San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina: A Short Travel Guide

San Carlos de Bariloche, commonly referred to simply as Bariloche, is a small city in the Patagonia region of Argentina. It sits on the southern shores of the magnificent Nahuel Huapi, a glacial lake surrounded by the Andes Mountains. This picturesque natural setting is complemented by charming Swiss alpine-style architecture. The city is also a popular base for outdoor adventures. In this travel guide, we share our top things to do in Bariloche as well as great places to stay, eat, and drink.

Circuito Chico viewpoint

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Check out our video about Bariloche to see the best things to do through our camera!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4NZhEX5jQ0

Things To Do In Bariloche

• Explore the City Center (Learn about German immigration and history on a German walking tour)

• Try Bariloche delicacies (Calle Mitre is filled with chocolate shops, but also try the Swiss fondue in one of the many restaurants that line this street or savor fresh Patagonian trout or Argentinian steak)

• Kayak on Moreno Lake (Rent your kayak at one of the small businesses next to the bridge at Playa del Moreno Sin Viento)

• Drive or take the cable car to Cerro Otto

• Hike to Refugio Frey

• Drive the 7 Lakes Route (Rent a car or take a guided day tour)

• Day trip to Villa La Angostura (Los Arrayanes National Park, Playa Río Bonito, San Patricio bay & Río Correntoso)

• Visit Colonia Suiza (& try traditional "curanto" on Wednesdays or Saturdays)

• Bike the Circuito Chico

• Watch the sunset from Cerro Campanario

Download our Google Map with all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay here.

View from Cerro Campanario

Places To Stay In & Around Bariloche

• Bariloche Town: Bariloche Apart ($$) - clean and modern apartment with comfy bed and fully-equipped kitchen. Good value for money and in the heart of the city center.

• Bariloche Playa Bonita: Casa VanTitter ($$) - Nice bed & breakfast with comfy beds, mountain and lake views. Within 300 metres of Bonita Beach.

• Villa La Angostura: Casa del Lago ($$) - cute and cozy B&B in a quiet part of town with comfy beds

• San Martín de los Andes: Wesley Hostería Boutique ($$) - affordable boutique hotel with comfy bed and delicious breakfast included

Colonia Suiza

Places To Eat And Drink In Bariloche

Bariloche:

• ALMADO: waterfront restaurant with some amazing dishes (the veggie burger is so good!)

• Alto el Fuego: great place for traditional food and wine

• Berlina: Berlina is a pioneer in the Bariloche craft beer scene, and they have several locations around the city. They are known for their innovative beers and delicious pizzas.

• Brooklyn Birrazzería: fantastic pizzas!

• Cerveza Patagonia: located along the Circuito Chico, this is a great brewery to stop and grab a beer!

• CHIMI DELI cocina para TODOS: gluten-free and vegan friendly restaurant

• Chocolates Bonifacio: more local chocolate shop (mid-range prices)

• El Molinito: good brunch/breakfast café (also great for working as well)

• La Cantina de Oveja Negra: great empanadas (try the trout one!) at several locations - the cantina is our favorite though

• La Marmite: great fondue house on the main tourist street (Calle Mitre)

• Mamuschka: delicious high-quality chocolate shop

• Manush: this brewpub has two locations in Bariloche, one in the city center and another at Km 4 on Bustillo Avenue. They have a large selection of beers, and their food menu includes lamb, trout, burgers, and more.

• Rapanui: delicious, on the higher-end chocolate

San Martín de los Andes:

• Café Delirante: great coffee bar (bit more pricey)

• Gina pizzeria - Restaurante: great Italian-style pizza

• La Casona Restaurant: very good restaurant in San Martín de los Andes (we had the daily menu which was great value!)

• Ravel: lovely restaurant with cozy outdoor patio and good bife de lomo & trout

• Ulises: good Argentinian food

Villa La Angostura:

• Café Antibes: lovely coffee shop

• El Capricho Pueblo: great place to watch the sunset while having a beer and some tapas

• Mamuschka: come for the ice cream! so good!

• Parrilla Chop Chop: great Argentinian meats

Swiss fondue at La Marmitre

Map Bariloche

Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay in Bariloche on Google Maps, follow and save the list, do the following:

1. Tap on the link to open it (click button below)

2. Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.

3. Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.
   

If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Bariloche will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.

Save Google Maps Places

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Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Bariloche

• Booking.com for places to stay

• Skyscanner for cheap flights

• GetYourGuide for local tours

• Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals

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Are you having a hard time planning your trip to Bariloche? Get our Interactive Travel Planner to keep it all organized.

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Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles about Argentina:

• Patagonia 5 Must-See Places

• Buenos Aires, Argentina