Discovering Bariloche, Argentina: A Journey of Love and Infatuation After Three Visits

This is my third visit to Bariloche, and this time it’s during the peak of summer, a bustling season. I still can’t help but fall in love with this place; how could there be such a charming and cozy destination? This isn’t a travel guide—I’ve already written two, one for winter and one for summer. This time, I’ll simply share my experiences, which might be helpful for others.

For this trip, I decided to drive myself, booking a car in advance to pick up at the airport. I arrived late on the first day, so I headed straight to the homestay (Figure 8). The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, I set off for Aerosilla Cerro Campanario, where you can take a cable car to enjoy breathtaking views of the lakes (Figure 6).

The journey there was equally enchanting (Figure 3), and Bariloche truly lives up to its nickname as the “Little Switzerland of South America.” After that, I made my way to Llao Llao, where I had lunch and marveled at the stunning vistas (Figure 2). Then, I drove around the small circuit (Circuito Chico) (Figure 4).

Upon returning, I relaxed and enjoyed a delicious dinner downtown, rounding off the day perfectly.

On the third day, I embarked on the large circuit (Circuito Grande). The route is easy to find; just ask the locals. It overlaps partly with the Seven Lakes route and passes through Villa La Angostura (Figure 1, Figure 5). This scenic drive is quite long and takes a full day. There are several quaint towns along the way, making it easy to find a spot for lunch. The return journey was extremely congested, taking nearly 12 hours, but the beautiful scenery made the long drive worthwhile.

On the fourth day, I had initially planned to go hiking in El Bolsón, but I was too tired from the previous day. I spent the morning resting at the homestay until the afternoon. After having lunch at a local restaurant, I strolled around the city center and discovered a picturesque lake not far from the heart of the city (Figure 7).

I returned the car to the downtown drop-off point, bought some snacks for the bus ride to Chile, and walked back to the homestay feeling refreshed. The natural beauty and pleasant climate here have a rejuvenating effect, and even a simple walk can revitalize your spirit. I really love it.

That’s about it. Bariloche always has something new to offer, and there are still many hidden gems to explore. I will definitely come back again.