I still remember the first time I saw the view from the plane window as we descended. It didn’t look like South America. It looked like a dream woven out of deep blue lakes and snow-capped peaks that went on forever.
Landing in Bariloche Argentina felt like stepping into a different world. The air was crisp and smelled of pine and wood smoke. The architecture looked like a village in the Swiss Alps, not a city in Patagonia.
I found myself asking, is this really Argentina? But then I heard the distinct rhythm of Spanish being spoken and saw the mate gourds in everyone’s hands. It is this unique mix that makes San Carlos de Bariloche so special. It is a German town in Argentina with a Latin soul.
Navigating this region can be overwhelming because there is just so much beauty. You could spend months here and not see it all. But I know you probably don’t have months.
To help you plan, I have narrowed down my journey to the absolute best moments. Here is my personal list of the top 10 Bariloche adventures that defined my trip. These are the places and tastes that I still dream about.
1. The View from Cerro Campanario
If you only do one thing in Bariloche, make it this. I had heard people say it has one of the “best views in the world,” and I honestly thought they were exaggerating. They weren’t.
I took the chairlift up, which is a fun little ride in itself. You glide silently over the treetops, your feet dangling in the air. As you rise, the landscape starts to unfold behind you.
When I reached the top, I was speechless. You are surrounded by 360 degrees of perfection. You can see the deep blue of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the smaller, clover-shaped Lake Moreno. The Andes mountains rise up in the distance, creating a jagged wall of white and grey.
It was windy up there, so bring a jacket! I bought a hot chocolate at the cafe on the summit and just sat on the deck. Watching the clouds cast shadows on the water below was a moment of pure peace.
You can hike up if you want a workout, but I recommend saving your energy for the view. It is the perfect introduction to the Bariloche Argentina map because you can see everything from up there.
2. Driving the Circuito Chico
After seeing the landscape from above, I wanted to drive through it. The Circuito Chico is a loop road that takes you through the most scenic parts of the area.
I rented a car for the day, which gave me the freedom to stop whenever I wanted. And believe me, I stopped a lot. The road winds through thick forests of coihue trees and hugs the coastline of the lakes.
One of my favorite stops was the Llao Llao Hotel. It is a massive, historic hotel that sits on a hill like a castle. Even if you aren’t staying there, you can walk around the grounds or grab a coffee in the lobby. The wood interiors and giant fireplaces are stunning.
Just down the road is the San Eduardo Chapel. It is a tiny wooden church that looks like it belongs in a fairytale. I stood on the steps of the chapel and looked out at the port, watching the boats bobbing in the water.
The drive is short, only about 60 kilometers, but it took me half a day because I kept pulling over to take photos. It is the best way to see the famous landscapes you see on postcards.
3. Chocolate Tasting on Mitre Avenue
Okay, let’s talk about the chocolate. Bariloche is known as the chocolate capital of Argentina, and for good reason. The main street, Mitre Avenue, is lined with chocolate shops.
Walking down this street is dangerous for your diet. The smell of melted chocolate wafts out of the doors and pulls you in.
My absolute favorite was Rapa Nui. It is not just a shop; it is an experience. They have an ice skating rink inside the store! I ordered their famous “Franui,” which are raspberries dipped in two types of chocolate. They are frozen and incredibly refreshing.
I also visited Mamuschka, recognizable by the giant Russian nesting dolls outside. Their hot chocolate is thick and rich, almost like a dessert in a cup.
I suggest you hop from shop to shop. Buy a truffle here, a bar there. It is a sweet way to spend an afternoon, especially if the weather is a bit cold.
4. A Taste of History in Colonia Suiza
I wanted to see the roots of the European influence here, so I drove out to Colonia Suiza. This was the first European settlement in the region.
It feels like a step back in time. The streets are dirt, and the houses are made of wood. On Wednesdays and Sundays, they host a big artisan market. I bought some handmade jams and carved wooden spoons.
But the real reason to go is the food. I tried “Curanto,” a traditional way of cooking that was brought over from Chile.
They dig a hole in the ground and fill it with hot stones. Then they layer meat, vegetables, and damp leaves on top and bury it all.
Watching them uncover the food is a show. The steam rises up, smelling of smoke and earth. The meat falls off the bone, and the vegetables have a unique, smoky flavor. It is a communal meal, eating at long tables with strangers who quickly become friends.
5. Skiing or Hiking at Cerro Catedral
Depending on when you visit, Cerro Catedral offers two completely different experiences. I visited in the shoulder season, so I saw a bit of both.
In the winter, this is the biggest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. The slopes are world-class. Even if you don’t ski, you can take the cable car up to play in the snow.
In the summer, the snow melts and reveals incredible hiking trails. I took the lift up to the ridge and walked along the top. The view is different from Campanario. Here, you are in the high alpine. It is rocky and rugged.
I saw condors flying overhead, which was a highlight of my life. These massive birds glide on the thermal currents without flapping their wings. Seeing them against the backdrop of the granite peaks was magical.
6. Sailing to Isla Victoria and the Arrayanes Forest
You can’t visit the Lake District without getting on the water. I took a boat tour from Puerto Pañuelo to Isla Victoria.
The boat ride itself is relaxing. The water of Lake Nahuel Huapi is a deep, dark blue. It is cold, glacial water.
When we landed on Isla Victoria, we walked through a forest of giant sequoias. These trees were planted years ago and have grown massive. Walking beneath them felt like being in a cathedral.
Then we took the boat to the Bosque de Arrayanes. This is a forest made entirely of Arrayan trees. They are unique because their bark is a cool cinnamon color and it is cold to the touch.
Legend says that Walt Disney visited this forest and it inspired the movie Bambi. Walking through the twisted, orange trees, I could see why. It feels enchanted.
7. The Seven Lakes Route Day Trip
I decided to take a full day to drive north. The “Ruta de los Siete Lagos” connects Bariloche with the town of San Martin de los Andes.
This road trip is legendary. As the name suggests, you pass by seven different lakes. Each one has a different shade of blue or green.
My favorite was Lago Espejo, which means Mirror Lake. The water was so calm that the mountains were perfectly reflected on the surface. I stopped at a beach there and just dipped my toes in the water. It was freezing but refreshing!
San Martin de los Andes is a beautiful town, very tidy and full of roses. I had lunch there before driving back. It is a long day, but the scenery changes constantly, so you never get bored.
8. Hiking to Refugio Frey
For a bit more adventure, I tackled the hike to Refugio Frey. This is not a walk in the park, but it is doable if you have a reasonable fitness level.
The trail starts at the base of Cerro Catedral. It winds through the forest and then opens up into a valley. The scenery is dramatic. You are walking towards a jagged crown of granite spires.
The “Refugio” is a stone mountain hut that sits next to a lagoon right at the base of the spires. When I arrived, I was tired and sweaty. But sitting by that icy lagoon, eating a sandwich I had packed, was one of the best feelings.
The vibe at the hut is cool. It is full of climbers and hikers from all over the world. If you are adventurous, you can even stay the night there, but you need to book in advance.
9. Drinking Craft Beer by the Lake
I was surprised to learn that Bariloche is also the craft beer capital of Argentina. The pristine water and the local hops make for amazing beer.
I went to the Cervecería Patagonia on the Circuito Chico. The location is insane. It sits on a bluff overlooking the lake.
I ordered a flight of beers to try different styles. The Amber Lager was my favorite. I took my glass outside and sat by the fire pit.
Watching the sun go down behind the mountains with a cold beer in hand was the perfect way to end a day of exploring. The atmosphere is lively and fun, filled with young people and families.
Downtown, I also visited Manush. It is a gastropub that feels cozy and warm. Their food is excellent, hearty dishes that go perfectly with a pint.
10. Soaking in the Vibe at the Centro Cívico
Finally, you have to spend some time in the town center. The Centro Cívico is the heart of the city. The buildings are made of stone and wood, designed to look like a European village.
I took a photo with the famous St. Bernard dogs. You will see them there every day, with barrels around their necks. It is a bit touristy, but it is a classic Bariloche photo souvenir.
I visited the Museum of Patagonia located right in the square. It gave me a lot of context about the indigenous people who lived here long before the German settlers arrived.
Just sitting on the stone walls of the square and people-watching is fun. You see hikers with muddy boots, teenagers eating chocolate, and tourists from all over the world.
Why You Need to Go
Bariloche is more than just a pretty view. It is a place where you can reconnect with nature without giving up comfort.
I found that the Bariloche Argentina german influence is strong in the food and architecture, but the warmth of the people is 100% Argentine.
Whether you are looking for adrenaline on the ski slopes or just want to eat your weight in chocolate, this town has something for you.
My trip here reminded me how beautiful our planet is. The sheer scale of the mountains and the clarity of the lakes stays with you.
So, pack your hiking boots and your appetite. These 10 Bariloche experiences are waiting for you, and I promise, you will fall in love with Patagonia just like I did.
