Lonely PlanetSep 21, 2026
A Guide to Bariloche in Argentina’s Lake District
Bariloche is an adventure hub, a chocolate lover’s fever dream and the gateway to Patagonia. Find tips on transportation, sights and costs in this guide.
25 things in this story
- Cerro CatedralSightSki, snowboard or snowmobile here in winter.
- National Chocolate FestivalFestivalHeld in the offseason months of April.
- Circuito ChicoSightA scenic drive to plan for one day.
- Parque Nacional Nahuel HuapiSightSpans 7050 sq km with hikes for all abilities.
- Cerro CampanarioSightTop reached by chairlift or hiking trail.
- Lago Nahuel HuapiSightViews broaden as you climb Cerro Campanario.
- Colonia SuizaNeighborhoodIt is located about 25 km from the city of San Carlos de Bariloche at the foot of Cerro López.
- NeuquénSightProvince visible from the top of Cerro Campanario.
- Playa BonitaSightAcross the shore from the former nuclear project.
- Planeta KayakPlaceBook a summer day tour to the island.
- Cascada de los DuendesTrailHiked in under 15 minutes near Lago Gutiérrez.
- Refugio Frey to Refugio LopezTrailMulti-day trek past meadows and glacial lakes.
- Cerro Las BuitrerasTrailLesser-known trek for seeing condors and rocks.
- Estancia La LuchaPlaceContact for opening hours for Cerro Las Buitreras.
- JG DeportesPlaceGrab a local route book for climbing.
- Entropia EscaladaPlaceRent gear or take a beginner climbing course.
- RappanuiRestaurantHas chocolate counters and a skating rink.
- Mamuska’sRestaurantHas chocolate counters where you can build boxes.
- Chocolates TorresRestaurantOffers seasonal, animal-shaped chocolates.
- Llao Llao HotelHotelEnjoy high tea up the hill from Puerto Panuelo.
- Transitando Lo NaturalPlacePrivate day tours to trails in Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi.
- Lago MorenoSight
- Laguna El TrébolSight
- Pablo Pontor of Parapente BRCPlace
- Luciano Fiorenza of PATAGuidesPlace
