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You are here: Home / Travel / Americas / South America / 20 Things to Do in Bariloche: Hiking and Other Outdoor Fun

20 Things to Do in Bariloche: Hiking and Other Outdoor Fun

Last Updated: April 18, 2025 // by Rhonda Albom // 34 Comments
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Hiking, cruising and enjoying spectacular views are among the best things to do in Bariloche Argentina
Hiking, cruising, enjoying spectacular views and eating chocolate are among the best things to do in Bariloche Argentina
Hiking, cruising, enjoying spectacular views and eating chocolate are among the best things to do in Bariloche Argentina

Deja vu was strong as we approached San Carlos de Bariloche, a Swiss-influenced, quaint mountain town in northern Patagonia. Situated in Argentina’s Lakes District, Bariloche overlooks the stunning glacial Lake Nahuel Huapi. Winter skiing and summer hiking are the top activities. Whenever you visit, you will discover a vast number of outdoor things to do in Bariloche.

Log and stone Swiss chalet-style buildings line the streets that feature chocolate shops, tour companies, exclusive boutiques, restaurants, and stunning views.

Things to do in Bariloche: Short Circuit through Llao Llao Municipal Park

Rather than taking an organized tour, we opted to do the Short Circuit with a private driver. It’s a popular tourist route, although we added a hike. In order: we took a chairlift up Cerro Campanario; admired Hotel Llao Llao; hiked through the Sendero Arrayanes; and, stopped at a hidden lake, a viewpoint, a mountain cemetery, and finally at Punto Panorámico. Highlights include:

Cerro Campanario

If you have time to do only one thing in the region, enjoying the views from the top of Cerro Campanario should be it. A masterpiece of nature, the unparalleled views feature Lake Nahuel Huapi and the San Pedro Peninsula. We took the inexpensive chair lift to the top, a seemingly better option than hiking, which saved our energy for exploring the mountain.

Seeing the view from Cerro Campanario is one of the best things to do in Bariloche Argentina
View from Cerro Campanario.

Sendero Arrayanes trail

The three-kilometre Sendero Arrayanes trail is one of many inside the Llao Llao Municipal Park. However, it isn’t an option in the prescheduled tours. We enjoyed a peaceful hike through the dense forest, with the highlight being the Arrayanes trees.

Towards the end of the trail, we detoured to enjoy views of Petito Moreno Lake.

Arayan Forest in Llao Llao Municipal Park, Argentina
Arrayanes trees on a side loop of the Sendero Arrayanes trail.

Lago Escondido

Lake Escondido translates to Hidden Lake. The fifteen-minute walk brought us to a pretty lake, although this was the least impressive of the day’s views. After Hidden Lake, we made a quick stop at Bahia Lopez for another similar view; only, looking straight at the sun, it wasn’t ideal for photos.

Lake Escondido (Hidden Lake) is in Llao Llao Municipal Park in the Lakes District of Argentina.
Hidden Lake

Mountain Cemetery (Cementerio del Montañes)

It’s a short climb to a peaceful cemetery that is a bit overgrown in areas. This is the final resting place offered to those who lost their lives on the mountain.

Mountain Cemetery above Bariloche Argentina
Mountain Cemetery.

Punto Panorámico

Another lookout, this one overlooking Perito Moreno Lake from the south.

Punto Panoramico overooks Perito Moreno Lake

Short circuit tour

This four-hour tour is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the short circuit, without doing any of their own planning. Many of the tours start out in town; however, this one will pick up for the major hotels. There is time to take the optional chairlift to Cerro Campanario and enjoy the incredible views we shared above.
⇒ Reserve your short circuit tour here

Things to do in Bariloche: Nahuel Huapi National Park

Boat to Isla Victoria

Half the fun of this adventure is the scenic boat ride from shore to the small island of Isla Victoria, located inside Nahuel Huapi National Park. We sailed on the Modesta Victoria, a beautiful wooden boat that has served multiple world leaders.
⇒ Reserve boat trip to the Victoria Island here

Our first stop was at Quetrihue Peninsula, home to the world’s only myrtle forest. Myrtle is normally a bush, but on this peninsula, it grows to a tree.

The wooden boat, Modesta Victoria, is seen from Quetrihue Peninsula
Modesta Victoria seen from Quetrihue Peninsula.
Myrtle Forest on Quetrihue Peninsula in Argentina
World’s only remaining myrtle forest on the Quetrihue Peninsula.

Once on Isla Victoria, we found cave drawings from the former indigenous population that once lived here, as well as easy hiking or a beach. While other tourists swam, we found the glacial water too cold to enjoy, despite it being the height of summer.

Playa del Toro on Isla Victoria Argentina
Playa del Toro on Isla Victoria.
Cave paintings on Victoria Island on Baraloche Argentina

Cruce Andino to Puerto Montt

This all-day adventure crossing the Andes is one of the highlights of our nine weeks in South America. It took us five buses and three boats, all through magnificent scenes. It’s not the most economical way to cross the Andes (that would be a 5-hour bus ride), but Cruce Andino is one activity we believe to be worth the money.

What to do in Bariloche in town

Take a free walking tour

One of the best introductions to the city is free. Four times daily, there is a free walking tour starting near the statue in Centro Cívico. Tour times are 11 am, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm.

Importantly, the tour is conducted in Spanish. Many of the guides are bilingual, and if you ask they will translate most of the tour to English. We found it to be an excellent way to discover some of the places below.

Centro Cívico

If you have travelled to Switzerland, a feeling of deja vu will be even stronger as you enter the Civic Centre Square. For us, a barrel-carrying St Bernard, used as a photographer’s prop, amplified that familiar feeling.

Swiss style buildings in Civic Center in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Civic Center in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.

Feria de Artesanos Market

Just around the corner from the main square is a handicraft market that is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. It’s small but loaded with interesting craft items.

Feria de Artesanos Market in Bariloche Argentina

Walk along the lakefront

Wear a wind jacket if you have one. Even in the height of summer, we felt a cool breeze as we walked along the waterfront. The endless views are ever-changing. If you should notice something unusual, it could be Nahuelito, the Lochness Monster of Bariloche.

The Nahuel Huapi Lake in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Lake Nahuel Huapi on a windy day.

Remember to look inland as well, or you might miss the Chemamules – the wooden people that serve as the protectors of the lake. They all face in the same direction.

Chemamules near the Cathedral in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Chemamules near the cathedral.

Museum of Patagonia (Museo de la Patagonia)

A provincial museum, it took us only an hour to go through as we explored the natural and cultural history of the region including indigenous artefacts. It’s an excellent introduction to the region’s history. The museum is closed on Sunday and Monday.

Museum of Patagonia is one of the best indoor things to do in Bariloche, Argentina.
Museum of Patagonia.

Chocolate

For chocolate lovers, like me, Bariloche is a different kind of paradise. Despite the plethora of healthy options out there, this is the town to eat and shop for chocolate decadence. One shop after the next line the street, many offering samples to anyone who enters.

Catedral de San Carlos de Bariloche

Facing east to catch the morning sun, the beautiful Cathedral of San Carlos de Bariloche remains unfinished. Designed in 1946 by Alejandro Bustillo, it is pointy to be closer to God (according to our guide). It is a few blocks off the Centro Cívico, but worth the walk.

Reaching up to God, this is the Cathedral of San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina

Our guide told an interesting story about the church’s Virgin Mary statue:

In 1672, gifted to the then mission, the statue was renamed the Virgin of the Nahuel Huapi Mission. However, when the Mission was ransacked in 1717, the statue was stripped of its clothing and finery and left at the edge of the lake, while the Mission itself was burnt. There are conflicting stories as to what happened next. Our guide said she floated away, ending up on the island of Chiloé, where the Church of Achao was built for her. It was renamed Our Lady of Loreto and remains on Chiloé to this day. In 2004, to end the debate as to where she belongs, an exact replica was made, and that is the statue we see today in Bariloche.

Other things to do in San Carlos de Bariloche that we skipped

  • Cerro Catedral: This is the number one ski area in the winter with 38 lifts, nearly 1000 meters of verticle drop, and views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. While it offers lovely views in the summer, we were more than satisfied with what we saw from Cerro Campanario. In summer reserve a tour of the Cerro Catedral mountain base here.
  • Day trip to El Bolsón: About 2 hours away is El Bolsón, a German-influenced town famous for cheese, berries, beer, organic farming, hiking, and healthy lifestyle. Explore the town with a guided tour including three lakes, an outdoor market, food and beer samples, and more.
    ⇒ Reserve your El Bolsón tour here.
  • Chocolate Museum (Museo del chocolate Bariloche): we have no excuse for missing a Chocolate Museum. We simply ran out of time.
  • Cerro Tronador: I wasn’t sure where to put this on the page, as we did see Cerro Tronador, the tallest mountain in the region, during our adventure with Cruce Andino. Tronador reaches a height of 3470 metres.
Mount Tronador in Chile
Cerro Tronador, the region’s tallest volcano, seen while on our Cruce Andino passage.

How to get to Bariloche

One can either fly or take a bus from Buenos Aires to Bariloche. We flew, and it was quick and easy. You can search for the best deals on Expedia flights.

The bus takes 24 hours. While they are nice buses, reported to be comfortable, it is too long for me.

Which ever you choose, you can find your transport to get from Buenos Aires to Bariloche here.

A cool way to depart Bariloche

We travelled with Cruce Andino across water and land to Puerto Montt in Chile. It was one of the highlights of our time in South America. Read the full review of our Cruce Andino adventure. Or, book your Cruce Andino adventure here.

Where to stay in Bariloche

Famous Llao Llao Resort and Golf-Spa in Bariloche Argentina
Llao Llao Resort.
  • Llao Llao Resort and Golf-Spa: This is perhaps the most famous of the Bariloche hotels and has won accolades over time. Surrounded by the mountains, the views are on par with the five-star service. The only downside, which is a plus to many, is that it is away from town.
  • Hotel Ayres Del Nahuel: This is where we stayed, a friendly, local hotel filled with character. The location was ideal, just a block off the main road, and we could walk to everywhere we wanted to go in town.
  • Cacique Inacayal Lake Hotel & Spa: Also in town, this four-star lakefront option offers spectacular views and elegant accommodations.

Bariloche restaurants: Where and what to eat in Bariloche

Mamuschka Chocoates in San Carlos de Baraloche, Argentina
Mamuschka Chocoates
Acordian player at Familia Weiss Restaurant, San Carlos de Bariloche
Familia Weiss

We obviously didn’t eat at every restaurant. However, we believe these are amongst the best restaurants in Bariloche:

  • Devour delectable chocolate: Whether it’s dark or creamy, block or fancy, you can find it in Bariloche. It’s a true chocolate lover’s paradise. Different people have different favourites, but ours are Mamuschka for decadent chocolate or Rapa Nui for hand-dipped chocolates or ice cream.
  • Feast on parrilla (Argentinean barbecue): While there are many places to eat parrilla in Bariloche, we recommend El Nuevo Gaucho. It was so flavourful and reasonably priced that we ate there twice. We also heard from several people that La Marmite is an excellent choice.
  • Try the local trout: A delicate treat, we enjoyed it along with live accordion music at restaurant Familia Weiss.
  • Click here for photos of our favourite Argentinian foods.

General tips for visiting Bariloche

  • Locals don’t swim in the lake near town, as it is contaminated for swimming (according to our city tour guide).
  • We visited in January, the height of the season. Crowds were thick and prices high. If we were to go back, it would be in swing season, perhaps April before it starts to get too cold.
  • Skiers should visit in winter.
  • Check out our general South America travel safety tips.
  • Although in Argentina, Bariloche is only 43 km from the Chilean border.
  • Bariloche means “people behind mountains.”
  • If you are new to Argentina, you will want to start with this Argentina travel guide.

More from South America

Starting with our South American itinerary and our general safety tips for travelling in the region.

24 Unique Things to Do in Buenos Aires Argentina

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Santos Brazil for Coffee, Beaches and Leaning Buildings

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Chile Travel Tips: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

16 Unique Things to Do in Cordoba Argentina: Cultural Charm

Our South America Boutique Cruise on Azamara Pursuit Review

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Travel Resources

What will you do in Bariloche?

Disclaimer: While in San Carlos de Bariloche, we worked alongside Bariloche Turismo, the government-sponsored tourism board. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.

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Category: South AmericaTag: Argentina

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anda

    July 18, 2019 at 8:01 am

    This post makes me a little envious because we wanted to go to Bariloche very badly when we first visited Argentina. We even had hotel reservations and plane tickets, but our plans have been turned upside down by that unforeseen volcanic eruption in Chile. For a while a forgot about Bariloche, but seeing your beautiful picture I’d really love to go see it. This is indeed my kind of place!

    Reply
  2. Sharon

    July 13, 2019 at 11:02 am

    How beautiful! I love the forest of myrtles, as well as all the water. It’s interesting that Swiss influence is found here.

    Reply
  3. Katherine

    July 13, 2019 at 2:30 am

    What a gorgeous town with beautiful surroundings! I think taking the chairlift to the top of the mountain was a fantastic idea to save your legs. You had the energy to explore everything, including the all-important chocolate shops!

    Reply
  4. Lauren

    July 12, 2019 at 11:50 am

    Absolutely dying to get to Bariloche. It’s one of the destinations I wasn’t able to fit in while in South America. One day though- it’s just too damn beautiful!

    Reply
  5. Rajlakshmi

    July 10, 2019 at 11:06 pm

    A stunning place I wish I could visit. The snow capped mountains are so gorgeous to look at.

    Reply
  6. Deb Nance

    July 10, 2019 at 11:03 pm

    A novel place to visit!

    Reply
  7. Alissa A Apel

    July 10, 2019 at 5:03 am

    Those trees that wrap around are just about as pretty as the water shots. What a magical spot!

    Reply
  8. Patrick Weseman

    July 10, 2019 at 3:11 am

    Such a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing it.

    Reply
  9. Marie

    July 9, 2019 at 8:24 pm

    A stunning place to visit with so much to do and see.

    Reply
  10. Carol

    July 9, 2019 at 12:09 pm

    Everything is so gorgeous – love the blue skies.

    Reply
  11. stevebethere

    July 9, 2019 at 11:32 am

    What lovely shots loved those weird shaped tree trunks heheh!

    Thanks for the tour have a tanfastic week 🙂

    Reply
  12. Clare

    July 9, 2019 at 1:49 am

    Boat trips, hiking, beautiful views AND chocolate! Count me in – it sounds delightful.

    Reply
  13. Paul Pietrangelo

    July 9, 2019 at 1:21 am

    Rhonda, all your photos are great but the one that I love the best, is the one about you and your husband. See ya my friend.

    Cruisin Paul

    Reply
  14. Luci

    July 8, 2019 at 12:12 pm

    Oh wow, that is beautiful. It doesn’t look real. I’ve never heard of Bariloche before and I am glad that I have.

    Reply
  15. Lisa

    July 8, 2019 at 5:13 am

    I’m mesmerised in reading this post! I’ve yet to visit South America sadly, and Patagonia in Argentina is high on my list! I’m a chocolate lover too, so was so happy to read this about Bariloche! Lago Escondido is also stunning toooo!

    Reply
  16. Karen

    July 7, 2019 at 4:50 pm

    what an intriguing place. one for off the beaten track lovers.

    Reply
  17. Amy Franks

    July 7, 2019 at 12:07 pm

    That’s quite some amazing scenery, gotta love the gnarled tree roots, makes me wonder how long they’ve been there.

    Reply
  18. alexandra cook

    July 7, 2019 at 12:40 am

    looks like a fun adventure and an enjoyable place to visit, I would really want to go here

    Reply
  19. Phoebe Thomas

    July 6, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    All that chocolate! What a wonderful place, thanks for sharing it.

    Reply
  20. Natalie

    July 6, 2019 at 3:29 pm

    Chocolate and the outdoors, my two favourite things 😊

    Reply
  21. Julie

    July 6, 2019 at 2:51 pm

    Wow what a beautiful place and great tips. Argentina is definitely on my bucket list.

    Reply
  22. Lyn

    July 6, 2019 at 10:14 am

    We have visited Bariloche twice and both times we hired a car. It isn’t a difficult place to drive – although to be fair, David will drive just about anywhere. The other way to cross the Andes if you don’t want to do the bus and boat thing is to drive along The Seven Lakes Drive. It is a great adventure with lots of lovely scenery. The only hard bit is getting your hire care into Chile. It is doable but you have to have the right paper work.

    Reply
  23. L. Diane Wolfe

    July 6, 2019 at 9:20 am

    Pretty! Not what I’d consider South America at all.

    Reply
  24. Sondra Barker

    July 6, 2019 at 8:02 am

    I would love to walk on this trail, those sights are breathtaking! I love that the trail goes through the large trees and you get a lot of shade -Sondra Barker @cuisineandtravel.com

    Reply
  25. Sue-Tanya Mchorgh

    July 6, 2019 at 6:45 am

    I wish I could just pack my bags right now. I am currently trying to see whats possible for 2019 and I think I want to visit Bariloche. Thanks for letting us know about this.

    Reply
  26. Ivelisse

    July 6, 2019 at 5:54 am

    These all look like so much fun! If I wasn’t allergic to chocolate I would have went there as well 🙂

    Reply
  27. Alex J. Cavanaugh

    July 6, 2019 at 4:45 am

    The buildings and scenery are a little like Alaska or Canada. Must be high mountains. Beautiful place. I would love all the trails and hiking.

    Reply
  28. Hailey

    July 6, 2019 at 4:43 am

    Wow that all looks beautiful but I especially love the arrayanes trees! They are so beautiful! I didn’t realize Patagonia was such a diverse place in landscape and things to do. You would have to drag me away from that chocolate shop. 🙂

    Reply
  29. Adam

    July 6, 2019 at 2:35 am

    Oh my gosh, so many interesting facts here. wow, such a stunning place & you photograph it so well. Thanks for the creative post!

    Reply
  30. Chad

    July 6, 2019 at 1:57 am

    Oh the place is gorgeous!!! I would love to spend a few weeks there, that would be so relaxing!!! Thanks a lot for sharing.

    Reply
  31. Sandee

    July 6, 2019 at 1:31 am

    I’d be out on that lake is where I’d be. On a boat would be nice. Lovely shots.

    Have a fabulous day and weekend, Rhonda. ♥

    Reply
  32. Sue Reddel

    July 6, 2019 at 1:03 am

    Having never been to Argentina I was very interested in learning about Bariloche. This part of the world is so lush and beautiful. Thanks for introducing us to this unique destination. I hope to travel there some day.

    Reply
  33. kumamonjeng

    July 5, 2019 at 8:39 pm

    This part of the world looks super unfamiliar to me which I really glad to have learn from this post. The south America is in my bucket list for next year. There arent many of my friends who have visited that part of the world as it is super pricy and far. I really cant wait to visit and experience their culture.

    Reply
  34. Hilary

    July 5, 2019 at 8:19 pm

    Hi Rhonda – well that area looks to be delightful … what an amazing part of the country and so available for us to visit – once we get to Argentina. Love the photos and the tips and tricks – glacial water too cold for me too! Cheers Hilary

    Reply

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