Bariloche Travel Guide: Lakes, Mountains & Chocolate in Patagonia

Located in the Argentine Patagonia within Nahuel Huapi National Park, San Carlos de Bariloche (or simply Bariloche) is a stunning alpine town surrounded by crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped mountains, and lush forests.
 

Known for its Swiss-style architecture, chocolate shops, and outdoor adventures, Bariloche is a year-round destination that transforms with the seasons — ski paradise in winter, hiking heaven in summer, and a romantic escape year-round.

🧭 Quick Facts

📍 Province: Río Negro, Patagonia

🌍 Altitude: ~893 m (2,930 ft)

🛫 Airport: San Carlos de Bariloche International Airport (BRC)

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Population: ~130,000

❄️ Best Seasons: Skiing (Jun–Sep), Hiking & Lake Tours (Nov–Apr)

🌟 Why Visit Bariloche?

🏔️ Stunning landscapes of the Andes & Lake District

⛷️ Argentina’s top ski resort: Cerro Catedral

🚠 Scenic drives & cable cars with mountain views

🍫 Famous chocolate shops & Swiss-style streets

🚣 Kayaking, lake cruising, hiking, and fly fishing

🌄 Ideal for couples, families, and adventure travelers

🗺️ Top Things to Do in Bariloche, Argentina

1. 🚡 Ride the Cerro Campanario Chairlift

Voted one of the Top 10 Views in the World by National Geographic.

🏞️ Ride a chairlift to the summit (1,050 m)

📸 360° panoramic views of Nahuel Huapi, Moreno Lake, Cerro Catedral, and the Andes

🥧 Café at the summit with cakes and hot chocolate

📍 Just 17 km from Bariloche’s city center

2. 🧭 Drive the Circuito Chico (Small Circuit)

A scenic loop drive packed with photo stops, trails, and viewpoints.

🛣️ 65-km route passing lakes, forest, and mountains

📍 Key stops:

Cerro Campanario

Hotel Llao Llao – iconic luxury hotel

Punto Panorámico – panoramic viewpoint

Puerto Pañuelo – boat trip starting point

🚴 Bike rental available for an active version

3. 🏔️ Ski or Hike Cerro Catedral

Bariloche’s mountain playground.

⛷️ Cerro Catedral – largest ski resort in South America (120 km of slopes)

🥾 In summer, access hiking trails and alpine views

🍻 Après-ski cafés, equipment rentals, lessons available

🚠 Gondola rides for non-skiers

4. 🚢 Cruise on Lake Nahuel Huapi

Explore Patagonia’s waters by boat.

⛴️ Take a lake cruise to:

Isla Victoria – with forests and beaches

Bosque de Arrayanes – rare cinnamon-colored trees

🚤 Options: Half-day, full-day, or private sailboat tours

🦢 Watch for birds, condors, and even deer onshore

5. 🍫 Explore Bariloche’s Chocolate Scene

The “Chocolate Capital of Argentina.”

🍬 Visit iconic chocolatiers like:

Rapa Nui

Mamuschka

Del Turista

🍫 Try artisanal bars, hot chocolate, chocolate-covered fruit

🍦 Rapa Nui’s gelato is legendary

6. 🥾 Hike in Nahuel Huapi National Park

An outdoor wonderland for all fitness levels.

🌲 Short hikes:

Cerro Otto

Mirador Lago Gutiérrez

⛺ Multi-day treks:

Refugio Frey (famous for rock climbing)

Refugio Jakob

🚣 Combine hikes with kayaking and camping for the full Patagonian experience

7. 🧀 Visit Colonia Suiza

A charming historic village with Alpine flair.

🛍️ Artisan markets, homemade cheeses, Swiss-style houses

🥘 Try the local curanto, a traditional meal cooked in a pit

🎪 Weekly feria (market) with crafts and local food

🚗 Accessible via the Circuito Chico

🍽️ What to Eat and Drink in Bariloche

Must-Try Dishes

🍖 Patagonian lamb – slow-roasted over an open flame

🧀 Cheeses and smoked meats – especially trout and venison

🥘 Curanto – indigenous-meets-Swiss stew

🥐 European-style pastries and strudels

Drinks

🍷 Pair meals with Argentine Malbec or Pinot Noir

🍺 Local craft beers: Cervecería Patagonia, Manush, Berlina

🍫 Don’t leave without trying a thick, velvety hot chocolate

🏨 Where to Stay in Bariloche

💎 Luxury

Llao Llao Hotel & Resort – Historic luxury with a lake-and-mountain setting

Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa – Personalized service with stunning views

El Casco Art Hotel – Combines modern design with Argentine art

🛏️ Mid-Range

Hotel Cacique Inacayal – Lakefront, great location

Villa Huinid Lodge – Cozy, cabin-style comfort

Hotel Tirol Bariloche – Chalet-style with friendly staff and views

💼 Budget

Periko’s Hostel – Social and clean with a garden

Hostel Inn Bariloche – Central, great for solo travelers

Hopa Hostel – Fun, relaxed vibe with communal dinners

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Bariloche

✅ Best for skiing: July–August
✅ Best for hiking and sightseeing: November–April

🛫 How to Get to Bariloche

✈️ By Air

Daily flights from Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Cordoba, and Ushuaia

Airport is ~20 minutes from the city center

🚘 By Car

Drive from El Bolsón (~2 hours) or San Martín de los Andes via Route 40 (~4–5 hours)

Route of the Seven Lakes is one of the most scenic drives in the country

🚌 By Bus

Comfortable long-distance buses from Patagonia and other major cities

🗓️ Suggested 3-Day Bariloche Itinerary

🗓️ Day 1: Scenic Sights

Morning: Ride to Cerro Campanario

Afternoon: Drive or bike the Circuito Chico

Evening: Dinner & drinks at a local brewery

🗓️ Day 2: Lakes & Chocolate

Morning: Boat trip to Isla Victoria & Bosque de Arrayanes

Afternoon: Explore downtown & chocolate shops

Evening: Watch sunset at Playa Bonita or dine by the lake

🗓️ Day 3: Adventure Time

Morning: Hike Refugio Frey or Cerro Otto

Afternoon: Visit Colonia Suiza for food and markets

Evening: Relax with hot chocolate or craft beer

🛍️ What to Buy in Bariloche

🍫 Artisan chocolate

🧤 Handcrafted wool products

🍺 Local beers and spirits

🎨 Mapuche textiles and crafts

🫙 Calafate berry jam and liquors

🌍 Bariloche vs El Calafate vs El Chaltén

✅ Final Thoughts: Why Bariloche Should Be on Your Bucket List

Bariloche blends Swiss alpine charm with rugged Patagonian adventure, making it one of the most diverse and accessible destinations in Argentina. Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate after a hike, cruising a glacier-fed lake, or gliding down powdery slopes, Bariloche is full of experiences that stay with you long after you leave.

It’s not just a stop — it’s a seasonal wonderland worth returning to.