Discover Bariloche, Argentina: Your Ultimate Guide to South America’s Little Switzerland

Bariloche is known as the “Little Switzerland of South America,” featuring a town that resembles those found in the Alps, glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and rich, pristine rainforests [Laughing]. Whether you’re looking for a secluded getaway or a place to relax with friends, it’s truly stunning [Blushing].

⭐ This guide is also very friendly for beginners who want to enjoy relatively easy hikes and short trips.

1. Duration of the trip: It is recommended to spend 3-4 days, with half a day to a full day reserved for exploring the town and buying souvenirs, and 2-3 full days for half-day or full-day tours organized by travel agencies.

2. How to get there: You can fly there, and tickets can be purchased on the official website or through travel apps. ❗ It is suggested to buy your tickets about 15 days in advance, as last-minute tickets tend to be more expensive.

⚠️ Delays are very common with low-cost airlines to Bariloche, so it’s advisable to prepare in advance or choose Aerolíneas Argentinas. For detailed tips on purchasing air tickets, refer to my post on [Domestic Flights in Argentina] on my homepage.

3. Hotel selection: It is recommended to stay in the town of Bariloche, where prices are not high. On Mitre Street in the town, there are supermarkets, restaurants, markets, various chocolate shops, and travel agencies, making life and getting around convenient.

⚠️ Check-out times are generally quite early, usually at 10 or 11 in the morning. During the off-season, you can try negotiating a later check-out time with the hotel.

⚠️ Hotels generally do not provide slippers, so remember to bring your own 😂

⚠️ Hotels typically do not provide bottled water, so you can buy some in advance from a supermarket.

⭐ If your budget allows, you might also consider staying at the most famous five-star hotel in the area, llaollao. The hotel features an infinity pool, multiple restaurants, and excellent service. It’s just a five-minute walk from the hotel to the cruise port, Puerto Pañuelo, where hiking trips start.

4. How to book tours: It is recommended to book your tours immediately after checking in 🚶🏻‍♀️. There are many travel agency offices in the town, and prices are transparent. Sometimes, booking multiple tours with the same agency can get you a package discount, and paying in cash often comes with a discount as well, so remember to ask in advance.

Turisur: This is a large travel agency. The boat used to go to the island is the Victoria, a large ship that offers a smoother ride.

Other smaller travel agencies: They use smaller boats to go to the island, which may be bumpier, but the advantage is that each guide will have fewer tourists, making it more suitable for those who want to communicate more with the guide.

⚠️ Make sure to ask if the guide speaks English. Most local guides speak only Spanish, with only a few speaking English.

⚠️ Go to the travel agency early to book your tours, as they close in the evening.

⚠️ If you’re planning to set sail, make sure to pick up some motion sickness medication from your local pharmacy ahead of time. This simple step can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey on the water.