Río Negro and Neuquén, northern Patagonia · Argentina
A Swiss-style alpine town on a vast glacial lake, with forested peaks, chocolate shops, ski slopes and some of Argentina's most beautiful drives.
Photo: Fernando · CC BY-SA 4.0
San Carlos de Bariloche sits on the southern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi, a huge glacial lake in the Andes of northern Patagonia, surrounded by forested mountains and the snow-capped Cerro Tronador. It was settled in the early 20th century by Swiss, German and other European immigrants, and their influence shows in its alpine-style timber architecture, its chocolate shops and its restaurants serving fondue, smoked trout and venison.
Nahuel Huapi National Park, established in 1934, is the oldest in Argentina and encloses the town and the lakes. Its landscape offers many activities: a scenic loop called the Circuito Chico around the Llao Llao peninsula, chairlifts and cable cars to viewpoints, forest hikes, lake cruises to islands, and, in winter, skiing at Cerro Catedral, one of the largest ski areas in South America.
Further afield, the Route of the Seven Lakes leads north to San Martín de los Andes, passing a series of lakes and forests, and Villa La Angostura is a quieter alternative, with a small centre and waterfront. The region is popular with Argentines, particularly in January, July and for school graduation trips, and it is best to visit in autumn or spring, when it is quieter and the colours are striking.
Why visit
Bariloche and the Lake District are among the most scenic parts of Argentina, with a mix of outdoor activities and comfort.
Turquoise water, forested peaks and snowy summits in every direction.
Hiking, skiing, kayaking, cycling and horse riding.
The Circuito Chico and the Route of the Seven Lakes are two of the great drives in Argentina.
Artisan chocolate, craft beer, trout and lamb.
Ski in winter, hike in summer, and see the colours in autumn.
Main attractions
The best sights are around the lake, and a car or bike makes exploring easy.
A 60-km loop west of town along the lake shore, with viewpoints, small lakes, beaches, forest, chocolate cafés and the Llao Llao peninsula.
Tip Drive, cycle or take a bus tour.
A peninsula with a famous 1938 hotel, forest trails and lake views, at the end of the Circuito Chico.
Tip Walk the Bosque Encantado trail.
The ski resort about 20 km from town, with lifts, runs and views of the lake in winter. In summer, lifts open for hiking and mountain biking.
Tip Take a lift to the top for the views.
A short chairlift ride to a panoramic viewpoint over the lakes and islands, often ranked among the best views in the world.
Tip Go on a clear afternoon.
Boat trips on the lake reach Isla Victoria and the Arrayanes forest, with unusual cinnamon-barked trees.
Tip Book a half-day trip.
A charming village north of Bariloche, on a peninsula, with a small centre, lakes and walking trails.
Tip A good quiet base.
Things to do
Outdoor activities and scenic drives make up the main things to do.
Stop at viewpoints, lakes and cafés.
Tip Allow half a day.
Great skiing from June to September, with lake views.
Tip Book lift tickets and lessons ahead.
Trails lead to mountain huts, such as Refugio Frey and Refugio López.
Tip Check the weather.
Shops on Mitre Street sell chocolate in many forms.
Tip Visit a chocolate factory.
A scenic road with lakes, forest and mountain views, from Villa La Angostura to San Martín de los Andes.
Tip Allow a full day.
Paddle to hidden coves in summer.
Tip Go in the morning.
Local food
Bariloche's food is Patagonian-Alpine, with lamb, trout, venison, fondue and chocolate.
Bariloche is Argentina's chocolate capital, with hot chocolate, truffles and eggs.
Where to try it Shops and cafés on Mitre Street.
Local fish, smoked or grilled.
Where to try it Restaurants and lodges.
Patagonian lamb, wild boar and venison.
Where to try it Parrillas.
Swiss-style cheese and chocolate fondue.
Where to try it Alpine restaurants.
Bariloche has a strong microbrewery tradition.
Where to try it Brewpubs.
Accommodation
Stay in town for restaurants, or on the Circuito Chico for views.
Transport
Bariloche is in the Andes of northern Patagonia, about 1,600 km from Buenos Aires.
A car is ideal, but buses and tours serve the main sights.
When to go
Bariloche has a cool climate, with snowy winters and pleasant summers.
Warm, with long days and hiking weather. Busy in January.
Golden beech forests and fewer visitors.
Snow and skiing, cold days and busy in July.
Blossom, and lower prices.
Worth planning around: Early December, when high school graduation groups fill the town, and the busiest weeks in January and July.
Itinerary
The scenic circuit, the lake and the mountains.
Lake and peninsula.
By boat.
Catedral.
Travel tips
A few tips make the Lakes District more enjoyable.
FAQ
Three or four days for the main sights.
December to March for hiking, and April for autumn colours. June to September for skiing.
No. Summer and autumn are equally lovely, with lakes, hiking and drives.
Chocolate, lakes, mountains and skiing.
Yes, by road via the Puyehue pass, or by the scenic Cruce de Lagos.
It helps for the Circuito Chico and the Seven Lakes route, though buses and tours are available.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Bariloche, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Santa Cruz, southern Patagonia, Argentina
A hiker's paradise in Los Glaciares National Park, with day walks to Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre beneath some of the world's most dramatic granite peaks.
Don't miss Reaching Laguna de los Tres at dawn, as the first light turns the Fitz Roy needles orange above the frozen lagoon.
Explore Destination — El Chaltén and Fitz RoyMendoza, Cuyo, central Andes, Argentina
Argentina's premier wine region: Luján de Cuyo, Maipú and the Uco Valley, plus the elegant city of Mendoza, the Andean road to Aconcagua and outdoor adventures.
Don't miss A long lunch with a Malbec in hand on a winery terrace, with the snowy Andes on the horizon.
Explore Destination — Mendoza Wine CountrySanta Cruz, southern Patagonia, Argentina
The gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, with the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier, boat trips to the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, ice trekking and Patagonian estancias.
Don't miss Standing on the walkways as a house-sized block of ice breaks away and thunders into the lake.
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