Ultimate Travel Guide to Bariloche, Argentine Patagonia: Explore Hidden Gems & Adventures

Bariloche, nestled in the heart of Argentina between Calafate and Buenos Aires, is just a short flight away from both cities, taking just over an hour. Perched at an altitude of around 800 meters, this charming town sits on the shores of the vast Nahuel Huapi Lake, encircled by majestic mountains. During the winter months, it transforms into one of South America’s premier ski destinations.

The city is designed with a ski resort vibe, reminiscent of North American favorites like Aspen and Vail. The main urban area is separated from the ski slopes, with the closest, Cerro Catedral, located several kilometers away. This layout adds to the unique charm and adventure of Bariloche.

In my experience, four days in Bariloche can be quite sufficient, though I ended up extending my stay to six days due to my travel and accommodation arrangements 😂. My initial plan was to spend a few days hiking, but I discovered that the trails are not within easy reach of the city. A bus ride to the nearest trailhead takes at least 40 minutes, and more remote areas like Pampa Linda require several hours, making them more suitable for serious camping enthusiasts rather than day-trippers.

Despite its compact size, the city offers a convenient and comfortable stay. The main urban area is dotted with cozy three-star hotels, and everything you need—dining, shopping, and booking day trips—is right at your fingertips. Strolling along the lake is a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

If you have the opportunity, consider spending a night at the luxurious Llao Llao Hotel, located 12 km from the city center. The hotel’s stunning gardens and private lake access are a real treat, reserved exclusively for guests. At the base of the hotel, you’ll find Puerto Panuelo, a bustling port that serves as the gateway to Isla Victoria.

For day trips, I ventured out on the Lago Siete (7 Lakes) route and to Isla Victoria, both of which were enjoyable. However, it’s worth noting that the guides primarily speak Spanish, which can be a challenge if you don’t understand the language. On the 7 Lakes tour, a bilingual American tourist kindly helped me with translations, but otherwise, much of the information was left to guesswork.

The 7 Lakes day trip costs 32,000 pesos and involves a full day of scenic driving, stopping at various lakes for photos and rest. The journey starts at 8 am and concludes at 5:30 pm, with a lunch break in the picturesque town of San Martin. While there, I tried to visit the Che Guevara museum, but it opened at 6 pm, so I missed out.

On the way back, we passed through Villa La Angostura, a charming town with a bustling main street that reminded me of a Colorado city, complete with quaint shops and delicious ice cream parlors.

For the Isla Victoria trip, I specifically chose a tour with an English-speaking guide. The tour departs at 1 pm and returns at 7:30 pm. Although the advertised group price is 54,000 pesos, additional boat taxes bring the total to 70,000 pesos. Personally, I found it more enjoyable than the 7 Lakes tour.

The guide, an elderly, slender man with completely white hair, occasionally spoke a few rehearsed English phrases to me, as I was the only non-Spanish speaker. When I asked him questions, his responses were often off the mark.

The tour includes visits to two islands: Arrangya and Isla Victoria, with the latter being significantly larger. Arrangya offers a short 800-meter trail, while Isla Victoria, as shown on the map, can be explored for up to two hours. What truly amazed me about Isla Victoria were the giant redwood trees; I had no idea they existed outside the United States. These towering giants inspire a genuine sense of awe.

In addition to these two day trips, if the weather is favorable, you can take a scenic cable car ride up to Cerro Otto in the city, offering breathtaking views.