San Carlos de Bariloche

Written by David Garcia, Keith Roberts, Maria Gaulto
05/08/2025
A breathtaking view of the lake and mountains in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
Guillermo Berlin, Pexels

San Carlos de Bariloche serves as a gateway to Patagonia's Lake District, providing a picturesque setting for outdoor adventures like skiing and hiking, alongside a vibrant food scene renowned for its artisanal chocolate and craft beer.

The city center, particularly around Mitre Street, is bustling with shops, restaurants, and bars, offering ample opportunities to socialize. Bariloche is recognized for its lively nightlife, featuring cozy pubs, popular lakeside bars, and high-energy nightclubs like Dusk Bariloche, which are ideal for meeting other travelers. Numerous hostels also cultivate a social atmosphere, often including on-site bars.

Top 6 Things to do in San Carlos de Bariloche

Visitors can immerse themselves in panoramic mountain and lake views, explore scenic routes by bike or car, embark on serene lake excursions to unique forests, savor artisanal chocolates and local craft beers, and engage in various mountain sports depending on the season.

1. Cerro Campanario Viewpoint

Ascending Cerro Campanario provides a remarkable 360-degree panorama of the Lake District, including Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, as well as the surrounding Andean peaks. One can choose to take a chairlift for a swift and thrilling ride to the summit or embark on a moderately steep hike. At the top, a cafe offers refreshments while admiring the expansive scenery.

Cost: Chairlift: Approximately 14,000 ARS (around $14 USD) per adult for a round trip. The hike is free.

Transport: Located about 17.5 km from the city center. Public bus (Line 20, 10, or 51) can be taken from downtown Bariloche, costing around 39 ARS (approx. $0.33 USD) one way, requiring a SUBE card. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes. Taxis or remises are also available, with a remise costing around 430 ARS (approx. $10.20 USD) one way.

2. Circuito Chico Scenic Route

Experiencing the Circuito Chico offers a journey through some of Bariloche's most iconic landscapes over a 27 km loop. This route can be explored by car, guided tour, or, for the more active, by bicycle. Key stops along the way include Punto Panorámico (Panoramic Point) for stunning views, Playa Bonita, and the picturesque Llao Llao Peninsula with its famous hotel and San Eduardo Chapel. Cycling allows for a self-paced exploration, stopping at various viewpoints and local breweries.

Cost: Self-guided bike rental: Approximately 30,000 ARS (around $30 USD) for a mountain bike or 53,000 ARS (around $53 USD) for an e-bike for 6-8 hours. Guided tours typically start from 20 USD per person, often not including the Cerro Campanario chairlift fee.

Transport: The starting point for bike rentals and tours is often around Km 18 of Avenida Bustillo. Public bus (Line 20 or 51) provides access from the city center, taking about 45 minutes and requiring a SUBE card.

3. Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest Boat Tour

Embarking on a boat trip across Lake Nahuel Huapi to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest reveals a unique natural wonder. Victoria Island offers trails for walking and beaches, while the Arrayanes Forest is distinguished by its cinnamon-colored trees, resembling a fairytale setting. The tour provides a tranquil experience on the lake with opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting.

Cost: Boat tour: Approximately 112,000 ARS (around $112 USD) per adult. Additional fees include a National Park entrance fee (20,000 ARS for non-residents, around $20 USD) and a boarding fee (5,400 ARS, around $5.40 USD). Transfers to Puerto Pañuelo (the departure point) are extra, costing around 19,000 ARS (around $19 USD) for a round trip if not included in a packaged tour.

Transport: Tours depart from Puerto Pañuelo, located about 25 km west of Bariloche. Public bus (Line 20) runs from the city center to Puerto Pañuelo, taking approximately 50 minutes and costing 3,000-10,000 ARS (around $3-10 USD), requiring a SUBE card. Taxis or remises are also available, costing around 45,000-55,000 ARS (around $45-55 USD) for a one-way trip.

4. City Center Exploration and Gastronomy

A stroll through Bariloche's city center, particularly Mitre Street, unveils its distinctive Swiss alpine-style architecture and vibrant atmosphere. This area is renowned for its artisanal chocolate shops, where one can sample and purchase local delicacies. The city also boasts a thriving craft beer scene, offering various breweries to explore and taste local brews, often accompanied by traditional Patagonian dishes like grilled meats and trout.

Cost: Costs vary widely based on purchases and dining choices. Chocolate kilo prices range from 56,000-64,000 ARS (around $56-64 USD). Empanadas start from 2,500 ARS (around $2.50 USD) per unit.

Transport: Within walking distance for most central accommodations. Public transport is available for reaching specific breweries or further points within the urban area.

5. Cerro Catedral (Skiing/Hiking)

Cerro Catedral, the largest ski resort in South America, offers extensive slopes for skiing and snowboarding during winter. In warmer months, it transforms into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic cable car rides, providing impressive views of Nahuel Huapi and Gutiérrez lakes and the Andes. It caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts.

Cost: Ski Pass (1-day, adult): Approximately 230,000 ARS (around $230 USD). Pedestrian cable car (round trip): Approximately 36,000 ARS (around $36 USD) for adults in 2025. Equipment rental and lessons are additional.

Transport: Located about 19 km from Bariloche. Public bus (Line 55) runs frequently from the city center to the base of Cerro Catedral, requiring a SUBE card. Taxis and remises are also options.

6. Refugio Frey Hike

The hike to Refugio Frey is a popular and rewarding trek within Nahuel Huapi National Park. This moderate-difficulty trail, typically taking 4-6 hours one way, winds through forests, alongside streams, and past unique rock formations, culminating at the stunning glacial Laguna Toncek and the mountain hut. It offers a true Patagonian wilderness experience with breathtaking alpine scenery.

Cost: The hike is free. Overnight stay at the refuge costs approximately 24,000 ARS (around $24 USD) per person, with meals available at additional cost (e.g., Simple Dinner: 13,500 ARS). Camping is generally free but requires advance registration with Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Transport: The main trailhead is at the base of Cerro Catedral ski resort, about 20 km from Bariloche. Public bus (Line 55) runs from Bariloche city center to Cerro Catedral, costing around 5,000 ARS (around $5 USD) one way (as of March 2025) and requiring a SUBE card.

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