A Complete Guide for Visiting Bariloche in Argentina

Welcome to one of the most stunning cities in South America. Bariloche in Argentina is paradise for those that love nature, and is definitely one of the top places to visit in the country.

Visiting Bariloche was on my bucket list for a long time, and Fede actually surprised me for my birthday with a week-long trip there! I had such high expectations for what it would be like, and I can say that this city didn't only meet my expectations, but it exceeded them in every way!

In this guide we are going to share everything you need to know for visiting Bariloche in Argentina, from the best places to see, to the best restaurants to eat at, where to stay, and so m much more.

Where is Bariloche in Argentina?

Bariloche is located in the west of Argentina, in the middle of the country. It is  one of the most popular cities in the province of Rio Negro.

📍 Is Bariloche Considered Patagonia?

Bariloche is considered a part of Patagonia, the biggest and most stunning region of Argentina. It is one of the most northern cities in Patagonia, and a great place to start if you plan on exploring the region.

Entry Requirements for Argentina

When visiting a new country it's important to know what are the requirements for visas and vaccines. Here are the different entry requirements for visiting Bariloche in Argentina.

🛂 Argentina Visa Entry Requirements

Argentina is a very welcoming country when it comes to tourism, and there are a lot of nationalities which can visit visa-free for a period of up to 90 days. The countries from the Americas that can travel to Argentina without needing a visa include Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Perue, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, and the USA.

European countries which are able to visit Argentina visa-free include Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.

Other countries that are able to stay for up to 90 days in the country include Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mongolia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. Venezuelans can stay for a period of up to 60 days, and those from Grenada, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia can stay for a period of up to 30 days.

💉 Argentina Vaccine Requirements

Argentina doesn't require any specific vaccines to visit.

Things to Do in Bariloche, Argentina

Now that you know almost everything you need to know about visiting Bariloche in Argentina, here are the best things to do in and around the city.

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🏘️ Things to Do in Bariloche #1: Explore the Center

Bariloche seriously took me by surprise by how cute it was. The architecture has a ton of German influence, so it actually feels like a European village rather than a South American one. Take some time to simply wander the streets, and don't miss out on the square where Centro Civico is.

🪧 Things to Do in Bariloche #2: Visit the Bariloche Sign

While it's a pretty tacky tourist thing, the Bariloche sign is on platform right on the lake, and has stunning views around it! If you'd like a photo with no one around, we suggest going very early in the morning, as this is one of the busiest tourist spots in the city.

🍫 Things to Do in Bariloche #3: Check out the Chocolate Shops

Bariloche is known for its incredible chocolate, and you can actually find giant chocolate shops all over the center! These are no ordinary chocolate shops though- you can find everything from local jams and liqueurs to stations where you can actually watch them make the chocolates right in front of you.

We definitely suggest checking out a few different chocolate shops, and bringing some home as a souvenir!

⛸️ Things to Do in Bariloche #4: Go Ice skating in a Chocolate Shop

When we said there are incredible chocolate shops, we meant it. One of the most famous of the chocolate shops is Rapa Nui, which has several sections of the store including handmade truffles, ice cream, local products, and even an ice rink! Rates for ice skating are 4,000 pesos/hour, and there is no need for reservation beforehand.

🏛 Things to Do in Bariloche #5: Tour the Havanna Chocolate Factory

Nope! We aren't done with the chocolate recommendations yet! Havanna is basically the Starbucks of Argentina, and they specialize in Argentina's most beloved dessert-the alfajor.

All of the chocolate for these cookies actually comes from the factory in Bariloche, and there are tours you can take to learn about the history of chocolate, as well as the company Havanna itself.

🚡 Things to Do in Bariloche #6: Ride to the Best Viewpoints

The nature is just breathtaking in Bariloche, and what better way to see it then from a nice viewpoint? Well, there are a couple of great ones that you don't need to hike to get to, and can take a scenic chair lift or cable car ride instead!

Cerro Campanario

This chair lift brings you to one of the most stunning views of the area! The chairlift runs from 9 am to 5:30 pm, and brings you to cafe with big glass windows to appreciate the views from. There are also several balconies you can walk around to appreciate 360 degree views of the area.

You can also purchase a photo from the photographer at the top who captures everyone coming up! We typically don't go for this, but it was super cheap, and it was the only picture we were able to really get due to the harsh weather change once we arrived.

Cerro Otto

Unfortunately we didn't have the chance to experience Cerro Otto, as they are closed for May, and we were visiting the first week of May. However, this is beautiful cable car ride that gives sweeping views of the Lake Nahuel Huapi, and the outskirts of the city of Bariloche.

🥾 Things to Do in Bariloche #7: Do Circuito Chico

If there is one thing to do in Bariloche in Argentina, then definitely let Circuito Chico be it. This loop is just 20 km west of the city, and features incredible hikes, beaches, restaurants, and more! We spent one full day exploring Circuito Chico, and we definitely could have used two days if we had done it at a more relaxed pace.

Want to learn all about how to best explore the area and what things to see exactly? Make sure to read our Circuito Chico travel guide!

Don't have a car? Here are some tours that take you around Circuito Chico:

🏠 Things to Do in Bariloche #8: Visit Colonia Suiza

Colonia Suiza is just under Circuito Chico, and we loved it so much we visited a few times! This Swiss-inspired town is colorful and perfectly placed right in front of a gorgeous set of mountains.

The town features an open market with kiosks for local crafts and snacks, as well as some great restaurants.

Make sure to visit on with Wednesday or Sunday from mid morning to early afternoon, as this is when all of the kiosks open, and on Sundays you can experience curanto, which is a Chilean style barbecue where they cook the meat underground for hours!

🥾 Things to Do in Bariloche #9: Go on a Hike

It's no secret that one of the best things to do in Bariloche, Argentina is to hike. There are an endless amount of hiking trails, some short, and others very long. While we didn't have the time to do the longer ones, they are definitely on the bucket list for next time we visit Bariloche in Argentina. Here are a few of the most popular ones to add to your list:

• Laguna Toncek/ Refugio Frey: A challenging but extraordinary hike passing lakes and mountains which takes around 8 hours round-trip
• Laguna Negra: A stunning lake that is about 7 hours round-trip
• Cerro Lopez: A challenging hike that takes around 7 hours round-trip

🍺 Things to Do in Bariloche #10: Experience Patagonia Brewery

One of Argentina's most popular beers comes from this very brewery! What started as a small project, has since blown up and become one of the most successful beer companies in the country! Not only is it a must to sample their beer, but the entire Patagonia brewery is an experience in itself. 

You'll find an outdoor gallery featuring local photographers' photos, a large picnic-style area, and local food & specialty craft beers served. Cervecería Patagonia was one of our favorite places we visited, and it made for the perfect end of our adventures through Circuito Chico in Bariloche.

🌳 Things to Do in Bariloche #11: Take a Tour to Los Arrayanes

Los Arrayanes are a type of special tree that you can find in Patagonia, and there is actually an entire protected forest of them that you can visit on a day tour from Bariloche.

The tours leave from the pier along Circuito Chico, and go from the morning into the late afternoon, with one departure in the winter, and two different departures in the summertime. 

If you'd like to learn more about this incredible tour, you can check out our full guide for visiting Los Arrayanes Forest.

💦 Things to Do in Bariloche #12: Do the Route of the Seven Lakes

The route of the seven lakes is a section of the highway 40 that goes from Villa La Angostura up to San Martin de los Andes, and is known for its several beautiful lakes along the way.

You can either take a tour from Bariloche as a day trip, or rent a car and do it yourself. We liked doing the route of the seven lakes our own, as we were able to spend time in both Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes, as well as stop in other cool areas along the way.

🌄 Things to Do in Bariloche #13: Visit San Martin de los Andes

San Martin de los Andes may just be the most underrated city in Patagonia, and is definitely one of the top destination to check out in Argentina.

If you are planning on doing the route of the seven lakes, this is actually where it finishes. While some people go as a day trip from Bariloche, we actually spent a night there, and found that it was so worth it! Honestly, we would suggest spending 2 nights in San Martin de los Andes in order to experience all of the stunning nature around it.

Want to learn more about exactly what to do there? Check out our San Martin de los Andes travel guide with all of the details.

⛰️ Things to Do in Bariloche #14: Take a Trip to Villa Traful

Villa Traful is a true hidden gem of Patagonia. We visited here while doing the route of the seven lakes, as the highway to get there is right off the main road.

Villa Traful is a beautiful town located on Lake Traful which is surrounded by the mountains. You can easily do a day trip there from Bariloche, and pair it with a trip to Villa La Angostura.

🥾 Things to Do in Bariloche #15: Check Out Las Buitreras

Looking for some otherworld landscapes? Las Buitreras is the perfect day trip from Bariloche, just an hour west of the city. The incredible rock formations are similar to those in Cappadocia, and hiking here is definitely something we plan on going back for.

💧 Things to Do in Bariloche #16: Explore the National Park Nahuel Huapi

Nahuel Huapi is a huge National Park in Bariloche, and there are several areas to visit. The area we are specifically talking about is near Villa Mascardi. Route 82 goes right into the park, and there is a ton to see and do!

The one tricky part though is that the road is only open towards Pampa Linda (the road that goes through the park) until 2 pm and the road coming back opens up at 4 pm. Here are a few things you can see in this area:

• Lake Mascardi: As soon as you enter the lake will be on your right, and it goes for several km. There are small beach areas to enjoy the lake, and you can also find a heart shaped island there as well.

• Cerro Tronador: One of Bariloche's best hikes, taking 9-12 hours roundtrip
• Glaciar Castaño Overo: views of a beautiful glacier with waterfalls

🚣🏼 Things to Do in Bariloche #17: Take a Ride to Puerto Blest

Looking for some of the most stunning waters in the area? Puerto Blest is the place to go, and the best way is by tour. The port is located at the end of the Blest arm of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, and many of the tours are boat rides that go down to it, and many also allow you to visit Cascada Cantaros, a beautiful waterfall nearby.

Book a tour to Puerto Blest:

🏊🏼 Things to Do in Bariloche #18: Swim in Rio el Manso y el Pileton

Just an hour south of Bariloche is a stunning area to hike and swim, Rio Manso y el Pileton. The Manso River is surrounded by greenery, and has crystal clear waters.

If you walk about 10-15 minutes on the trail going down the river, you'll find El Pileton, which is a perfect natural pool with a stunning turquoise color. This is the perfect place to cool off if you are visiting in summertime.

🏘️ Things to Do in Bariloche #19: Take a Trip to El Bolson

Located just two hours south of Bariloche is a stunning area to add to your Patagonian travels called El Bolson. This quaint town is situated on the Quemquemtreu River, and has plenty of beautiful nature around it such as waterfalls, glaciers, rivers, and more.

🌷 Things to Do in Bariloche #20: See the Tulip Fields in Trevelin

Patagonia is absolutely enormous, and some cities are over 24 hours driving away! Because of this we are including some places that aren't SO close, but Bariloche is actually one of the biggest cities you can travel to in order to reach Travelin.

Every October you can find large fields of tulips, just like you would in the Netherlands! We didn't have time last time, but plan on visiting there this October.

🏘️🏔️ Things to Do in Bariloche #21: Take a Trip to Villa La Angostura

Just an hour up the road from Bariloche is another charming town that is worth visiting. It is the starting point for the route of the seven lakes, but also has plenty of other reasons for visiting! We particularly loved Bahia Brava, which is a bay with beaches, a pier, and super turquoise waters with mountains in the back.

The town is adorable, and also has some great places to stay! We actually stayed a night there before doing the route of the seven lakes, and fell in love with the hospitality of Acceso Bayo, a family run cabin with breakfast included.

⛷️ Things to Do in Bariloche #22: Go Skiing

Bariloche is one of the most popular destinations for skiing in South America! There are a ton of great ski resorts in the area, one of the best being at Cerro Catedral Resort. Another plus about skiing in Argentina is that it is much more affordable than many other places in the world!

💆🏼 Things to Do in Bariloche #23: Have a Spa Day

Most of the things to do in Bariloche include physical activity, so you'll definitely need some relaxation during your trip! The amazing thing is that while a spa day can be extremely expensive in places like Europe and the US, it is surprisingly affordable in Argentina.

We had quite a bit of rain when we visited Bariloche in Argentina, and being that many activities were outside, we had to find things to do that were inside. So after our intense day doing Circuito Chico, there was no better option on that rainy day then taking advantage and using it as a spa day!

We got our spa day pass at Selina, which is where we were staying. Even if you are not a guest, it is open to everyone, and you'll find it's quite popular with the locals as well!

🏇🏼 Things to Do in Bariloche #24: Go Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding is a special experience, and if you're not one for hiking, then this can be a great activity for you. While we aren't a fan of riding horses, we do know that it is a popular activity, especially for families with children.

Book a horseback riding tour in Bariloche:

Local Food & Drink in Bariloche

Let's be honest- one of the best things to do when traveling somewhere new is to experience the local dishes! Here is some info that will help you have the best experience exploring Bariloche's food & drink scene.

🥩 What is the Cuisine of Bariloche?

Argentina in general has a very heavy meat culture, and Bariloche is no different. Patagonia has a lot of meat dishes, especially those that are local to the area such as lamb and deer, which are definitely our top recommendations. The country is also known for their Malbec, which pairs perfectly with their incredible meat dishes.

Bariloche also is known for its chocolate, as well as the cheese. Going to the chocolate shops and trying the truffles and pastries is a must. Another popular option is fondue, which is particular to Bariloche due to the influx of European settlers in the past.

Other than the red wine, another beverage you don't want to miss out on is the beer! Patagonia brewery originated in Bariloche, and they have unique flavors to try that you can't find elsewhere in the country.

Want to learn more about Argentinean cuisine? Check out our full article about dishes you should try!

🍽️ The Best Restaurants in Bariloche, Argentina

We ate at so many great places in Bariloche! Here are some of our top recommendations for eating and drinking:

• Experiencia Patacon: everything here from the decor and service to the exquisite dishes are top notch. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Bariloche!
• Alto Fuego: some the best meat you'll find in the area, with two locations in Bariloche
• Punto Panoramico: part of Circuito Chico, this restaurant has incredible views and local dishes.
• Cerveza Patagonia: a must for beer, views, and a great Patagonia experience!
• Casa Abueloa Goye: a local favorite for chocolates, with the cutest cafe and backyard
• Confiteria del Cerro Campanario: a cute cafe with some incredible views

El Patacon is one of the best restaurants in Bariloche.

Where to Stay in Bariloche, Argentina

There are several great options when it comes to places to stay in Bariloche, and a couple of different areas worth looking at.

🏨 Hotels in the Center of Bariloche

If you plan on getting around by foot or public transportation, then the best place to stay in Bariloche is in the heart of the town. There are a lot of different options for all types of budgets, and here are a few that we recommend:

• Cinerama Hostel: the most affordable hostel in Bariloche, for those on a budget
• Hotel Tres Reys: the nicest hotel in Bariloche for those looking for something special- it also is perched right on the lake, with the most prime location in the city center.
• Selina: an upscale hostel with both shared and private rooms, a restaurant, community kitchen, and bar. They also have a nightly DJ, special events, and day passes for their gym & spa. This is a happy medium between budget and luxury, and our number one recommendation for value.

🏨 Hotels in Circuito Chico

Circuito Chico is a great area to stay if you'd like to be surrounded by the stunning nature of Bariloche in Argentina. If you plan on renting a car, then this is a great part of Bariloche to stay as it has the best views, and gives you easy access to Los Arrayanes and the hikes along Circuito Chico. Here are the top two places we recommend in Circuito Chico:

Llao Llao Hotel & Resort: the most iconic hotel in all of Bariloche! This resort is one of the most gorgeous hotels featuring a beautiful restaurant, boutique shops, and manicured gardens.

Hotel Amancay: a large hotel on the lake with some of the best views, and the tastiest medialunas

Other Things to Know About Visiting Bariloche in Argentina

Now you know almost everything you need to know for visiting Bariloche in Argentina! But here are a few other things to keep in mind before you go.

🌤️ What is the Climate like in Bariloche?

Bariloche in Argentina experiences all four seasons, with warm and sunny summers, and super cold and snowy winters. If you happen to visit in the spring or fall as we did, the weather can be pretty unpredictable.

One minute it can be warm and sunny, while the next it can be cold, cloudy, and windy. If you visit in the spring or fall, it's important to be prepared for all types of weather.

📅 What are the Best Months to Visit Bariloche in Argentina?

We decided to visit Bariloche in Argentina the first week of May, which is the middle of of their autumn season. The leaves were all colorful, and it was so beautiful at this time. While we had mostly good weather, it is also the start of the rainy season, so it can really be hit or miss at this time. May is the rainiest month, and also things start to close, so we would suggest the end of April if you'd like to experience the fall colors.

The most popular months to visit Bariloche are in the summer for hiking (from December to March) and in the winter for skiing (from June to August).

If you'd like to get the best prices but still have good weather, we would suggest going late November to early December, or in March. The end of April is the best for fall colors with good weather, and October is a great month to visit if you'd like to see the tulip fields down in Trevelin (a city 4 hours south of Bariloche).

Being that Bariloche is surrounded by  mountains, you can see snow on the top for a good portion of the year, which is why we loved visiting the beginning of May or the end of September!

👗 What to Wear in Bariloche, Argentina

Bariloche is a pretty casual place, and most of the things to do are out in nature. Layers are always crucial, even if you are visiting in the summer, as temperatures can drop in the mountains.

There are great places to swim, as well as spas, so you'll definitely want to bring a bathing suit with you as well. Comfortable hiking clothes are a must, and a nice outfit or two if you plan on going to some of the nicer restaurants in the evening.

🧳 Packing List for Bariloche

Here are a few of the things we suggest bringing for when you travel to Bariloche in Argentina:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
• Umbrella
• Layers or a jacket
• Comfortable clothes to hike in
• Bathing suit
• Flip Flops for the beach (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting) 
• Sneakers (for hiking)
• Zippered Bag or Backpack - check out these backpacks for travelers!
• Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
• Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
• Standard Lens for a dynamic range (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
• Wide Lens to capture great panoramas and astrophotography (we use the Sony GM 14 F1.8)
• Telephoto Lens to capture the landscapes closer up (we use the Sony GM 70-200)
• Tripod to get stability for astrophotography  (We use the JOBY Rangepod Tripod)
• Drone for some awesome content (We use the Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it's super light and takes incredible footage)
• Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)

🤩 Is it Worth it to Go to Bariloche in Argentina?

Bariloche is definitely worth visiting! In fact, it is one of the most stunning spots in the whole country. If you love being out in nature, eating homemade chocolate, and doing a variety of activities, then Bariloche is certainly a place that you will want to travel to.

⏳ How Many Days Do I Need in Bariloche?

There is so much to do in Bariloche, that you could honestly spend a month! We stayed 5 days, and certainly wished that we had at least another 2. Being that there are also so many great cities surrounding Bariloche (such as San Martin de Los Andes or El Bolzon), you could easily add on days, and never run out of things to do.

We would definitely suggest visiting for a week if you are able to, or at least 4-5 days if you just want to focus on seeing Bariloche itself.

So are you ready to explore one of the most incredible cities in Patagonia? There are so many stunning locations throughout this country, and we love continuing to explore everything that Argentina has to offer.

Want to discover more amazing spots around the area? Make sure to check out all of the other Argentina travel guides that we have written! Also remember to subscribe to our newsletter to hear about more related articles that we have each week, as well as exclusive tips and discounts we offer our subscribers.

Are you ready for the most epic trip of your life? Well, you don't need to spend a fortune in order to have the most incredible experiences. Now Scratch Your Mapa offers travel planning services which are guaranteed to save you both time and money. Check out some of the different travel packages that we offer, or email us for your free consultation.

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