Bariloche is charming town that sits on the shores of lake Nahuel Wapi and in the foothills of the Andes giving it endless hiking trails and outdoor activities all year round. Located in the Argentine Lake district that’s known for its Swiss style architecture and yummy chocolate.

Where is Bariloche

Bariloche is located in Argentina’s Patagonia Region near the border of Chile in the province of Río Negro.

How to get to Bariloche

Plane: Bariloche has an airport that mostly services flights from Buenos Aires and some other regional cities like Cordoba with Aerolineas, JetSMART and Flybondi
Bus: Regular buses run from Buenos Aires, El Chaltén and other destinations including Pucón in Chile. You can book online and check schedules with Busbud.

Getting Around Bariloche

Bariloche has lots of local bus routes that will get you to almost everywhere you will want to go including the most popular hiking trails and tourist spots like Llao Llao and Cerro Campanario. Most of these buses can be caught along the main roads in Bariloche.

You can see the bus routes and schedule here

TRAVEL TIP: You will need a Sube card to ride the buses as they only accept Sube card.

When is the best time to visit Bariloche

Summer (December–February): The peak tourist season, with warmer temperatures and longer sunny days with temperatures between 6 °C (43 °F) – 24 °C (75 °F).
Spring and Autumn: Milder weather with less crowds with temperatures between 0 °C (32 °F) – 19 °C (66 °F).
Low season (May–August): Cold temperatures, but fewer crowds. Visit this time of year for winter sports with temperatures between -1 °C (30 °F) – 8 °C (46 °F).
Our verdict: Summer might be busier and the prices more expensive but you are more likely to have good days to get out and explore.

Where to stay in Bariloche

Bariloche: Bariloche itself isn’t very big so you can stay anywhere in town if you want to have easy access to shops and restaurants.

Along lake Nahuel Wapi: If you are after something more chill consider staying somewhere out of town along the lake. There are loads of hotels to the west of Bariloche along the lake in places like Playa Bonita and El Prado the buses pass by these areas so you can still get around if you don’t have a car.

Fun Fact: Bariloche is known as Argentina's chocolate capital, earning it the nickname “Little Switzerland”

Things to do in Bariloche

Bariloche is an outdoor lovers paradise with most of the activities involve hiking or getting out in the beautiful wilderness in the area.

Cerro Campanario

Cerro Campanario is a beautiful viewpoint that has commanding 360 degree over the surrounding lakes and mountains that dot the area. National Geographic said it was one of the 8 best panoramic views in the word! We cant argue with that it’s definitely spectacular. To get there take bus 20 out to Campanario which right near the bottom of the mountain and from there you can hike to the top or take a chair lift. It’s just a 1km hike to the summit but it’s all up hill so be ready for that. The chairlift is a better option as you can just sit back and enjoy the views!

Llao Llao

Llao Llao is another viewpoint located near the Llao Llao hotel and has a similar view to Cerro Campanario but from a different angle. To get there take Bus 20 and get off at Puerto Pañuelo. From there the Llao Llao virepoint is 1.3 km from the bus stop. The trail is well marked with the sign “Villa Tacul – Cerro Llao Llao”.

Go for a hike!

There are loads of amazing trails in the area to choose from where you can hike to beautiful alpine lakes or high up in the surrounding mountains for breath taking views of the area. We hiked the Cerro Lopez trail and it was amazing. Check out the AllTrails page for trails in the area.

Nahual Wapi lake cruise

Go on a cruise on lake Nahuel Wapi. There are multiple options to choose from but the Victoria Island option in the most popular as you will get to explore the unique Arrayán forest of Los Arrayanes National Park and stroll around Victoria Island.

Explore around town

Bariloche has a charming Swiss alps feel with is a lovely town square, charming old church and you can also take a stroll along lake Nahuel Wapi. Obviously all that walking you will deserve to eat some the yummy chocolate the town is known for!

TRAVEL TIP: All of these places are marked in the handy map above!

Where To Eat & Drink

Chocolate: Bariloche is famous for making delicious chocolate and there a loads of chocolatiers dotted around town. We really enjoyed going around and checking them all out. The shops all had fantastic displays and you can really see the craft and passion that went into making these sweet delights!

Manush: Manush is local brewery that is a great place to unwind after a day of exploring with some craft beers and they have great pub food also.

Rapa Nui: Rapa Nui is one of the largest chocolate shops in town, but their ice cream is to die for! honestly some of the best chocolate we have ever had! You have to stop by and try the ice cream out for yourself.

BBQ Street food: One of the best meals we had in Argentina(there was lots of really good meals) was the BBQ street food in Bariloche. They sell delicious BBQ Chorizo(Choripan) and beef served in crusty rolls. The vendor who cooks out of a barrel on Francisco p Marino street in front of the park opposite the YPF service station. You can’t miss it follow your nose and the smoke!

Friends: This restaurant is a very unique and eclectic place with Children’s toys on every surface and hanging from the ceiling . They serve food all day from breakfast to dinner so they are always open.

Conclusion

Bariloche is a charming town with loads to do for outdoor lovers, and a great place to stop if you are planning a Patagonia trip as you can fly in from Buenos Aires and catch a bus out to El Chalten. We really enjoyed it here and would love to return and do all the activities we missed out on the first time around!

Next Stop:

Also check out our YouTube video below 👇