San Carlos de Bariloche Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Bariloche showing snow, snowboarding and landscape views
Mountains and lakes, adventure sports, chocolate and Swiss-style architecture make this Argentine city a popular year-round destination.

Amid the breathtaking natural beauty of Argentina’s Lake District is Bariloche, officially San Carlos de Bariloche, a scenic vacation destination for lovers of the outdoors. Nahuel Huapi National Park surrounds the city, so Bariloche is a perfect base from which to discover the natural treasures of Argentina’s largest national park.

Get your bearings at the Centro Civico, a collection of quaint Swiss-style buildings against a mountainous backdrop. Pick up maps of the national park from the tourist information office or learn about Bariloche’s history and culture at the Museo de la Patagonia.

Ride the cable car to the summit of Cerro Otto for panoramic views. It’s the closest mountaintop to the city center and home to the adventure sports resort Piedras Blancas. Explore hiking trails in summer. In winter, ride toboggan and ski runs, such as the 75-mile (120-kilometer) runs at Cerro Catedral.

Catch a public bus or join an organized tour around the Circuito Chico, which travels along the south banks of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Take a boat tour from Puerto Pañuelo to discover waterfalls and islands with tall Arrayán trees. Ride the chairlift to Cerro Campanario for unrivaled views, or hike to the summit of the 11,480-feet (3,500-meter) tall Cerro Tronador.

Bariloche is well-known for its chocolate industry, established by Swiss immigrants. Sample the tempting chocolate treats in the stores along Mitre Street or visit the Fenoglio Chocolate Museum. Afterwards, enjoy grilled steaks or gourmet dishes in a cozy restaurant. Bariloche is also famous for its nightlife and receives hordes of high school graduates in July.

Get to Bariloche by taking a domestic flight from Buenos Aires or on one of Argentina’s excellent long-distance buses, which service most of the country and neighboring Chile. If you have the time, rent a car to explore the scenic Seven Lakes Road, which begins 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Bariloche and passes lakeside villages, mountains and valleys. Snowfall often causes roads closures, so check the conditions and take precautions.

Where to stay in San Carlos de Bariloche

Piedras Blancas which includes forest scenes and a house

Downtown Bariloche

Downtown Bariloche is popular for its lake views, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Civic Center Bariloche or Bariloche Casino.

Downtown Bariloche
Bariloche which includes food

San Carlos de Bariloche Centro

5/5(5 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in San Carlos de Bariloche Centro, Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi and Civic Center Bariloche are top sights worth seeing.

San Carlos de Bariloche Centro
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Belgrano

4/5(1 area review)

While Belgrano isn't home to many top sights, Bariloche Casino and Civic Center Bariloche are some notable places to visit nearby.

Belgrano
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Peninsula San Pedro

5/5(1 area review)

Travellers enjoy Peninsula San Pedro for its mountain views and lake views. Consider checking out Nahuel Huapi Lake while you're in the area.

Peninsula San Pedro
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10 de Diciembre

When in 10 de Diciembre, you can plan a visit to Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi and Civic Center Bariloche, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

10 de Diciembre
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Santo Cristo

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Santo Cristo and surrounding area, you can visit National Park Nahuel Huapi and Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi.

Santo Cristo
Huinid Pioneros Hotel
Huinid Pioneros Hotel
4 out of 5
Av. de los Pioneros 2649, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro
The price is AU$118 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$118
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Civic Center Bariloche ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (169 reviews)
Should stay here
"Clean and affordable. Beautiful view of the lake. Convenient to safe, friendly downtown"

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2024

Huinid Pioneros Hotel
Llao Llao Resort Golf & Spa
Llao Llao Resort Golf & Spa
5 out of 5
Av.Bustillo KM 25, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro
The price is AU$285 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
AU$285
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy free breakfast, free valet parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (472 reviews)
"The only thing I would change is the addition of a water kettle and/our a coffee maker in the room. For early risers it is impossible to get coffee until the restaurant opens for breakfast"

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024

Llao Llao Resort Golf & Spa
Hampton by Hilton Bariloche
Hampton by Hilton Bariloche
3 out of 5
Libertad 290, San Carlos de Bariloche
The price is AU$151 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
AU$151
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 3-star ski hotel in San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Civic Center Bariloche and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (78 reviews)
"Great overall"

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Hampton by Hilton Bariloche
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aguila Mora Suites & Spa
Aguila Mora Suites & Spa
4 out of 5
Av. Exequiel Bustillo 4790, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (86 reviews)
"Very nice, clean and efficient hotel with comfortable rooms and beautiful views. We are very grateful to Luna, a staff member that spoke perfect English, for all of her recommendations on tours, hikes, restaurants and local culture. We enjoyed the breakfast, comfortable beds, and proximity of the ..."

Reviewed on 15 Dec. 2023

Aguila Mora Suites & Spa
Acqua Apartments Bariloche
Acqua Apartments Bariloche
3.5 out of 5
San Martín 585, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy free WiFi, a kitchen, and a refrigerator. Popular attractions Civic Center Bariloche and Bariloche ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (48 reviews)
Very comfortable in a great location
"Excellent location for walking in the city good transport links. Very comfortable well equiped kitchen. Very clean. There was a safe in the bedroom but no instructions how to use.We had no idea of the cleaning arrangements e.g towel replenishing bed linen change or if the apartment would be cleaned ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Acqua Apartments Bariloche
Lirolay Suites
Lirolay Suites
4.5 out of 5
Av Bustillo km 7, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro
Stay at this 4.5-star beach aparthotel in San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and breakfast. Popular attractions Civic Center Bariloche ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (200 reviews)
"Spectacular view (including from the indoor jacuzzi), private beach, heated swimming pool, friendly and helpful reception"

Reviewed on 4 Mar. 2024

Lirolay Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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