰️ Cerro Ventana (~3 hours): A much more challenging trek, this one leads to a “window” with views of Lake Gutierrez, Cerro Catedral, and Cerro Otto all in one (map here).

⛰️ Cerro Campanario (~40 minutes): This is a short hike and the top includes a café with a 360-degree vista of the Andean peaks (map here).

⛰️ Mirador Bahía Mansa (~20 minutes): Not really in Bariloche but in Villa La Angostura, this is one hike you can’t miss! Head over to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes and start the short hike up to Mirador Bahía Mansa (listed as Mirador del Puerto on Google Maps). There’s a small entrance fee and the trail is very well-marked.

Hot tip: The park is renowned for its breathtaking myrtle forest, which is best explored on a longer six-hour hike. If that feels a bit too ambitious, consider this boat tour that departs from Bariloche which lets you experience the most beautiful section of the trail without the extended trek.

Note: We always recommend downloading the map trail with AllTrails to use it offline in case service is unavailable.

8. Hit the Slopes

Ready to tell your friends, “I went skiing in the Swiss Alps… of South America”?!

That’s exactly what winter feels like here. This Patagonian paradise turns into a ski and snowboard haven when the snow falls, offering some of the best slopes on this side of the equator.

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.

Note: Keep in mind that winter here is during the opposite time of year, with snow from late June to mid-October. The heaviest snowfalls and best conditions for skiing and winter sports are usually in July and August.

9. Sample Local Craft Beers

Bariloche has earned its title as Argentina‘s craft beer capital. Here, beer isn’t just a drink – it’s a craft, an art, and for many, a way of life! To find the best brews, we recommend visiting Berlina Brewery, Manush, and the classic Patagonia Brewery.

10. Visit Colonia Suiza

This small village is notable for its Swiss heritage and it’s a must-visit! Here you can explore local crafts and enjoy traditional dishes like Curanto, an indigenous cooking method adopted by the settlers. The village also hosts an artisan market on Sundays and it’s overall just a very charming place.

Also read: The Complete Bariloche Guide for First-Time Travelers