Top Things to Do in Bariloche, Argentina

With its snow-covered peaks and crisp mountain air, this relaxed Patagonian town might make you wonder if you've ended up in Switzerland rather than Argentina.

San Carlos de Bariloche, or simply 'Bariloche' as the locals call it, is renowned for its stunning, constant views of Nahuel Huapi, the glacial lake nestled in the heart of the 7050-square-kilometer national park of the same name.

This part of Patagonia, known as the Lakes Region, is also famous for its delectable chocolate (Rapanui's fresh raspberries coated in both white and dark homemade chocolate are particularly legendary), craft beers, and traditional Argentine asado. It's a paradise for food lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Here are some of the top activities to enjoy when you visit this remarkable destination:

Things to Do

From late July to mid-September, Bariloche attracts a mix of southern hemisphere tourists, especially from Brazil, as well as northern hemisphere travelers eager to chase the 'endless winter' and find their perfect powder.

Just 20 kilometers outside of Bariloche lies Cerro Catedral, a ski resort offering a 1000-meter vertical drop, nearly 1500 acres of skiable terrain, and 38 lifts.

For snow sports lovers who prefer not to carry their own equipment, there are several rental shops at the base of the mountain, with La Base being particularly known for its friendly service. In the town center, Scandinavian also offers a variety of outdoor gear for all types of adventures.

Catedral, often dubbed South America’s version of Tahoe, boasts a lively ski village with plenty of nightlife. After a day on the slopes, many skiers and snowboarders head to the Berlina microbrewery, where they can enjoy homemade pizzas and an excellent selection of craft beers.

For those who prefer to explore the mountain on foot rather than skis, Bariloche offers a range of hikes, from short walks to stunning waterfalls to challenging multi-day treks.

Most of the hiking trails connect various refugios (mountain huts), providing shelter and a place to rest along the way.

The Frey trek is the most popular day hike due to its relatively easy terrain and breathtaking views, but it can get crowded. For a quieter experience, trails leading to Refugios Lopez, Cerro Lindo, and Laguna Negra offer equally beautiful scenery and are perfect for beginner to intermediate hikers.

For seasoned trekkers seeking the most breathtaking views in the area, the challenging 50-kilometer journey from Pampa Linda to Colonia Suiza is a must. It's recommended to go in January to ensure the mountain passes are open and accessible.

However, Bariloche isn't just for skiing enthusiasts. Water sports lovers can also enjoy exploring the Rio Manso, with guided trips for all skill levels provided by Extremo Sur, perfect for both novices and experienced paddlers.

The section of the Manso river near the Chilean border offers thrilling rapids, ideal for those seeking an adrenaline rush—participants must be at least 14 years old. The calmer Manso Inferior is great for families with children (ages 5 and up) or those new to rafting. For a unique twist, Extremo Sur also offers stand-up rafting, combining paddleboarding with the excitement of rapids.

Over the past decade, kitesurfing has exploded in popularity on Lago Nahuel Huapi. With consistent winds, safe shores, and stunning views of the snow-capped Andes, it’s become a perfect location for the sport.

Lago Nahuel Huapi boasts several ideal kitesurfing spots, including Bahia Serena, Playa Bonita, and Bariloche Classic. However, Varadero Beach is the local favorite. Dina Huapi, just outside the town, offers two launch points—Dina Huapi West and Dina Huapi Rivermouth. These areas have slightly warmer waters, making them more suitable for beginners. Happy Riding Surf School offers private lessons for those new to the sport.

For those looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of northern Patagonia in ultimate comfort, Constellations is a local travel design agency that creates one-of-a-kind adventures. They can arrange for a luxurious Bedouin-style tent set up in the heart of some of Argentina's most stunning landscapes.

Whether you're seeking a yacht charter, a classic car tour through the region, an exclusive picnic, or even heliskiing on pristine powder, they can help bring your wildest adventure ideas to life. A family-run business, they are passionate about showcasing Patagonia and bring years of expertise in curating exceptional experiences for their clientele.

Cerro Catedral, Edificio Telesilla Séxtuple, 1st floor, Base Cerro Catedral, Bariloche, +54 294 4409000

Scandinavian, Mitre 219, Bariloche, +54 294 4433170

La Base, Cerro Catedral Ski Village, Bariloche, +54 294 4456111

Berlina, Cerro Catedral Ski Village, Bariloche, +54 294 4460022

Extremo Sur, Morales 765, Bariloche, +54 294 4427301

Happy Riding Surf School, Mitre 481- Oficina 1, Bariloche, +54 294 4532470

Constellations Travel, Jauretche 5030, Bariloche, [email protected]

Where to stay

The nearby Andes offer incredible hiking, drawing backpackers from all over. Budget travelers hoping to stay in town will likely find themselves on Salta Street, which is lined with hostels.

While many budget accommodations in town offer a similar experience, Periko’s Hostel on Morales Street stands out as the top choice.

The rooms are simple, but it’s just 300 meters from the town center and 4 kilometers from the main bus terminal. The hosts are warm and helpful, ready to assist with transfers to Cerro Catedral for skiing or to the trailhead for the popular Frey trek.

For families traveling with children, Villa Huanid is an ideal choice. Located just two kilometers from the town center, this hotel complex sits atop a hill, offering breathtaking lake views from every angle.

Guests can choose from three accommodation options: the budget-friendly Pioneros complex, the more refined (but never overly fancy) Bustillo complex, or private cabins surrounded by ample green space for kids to play. The property also features an arcade with foosball, heated pools, and casual dining, making it an excellent spot for families with children of all ages.

For those wanting to combine fun and education, the Museo de Chocolate, just down the road, offers a sweet experience that will sneak in some culture for the kids without them even realizing.

A perfect retreat for couples, Charming Luxury Lodge offers a cozy and romantic ambiance. The suites feature bathrooms that resemble professional spas, complete with expansive jacuzzi tubs overlooking the lake, dry saunas, and steam showers equipped with a variety of therapeutic essential oils.

The lodge boasts an outdoor heated pool with stunning lake views, and guests can dine at one of the town’s top restaurants, Stag, located on-site. Alternatively, Butterfly restaurant is just a short 5-minute walk away.

Charming welcomes couples of all orientations and is proudly LGBT-friendly. As one of the first countries to legalize gay marriage, Argentina is a top destination for international gay tourism, and Charming stands out as a prime location for romantic getaways and honeymoons.

No discussion of Bariloche would be complete without mentioning the legendary Llao Llao hotel.

Founded in 1940, Llao Llao recently completed renovations and is now recognized as a Leading Hotel of the World, a prestigious honor. A stay here feels like a more upscale version of the resort seen in 'Dirty Dancing', with a variety of scheduled activities such as yoga, archery, and stand-up paddleboarding on offer.

The hotel boasts an 18-hole golf course offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Nahuel Huapi National Park. Many visitors stop by simply to enjoy the panoramic vistas or to dine at one of the resort's four excellent restaurants.

The resort's culinary experience is overseen by renowned chef Federico Gaston Dominguez Fontan. Guests can savor locally-sourced lamb grilled to perfection or indulge in afternoon tea in the elegant Winter Garden Room, making the dining experience a key highlight of any stay.

For those seeking a tranquil retreat in nature, Peuma Hue is the perfect choice. Located on 400 acres at the end of Gutierrez Lake, just 30 minutes from Bariloche, this mountain estancia offers a peaceful escape ideal for both families and couples.

The Lakes Region’s best hiking and kayaking experiences are right at your doorstep at this eco-resort. Guests can easily reach waterfalls, explore ancient forests, or stroll through the organic gardens, where fresh fruits and vegetables are grown for the on-site restaurant. For complete seclusion, reserve one of the luxury cabins.

Perikos Hostel, Morales 555, Bariloche +54 294 4522326

Villa Huinid, Bustillo km 2.6, Bariloche, +54 294 4523600

Charming Luxury Lodge, Hua Huan 7549, Bariloche, +54 294 4462889

Llao Llao, Av. Ezequiel Bustillo Km. 25, Bariloche, +54 294 4448530

Peuma Hue Cabecera Sur del Lago Gutierrez, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche +54 294 4501030

Where to eat

If you're looking for laid-back pub fare in town or along Km. 13 by the shoreline, Blest has something for everyone.

This casual brewery and restaurant strikes the perfect balance, being family-friendly yet lively enough for a fun night out. While microbreweries have only recently gained traction in Argentina, Blest was a pioneer in the craft beer scene 30 years ago.

Portions are hearty here, with favorites like lamb burgers and fajitas. Newcomers should sample a flight to try their signature beers, such as Pilsen, Cream Stout, Scotch Ale, cider, and a zesty IPA. Blest also offers unique regional brews, including a Honey Queen beer and a tangy raspberry brew, made with fresh local ingredients.

Argentina’s love for grilled beef is well-known, and for the best asado in Bariloche, Alto el Fuego is a cozy, family-operated gem nestled in a quaint house near Centro Civico.

The menu is simple yet offers the finest of Argentine cuisine, featuring classics like ojo de bife, grilled provolone cheese, and perfectly prepared empanadas.

Downstairs, you'll find an impressive wine cellar filled with hidden gems, while one of the owners lovingly crafts all the desserts from scratch, serving them in charming Mason jars.

Due to the limited number of tables in this cozy restaurant, it's advisable to make a reservation in advance, particularly during the busy summer and winter seasons.

Located just outside Bariloche in Dina Huapi, Almazen de Sabores offers a modern take on classic Argentine dishes, such as red curry steak and braised Patagonian pork with vegetable bruschetta. For small groups, the six-course tasting menu allows everyone to sample a variety of dishes. It's the perfect spot for a casual date night or a fun evening with friends without breaking the bank.

Butterfly is considered one of Bariloche’s top gourmet spots, and any true foodie should make time to visit. The restaurant combines a modern and homely atmosphere with a cozy fireplace and large windows that frame stunning views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. With only a few tables, securing a reservation is essential.

The seven-course tasting menu features a blend of local and international flavors, influenced by Chef Andres Lopez’s European training, with Spanish and French culinary elements.

Each dish is paired with a carefully selected Argentine wine that complements the flavors perfectly. Though portions are small, guests will leave feeling satisfied and full of flavors.

This is the ideal place for a romantic evening or to mark a memorable final meal in Bariloche.

(A note on pricing: Argentina experiences one of the highest inflation rates globally, so prices can fluctuate significantly. Be aware of potential discrepancies between the time of booking and your actual visit.)

Blest, Neumeyer 34 and Bustillo Km. 13, +54 294 15 4891894

Alto el Fuego, 20 de Febrero 451, Bariloche, +54 294 4437015

Almazen de Sabores, 667 Los Radales, Dina Huapi, +54 294 4521109

Butterfly, Hua Huan 7831, Bustillo km. 7.9, Playa Bonita, +54 294 154534999