Feb 4, 2026
Bariloche is a city that surprises upon arrival. Nestled by Lake Nahuel Huapi and surrounded by mountains, it gives the impression of being an alpine resort located in the south of Argentina. And this is not a coincidence.
The city developed in the early 20th century under the influence of European immigrants, particularly Swiss and Germans, who came to settle in this region of Patagonia. The architecture, love of chocolate, wooden chalets, and even the ski culture are directly inherited from that time. Today, Bariloche has become a major destination, both for Argentinians and foreign travelers, in summer and winter.
It is a city where one quickly feels on vacation, and where the scenery clearly does part of the work.
What to do in the city of Bariloche?
Let’s be honest, Bariloche is not a city with a rich cultural heritage. And that's not why people come here.
The logical starting point remains the Museum of Patagonia, located in the central square, the Civic Center. The museum allows one to understand the history of the region, from the original peoples to the arrival of European settlers. A quick visit, but enough to contextualize the place.
ARGENTINA
Buenos
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San Carlos
of Bariloche
If you want to add a church to your itinerary, the Catedral Nuestra Señora del Nahuel Huapi is worth a visit. Built of stone, it blends perfectly into the landscape and offers a simple yet elegant interior.
Next, the best thing to do is simply to stroll around. Bariloche functions as a mountain resort. Shops, ice cream parlors open late, restaurants, and a very lively atmosphere in the evening. Prices are clearly higher than in other Argentine cities, including for food, so it is useless to hope to find good deals here.
The road of the 7 lakes:
The Seven Lakes Route connects San Martín de los Andes to Bariloche. This road offers you stunning viewpoints over the lakes in the region as well as beautiful beaches for swimming! It takes about 4 hours to drive the route without stopping, but that would mean missing out on the main attractions.
Three options are available for exploring the route:
Rent a car, drive halfway, sleep along the way, and then continue the next day
Only do part of the route and return to the starting point within the same day
Hitchhike, which works very well here, with campgrounds along the way
Main stops to consider:
Lago Correntoso (a very beautiful place for a picnic)
Lago Espejo (a fairly busy lake)
Lago Escondido (we turned back at this lake to head home)
Lago Villarino
Lago Falkner
Lago Machónico
Where to rent a car in Bariloche? (To drive the 7 lakes route)
We have identified several reliable rental companies with reasonable prices:
Going Rent a Car
Autobahn Rent a Car
Premium Rent A Car Bariloche (close to the station, this is the one we took)
Once again, you will find all the addresses on the Google map!
Where to sleep in Bariloche?
We were fortunate to be able to compare several hostels thanks to our encounters on site.
Our favorite
La Justina Hostel
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YwY1R3XyLz6kK8xM6
Aside from the ten-minute walk from the main avenue, this hostel is where we felt the most comfortable. Fully equipped kitchen, well-thought-out common areas for sharing meals, breakfast included, clean rooms, and comfortable beds. The atmosphere is calm, without organized parties, but conducive to exchanges. You can have dinner late without disturbing anyone, which is rare in a hostel.
For a very social atmosphere
Rooftop 1008 Hostel
A hostel very focused on meetings and events, with a magnificent view of the mountains. It was recommended to us several times but was fully booked during our stay. If you are traveling during Argentine holidays, you need to book in advance.
A good compromise
Like Quijote HostelMix between calm and social life. The only downside is its slightly out-of-the-way location, requiring you to walk or take an Uber. According to feedback, the rooms are clean, the beds comfortable, and the kitchen well equipped.
What Bariloche Offers
The best cable cars in Bariloche
The first is the Cerro Viejo Cable Car, which takes you to a viewpoint offering a magnificent view of the lake and its surroundings. But the best is yet to come: the descent on a sled! You can race to see who descends the fastest: fun guaranteed! The price is 6,000 pesos.
The second is the Cerro Otto Cable Car, a little further away, which you can reach by buses 50, 51, or 20. It takes you directly to the top of the mountain, where you can admire the entire region! You can explore the surroundings and have lunch at the restaurant that offers a 360° view! Prices are not excessive at the restaurant, but the ascent and descent cost us 25,000 pesos in 2026.
The best hikes in Bariloche
We are not hiking experts, but by combining our experiences with those of other travelers, here is what stands out.
The bus 20 is the key to accessing the main hiking departures. It goes along the main avenue by the lake. Payment by card directly on the bus, flat rate. The schedules indicated on Google Maps are reliable.
Refugio Frey
This is the most frequently mentioned hike. About 20 km round trip, day hike, with a beautiful variety of landscapes. Once at the refuge, it is possible to sleep on site and continue the next day.
The refuges that follow are:
Refugio Frey
Refugio Jakob
Refugio Laguna Negra
Refugio López
Llao Llao
Less demanding, perfect if you want a shorter hike. Moderate difficulty, very pleasant landscapes, easily accessible by bus.
Where to eat and drink in Bariloche:
The essential question after a day outdoors.
Our favorite place remains Sherpas, for its well-filled wraps, the quality of the products, and the option to take away. Perfect before or after a hike. We even went back to Bariloche just to eat there again. Bariloche is a city where one eats well, but only if you know where to go. Prices are often higher than elsewhere in Argentina, so it’s best to choose places that are really worth the detour.
Our tested and recommended addresses
Sherpas
A sure bet. Well-filled wraps, fresh products, and a perfect option if you’re preparing for a hike. You can eat on-site or take away. We even returned specifically after leaving the city.PATÁN Belgrano
A modern place, with a varied and well-executed menu. Ideal for a quiet meal after a day outdoors, in a refined atmosphere without being pretentious.
Empanada Gallardo Point
Perfect for a quick and inexpensive meal. The empanadas are generous and flavorful, ideal for a lunch break or before hitting the road again.Potenza Fuego Restaurant
A great option to explore fire-cooked cuisine, with well-prepared meats. The portions are generous and the atmosphere recalls the grand Patagonian tables.Rapanui
Local institution. Both a chocolate shop and an ice cream parlor, it's the go-to place for a sweet break. Very popular, but the quality is there.Corteza
A warm restaurant, with a menu focused on comfort food. Perfect in the evening, especially when the temperatures drop.El Boliche de Alberto
One of the most famous parrillas in the city. Quality meats, expertly cooked and a typically Argentine atmosphere. Prices are high, but consistent with the reputation.
El Molinito
A simpler and more local alternative for enjoying good meat or a classic Argentine dish, without frills.El Piso Café & Cava Oculta
A more intimate place, perfect for having a drink in a cozy atmosphere. Good selection of wines and a pleasant setting to end the day quietly.. Parrilla Bodegón La Esquina
A friendly address, also frequented by locals. Simple, efficient cuisine, and generous portions. A good compromise between quality and price.
Bariloche, for whom?
Bariloche is ideal if you love nature, spectacular landscapes, and accessible hikes. It is not a city bustling with urban activities or a budget-friendly destination, but the environment more than makes up for it and often is the reason people come. It is a stop that breathes, especially after several large cities.
What will the weather be like for your trip?
Bariloche is ideal if you love nature, spectacular landscapes, and accessible hikes. It is not a city bustling with urban activities or a budget-friendly destination, but the environment more than makes up for it and often is the reason people come. It is a stop that breathes, especially after several large cities.
