10 Best Things to Do in Bariloche, Argentina
Bariloche is the adventure capital of Patagonia, a town squeezed between the deep blue of Nahuel Huapi lake and the snowy peaks of the Andes. I spent five days there and barely scratched the surface. The air is so clear you can see the mountains doubled in the water, and the scent of pine and roasting cocoa follows you down every street. Here is my list of the best things to do in Bariloche, gathered from rambles, boat rides, and plenty of chocolate stops.
1. Ride the Cerro Catedral lift
Cerro Catedral is Bariloche’s biggest draw in winter, when skiers line up before dawn. I went in spring, when the snow was patchy but the views were pure. The chairlift carries you high above the treeline and the whole lake swings into view below. Even without snow it is worth the trip, and on a clear day you can see across to the far side of the valley. The base village has rentals and cafes if you come to ski the runs in winter.
2. Drive the Circuito Chico loop
This is the classic scenic drive, about sixty kilometres of winding road that hugs the lake and climbs small headlands. I rented a car and drove it slowly, pulling over at every viewpoint. The pampa Linda trail gives a short forest walk with a wide lake opening at the end, and the road itself rolls through thick woods and past quiet beaches. Give yourself a full afternoon and stop often, because the light changes the water colour every few minutes.
3. See the Llao Llao Hotel
The Llao Llao resort is a landmark of local architecture, all wood and stone set on a peninsula between two lakes. I was not staying there, but the grounds are open and the terrace has one of the best views in the region. From the balcony you look straight across to the jagged Cerro Lopez. There is a tea house nearby where the locals gather, and the short walk down to the lakeshore is lovely at golden hour.
4. Taste your way down the chocolate shops
Bariloche calls itself the chocolate capital of Argentina, and the main streets are lined with shops where staff ladle free samples from warm copper pots. I walked the Calle Mitre stretch and let myself taste everything from dark truffles to the famous stuffed alfajores. Local names like Rapa Nui and Mamuschka do their own production on site, and the smell alone is worth the visit. Bring an empty bag, because you will leave with more than you planned.
5. Island-hop the lakes to Isla Victoria
Boats leave the city port several times a day and cross Nahuel Huapi to the forested Isla Victoria. I took the morning cruise, which cuts across open water past small islands before landing at the dock. The island has walking trails through ancient woodland and an old forest station, and you can tack on the guided walk to the Arrayanes forest on the far point. It is a full day out and the lake crossing is the best part.
6. Stand at the San Carlos viewpoint on Cerro Otto
The Cerro Otto gondola glides up a short ride to a plateau above town. At the top I found a rotating restaurant and a set of trails that fan out along the ridge. The panorama over Bariloche, the lake, and the ring of peaks is hard to beat, and the way down can be done on foot for a solid hike. On crisp days the wind up there bites, so pack a jacket even in summer.
7. Try the Swiss guard confiteria and fondue scene
The town was founded by Swiss and German settlers, and that heritage lives on in the bakeries and fondue restaurants. I had a dinner of bubbling cheese fondue followed by a chocolate version, both served with plenty of crusty bread. Thick hot chocolate is everywhere too, and the little guard outside the shops on winter afternoons is a lovely ritual. Book tables early on weekends because these places fill up fast.
8. Take the Pire Hueca chairlift for a trail walk
Just outside town the Pire Hueca lift runs through open forest to a large grassy area with views over the lake and the city below. I rode up and hiked a loop through the woods, stopping at the lookout that faces Cerro Catedral. It is a gentler alternative to the bigger mountains and ideal if you want an easy afternoon out. The path along the ridgeline gives a different angle on the whole basin.
9. Walk the waterfront at Puerto Pañuelo
Puerto Pañuelo is the small port where many of the lake cruises and fishing boats dock, and the little jetty is one of my favourite spots in Bariloche. The walk around it passes a pebble beach and larch trees that lean over the clear water. In the right light the lake turns turquoise and the snowy hills loom right above. It is quick, free, and surprisingly peaceful despite the traffic of boats.
10. Save room for the Cable Carril del Nahuel Huapi
One of the newest additions to town is the Nahuel Huapi cable car, which runs from the city up the hillside in a long arc over the lake. I took it near sunset and watched the lights of Bariloche flicker on as the gondola swung over the water. It reconnects the historic Colonia Suiza area with the centre and adds a passing view that no road gives you. The best time is the last run of the day.
Bariloche surprised me by being more than a ski town. It is a place of deep lakes, forested ridges, and a warm food culture that deserves more than a day. Pack layers, bring an appetite, and leave plenty of slack in your schedule to pull over at the views. You will want the slack.
