It’s often said that certain destinations are hotspots for outdoor activities and amazing landscapes, and in that category, Bariloche is among South America’s finest.

Tucked onto the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi and framed by the picturesque peaks of Cerro Otto, Bariloche is a charming town that reflects its early 20th-century influences through European-style architecture and cuisine. The town itself is welcoming and full of interesting restaurants and bars, attracting a diverse range of visitors throughout the year. Bariloche is also the country’s capital of chocolate-making—a must for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Of the many things we love about Bariloche, the town is perfectly set up to make the surrounding Lake District accessible for all kinds of activities and day trips, as well as hosting some great hotels and a friendly population of locals.
Our travel guide to Bariloche uncovers some of the many highlights and reasons to visit Argentina’s Lake District on your journey through the country.

What to do in Bariloche

Bariloche is best known for its outdoor activities and stunning landscape of tree-covered hills, deep blue lakes, and snow-dusted mountains. This is a year-round destination—perfect for skiing in winter and hiking or watersports during summer. Even in the shoulder seasons, there’s plenty to do in and around the town, from trekking forest trails to exploring the wider Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Some of the best things to do in Bariloche include:

• Climb to the Cerro Campanario viewpoint
  For elevated views across the lakes and surrounding hills, Cerro Campanario is the place to go. The trail is short but steep, with panoramic vistas as your reward. Prefer a more relaxed option? Take the chairlift back down!

• Cable car up Cerro Otto
  An essential activity while in Bariloche is taking the cable car up Cerro Otto—the town’s iconic mountain backdrop. It has close connections with Mapuche folklore too. The cable car takes you over 1,400 meters up, and the views from the top are spectacular.

• Hiking
  Perhaps the most popular pastime in Bariloche is trekking through the many trails in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Top hikes include:

  • Cerro Llao Llao: A gentle 2–3-hour hike with forest paths and scenic viewpoints.

  • Refugio Frey: A more challenging route ending at a picturesque mountaintop cabin.

  • Refugio Otto Meiling: A full-day, 10-hour trek with glacier views and the chance to stay overnight in a cozy mountain lodge.

• Boat tours
  Explore the region with scenic boat tours to Victoria Island, the Arrayanes Forest, or Puerto Blest, where you can hike to a nearby waterfall.

• Kayaking
  Glide through serene waters with forested shores and mountain horizons—perfect around Lake Gutierrez and more. Bonus: Bariloche has its own beaches! Check out Playa Bonita, Centenario, or Gutierrez.

• Explore Bariloche Center
  Though originally inhabited by the Mapuche people, Bariloche has a Bavarian-style town center. Its early 20th-century buildings now house cafes, chocolate shops, and boutiques.

• Horse riding
  Just outside town, you’ll find rolling grasslands and estancias ideal for horse riding.

• Drive or ride the Circuito Chico and Route of the Seven Lakes
  The Circuito Chico is a 37-mile loop through pine forests, lakes, and viewpoints. The Route of the Seven Lakes stretches 111 miles through breathtaking scenery—best from September to March. Stop in Villa La Angostura or San Martín de los Andes for local charm and outdoor adventures.

• Gastronomy
  Beyond chocolate, Bariloche is also known for craft beer, local asados (Argentinian BBQ), trout, lamb, pastries, and yerba mate tasting.

• Winter sports
  Skiing, snowboarding, and snow biking are big draws in winter, especially around Mount Catedral and Piedras Blancas.

Where to stay in Bariloche

As with any trip, your choice of accommodation can define the experience. Luckily, Bariloche offers an array of excellent hotels and lodges:

Llao Llao
Overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi, this luxury icon offers golf, a spa, fine dining, and mountain views from the infinity pool.

El Casco Art Hotel
Featuring Argentine art throughout its grounds, El Casco blends comfort, style, and culture with lake views and a gourmet restaurant.

Estancia Peuma Hue
Nestled in Nahuel Huapi National Park, this intimate lodge offers peace, horse rides, hiking trails, waterfalls, and a warm, homely atmosphere.

Villa Beluno Hotel & Spa
A five-star experience with stunning views, a crystalline pool, fine dining, and exquisite attention to detail.

Aldebarán Hotel & Spa
Located 15 miles from town, this quiet retreat combines rustic charm with luxury amenities like a wood-fired oven, spa, and wine tastings.

Las Balsas
Near Villa La Angostura, this lakeside lodge blends boutique elegance with local warmth and top-tier gastronomy.

Top Travel Tips for Bariloche

• What to wear:
  Pack depending on the season—ski gear in winter, hiking shoes and swimwear in summer. Bring waterproof clothing and sunscreen year-round.

• When to go:
  Bariloche is ideal any time of year. Ski season is June–August. Spring starts in September. Summer is great for water and hiking adventures. April–May can be rainier.

• Internet:
  Wi-Fi and mobile signal are generally reliable in the town and most hotels/restaurants.

• Currency:
  The local currency is the Argentine Peso. Many places accept cards, but remote spots may be cash-only.

• Getting around:
  Fly into Bariloche’s domestic airport from Buenos Aires. Private cars or guided tours are ideal for exploring the area.

• Cuisine:
  Try steak, trout, lamb, empanadas, chocolate, pastries, and traditional yerba mate.

• Length of stay:
  We recommend 3–5 days to truly enjoy Bariloche’s nature, food, and charm.

No matter what your interests or group size, speak to the South America travel specialists at Atelier and they will craft your dream tailormade tour to Argentina and beyond.