Top Things To Do in Bariloche, Argentina

(Last Updated On: February 27, 2022)

The Argentinian Lakes region or Los Lagos is a beautiful area of rolling mountains and lush, green valleys,  punctuated by deep blue, frigid lakes. It’s synonymous with the outdoors – and apparently Argentina’s chocolate capital. There are so many things to do in Bariloche (as known as San Carlos de Bariloche) that could keep you busy for more than a week such as hiking, biking, rafting or camping to name just a few.

It’s a destination for every season. There’s fantastic skiing in winter and in the summer you can spend many days hiking, driving and relaxing by the lake shores. 

Bariloche is surrounded by the immense Nahuel Huapi National Park which is best and more comfortably explored by car. A car will cost you about $50 a day but it’s well worth it if you have a limited amount of time. (I only had 3 days in Bariloche and hiring a car was a great choice). If car hike isn’t in your budget then try hitch-hiking. It’s practised a lot in these parts as public transport is expensive and infrequent. Drivers are used to picking up travellers and have no problem doing it. Who knows what insider tips you’ll learn! 

GET IN

Bariloche has its own airport with flights in and out of Buenos Aires and other major Argentinian and international cities. If you are in Chile, you can easily cross the border from Osorno. Alternatively, there are buses to Bariloche from every major Argentinian city, especially in the summer months when Bariloche comes alive.

THINGS TO DO IN BARILOCHE

DRIVE THE SEVEN LAKES ROAD

This drive is a classic in the area and it’s well worth your car rental. The road winds around gorgeous, pristine lakes,- seven of them- that are flanked by pine forests and waterfalls. Everywhere you look, you’ll be surrounded by the beautiful mountains and volcanos of the area. The drive can take about 3 or 4 hours depending on how many times you stop for photos. In San Martin de Los Andes, a pleasant mountain village you get lunch and stroll around before heading back.

VISIT SAN MARTIN DE LOS ANDES

Located at the end of the Seven Lakes Road, San Martin de Los Andes is a pleasant mountain village with lovely german style chalets, beautiful shop fronts and cosy, kitsch cafes. Wander around and savour the atmosphere and have lunch before heading back on the Seven Lakes Road.

DRIVE OR RIDE THE CIRCUITO CHICO

This small circuit takes you West of Bariloche around some peninsulas on the Perito Moreno lake and through Llao Llao. Llao Llao is famous for its hotel and resort of the same name and it’s well worth seeing the famous hotel and its beautiful surroundings. You can stop as you please to admire the views on the way as well as relax by the shores of the lakes. Along the roads there some parking spaces and little pathways in the forest. These pathways will often lead you to the shores of the lake for some even more spectacular views.

If you’re feeling brave the Circuito Chico makes for a really lovely but strenuous cycle. 

CERRO CAMPANERIO & CHAIRLIFT RIDE

Take the chairlift to the top of Mount Campanario where 360-degree views of the National Park are nothing short of spectacular. Up here you can get a sense of the size and shape of the area, the snow-capped mountains and volcanoes, the deep blue lakes and pine forests. It’s simply stunning.