Top Things To Do In Bariloche: A Patagonia Paradise Of Lakes, Chocolate And Adventure

San Carlos de Bariloche, a city in Argentina, is breathtakingly located at the mesmerising foothills of the popular Andes Mountains. With its lovely alpine architectural style, this city is charmed with crystal-clear lakes and snow-capped mountains which provide a fusion of cultural, culinary and adventurous activities. Skiing in winter and hiking with kayaking in summer are some of the activities this city has to offer throughout the year making it a true paradise for adventure lovers. With exquisite chocolate inspired by the Swiss, beautiful landscapes, and lively nightlife, this city in Argentina attracts tourists from all over the globe for a memorable trip.

Things To Do In Bariloche

Here’s a list of the top 10 things to do in Bariloche for an unforgettable trip.

1. Explore Nahuel Huapi National Park

Photo: Daniel P. Gauer / Wikimedi Commons

Nahuel Huapi National Park is a natural reserve which is around Nahuel Huapi Lake, the largest glacier lake in Argentina. This park has wildlife and stunning viewpoints for spotting the animals. Nature lovers would be pleased to see the hiking trails which have breathtaking sights. It is one of the most beautiful places in Argentina, and among the top places in the world to go on a nature trip. Relaxing boat tours are also available which enables exploration of hidden islands and tranquil waters which is needed for every outdoor lover’s passion and admiration.

Best Time To Visit: October to April

2. Take The Chairlift To Cerro Campanario

Photo: Hiroki Ogawa / Wikimedia Commons

Cerro Campanario is a must-visit viewpoint in Bariloche, offering one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Argentina. A scenic chairlift ride takes you up 1,050 meters (3,445 feet) to a summit with 360-degree views of the region’s stunning landscapes, including Nahuel Huapi Lake, Moreno Lake, and the surrounding Andes mountains. Many visitors claim that the vista from Cerro Campanario is one of the best in the world. At the top, there’s a small café where you can enjoy coffee or hot chocolate while admiring the landscape.

Best Time To Visit: Autumn and Spring

3. Ski Or Snowboard At Cerro Catedral

Photo: Kham Tran / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

For winter sports enthusiasts, Cerro Catedral is Argentina’s largest and most popular ski resort. The resort offers ski and snowboard rentals, professional instructors, and cosy lodges, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travellers. If you’re an experienced skier, you’ll love the off-piste routes and challenging descents. Even if you’re not into skiing, Cerro Catedral is worth visiting for its breathtaking winter landscapes. You can take a gondola ride up the mountain for panoramic views of the snow-covered Andes or enjoy snowshoeing and tubing.

Best Time To Visit: June to September

4. Walk Around The Civic Center

Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons

Bariloche’s Civic Center is the heart of the town, where history, culture, and Alpine-style architecture come together. The square is surrounded by historic stone and wooden buildings, inspired by Swiss and German design, giving the town a European charm. It is home to the Museum of Patagonia, which provides insight into the region’s indigenous cultures, early explorers, and wildlife. The square is also a popular gathering spot, often filled with street musicians, artists, and food vendors selling traditional Argentine snacks like empanadas and choripán.

Best Time To Visit: Christmas

5. Taste The Famous Bariloche Chocolate

Photo: Diego Gabriel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Bariloche is often referred to as Argentina’s Chocolate Capital, and for good reason. Thanks to its European heritage, the town is home to some of the best artisan chocolate makers in the country. Walking along Mitre Street, the main shopping avenue, you’ll find a variety of chocolate shops offering everything from classic milk chocolate to unique Patagonian flavours infused with berries, nuts, and even whiskey. Some of the most famous chocolate shops include Mamuschka, Rapa Nui, and Havanna, where you can sample handcrafted treats made with premium ingredients.

Best Time To Visit: All round the year

6. Hike To Refugio Frey

Photo: Justraveling.com / Wikimedia Commons

Said to be one of the most breathtaking and fulfilling hikes in Bariloche, the trek to Refugio Frey is heaven for nature enthusiasts as well as adventure lovers. It is a well-known popular day hike but many trekkers tend to spend a night or two at the refuge and soak in the calm mountain vibe. The trek is of moderate difficulty which makes it suitable for people with some experience in hiking. On the way, you will see beautiful views of the Andean region, and some wildlife, and take in the clean air of Patagonia.

Best Time To Visit: December to March

7. Take A Boat Trip To Isla Victoria

Photo: Elida Magariños / Wikimedia Commons

An excursion by boat to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest showcases nature and history in its most stunning form. Known for its compelling ancient woods, the largest island in the Nahuel Huapi Lake has sand beaches and hiking trails, Isla Victoria has it all. It is a great place for nature walks and photography as it shelters native animals including deer and other exotic birds. The boat tour also includes a stop at the Arrayanes Forest which is a fairy-tale-like forest with its remarkable arryanes trees which are some of the oldest trees which are over three hundred years old.

Best Time To Visit: October to April

8. Drive The Seven Lakes Route

Photo: eberhard grossgasteiger / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

For one of the most scenic road trips in Argentina, drive the Seven Lakes Route between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes. This 110-kilometre (68-mile) journey winds through the Andean mountains, passing seven stunning glacial lakes, each with its unique colour and landscape. Along the way, you’ll drive through thick forests, rolling hills, and snow-capped peaks, making it one of the most picturesque routes in Patagonia. The lakes, including Lago Espejo, Lago Correntoso, and Lago Villarino, provide opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking.

Best Time To Visit: October to March

9. Visit Colonia Suiza

Photo: Jmmuguerza / Wikimedia Commons

Just 25 kilometres from Bariloche, Colonia Suiza is a charming Swiss-inspired village that transports visitors back in time and helps them create memories for a lifetime. Established by Swiss and German immigrants in the 19th century, this quaint village is known for its traditional architecture, artisan markets, and cultural heritage. Every Wednesday and Sunday, Colonia Suiza hosts a famous food fair, where visitors can try curanto, a Patagonian dish that is cooked underground with hot stones.

Best Time To Visit: Sundays

10. Relax At A Brewery With Mountain Views

Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Bariloche has become a top destination for craft beer lovers, with numerous breweries offering locally brewed flavours. Some of the best breweries include Cervecería Patagonia, Berlina, and Manush, where you can enjoy a cold pint while admiring breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains. These breweries serve a variety of local beers, from hoppy IPAs and smooth stouts to refreshing wheat beers infused with local ingredients. Travel to this location and have the best time of your life with family and friends.

Best Time To Visit: All year round

These things to do in San Carlos de Bariloche are a dream destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to relax in a breathtaking Alpine setting. From hiking through the Andes and exploring crystal-clear lakes to indulging in local chocolate and craft beer, there’s something for everyone. Whether you visit in winter for skiing or in summer for outdoor adventures, Bariloche’s beauty never disappoints. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again. Plan your trip with TripXL to experience the best of Bariloche and make unforgettable memories in this Patagonian paradise.

Cover Photo: Bautista Da Costa Castro / Wikimedia Commons

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