About Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche, commonly known simply as Bariloche, is the largest city in the Argentine province of Río Negro and the seat of the department of the same name. It is located in the foothills of the Patagonian Andes on the southern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake, near the border with Chile. With a population of 135,755 according to the 2022 census, Bariloche is a mid-sized city by national standards but holds significant regional importance. It is not only the most populous city in its province but also the largest in the Patagonian Andes, and the third largest in the entire Argentine Patagonia, following Neuquén and Comodoro Rivadavia. Its urban zone is characterized by its low density and has an area of more than 220 square kilometres (85 sq mi), extending longitudinally from east to west for about 50 kilometres (31 mi).
Places to visit in Bariloche
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Nahuel Huapi Lake
Nature · 5 mi from centreA huge glacial lake of deep blue water framed by Andean peaks, with Bariloche spread along its southern shore. Boat trips leave from Puerto Pañuelo; bring a warm layer, since the wind off the water is cold even in summer.
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Cerro Catedral
NatureThe largest ski area in South America, with dozens of runs climbing above the tree line west of town. Outside the snow season some lifts run for hikers, and the upper slopes give sweeping views over the lakes.
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Llao Llao Hotel
Landmark · 14 mi from centreA grand alpine-style hotel from the 1930s set on a hill between two lakes along the Circuito Chico scenic loop. Non-guests can often stop for afternoon tea, and the nearby Llao Llao forest trails make a good short walk.
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Cerro Otto
Viewpoint · 4 mi from centreA forested hill just outside Bariloche, topped by a revolving cafeteria with views over the lake and town. A gondola runs up from the base, and the summit area has easy walking paths for a relaxed half day.
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Nahuel Huapi National Park
Park · 15 mi from centreArgentina's oldest national park, covering lakes, forests and volcanoes around Bariloche. Trails range from short lakeside strolls to multi-day hut-to-hut treks; check trail conditions with park rangers before heading into higher terrain.
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Los Arrayanes National Park
Park · 27 mi from centreA small park on the Quetrihué Peninsula protecting a rare grove of cinnamon-barked myrtle trees. Reach it by boat from Bariloche or Villa La Angostura, or walk or bike the long forest trail from the peninsula entrance.
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Cerro Tronador
Nature · 31 mi from centreAn extinct volcano on the Chilean border, named for the thunder of ice breaking off its glaciers. The day trip from Bariloche is long and partly on gravel roads, so join a tour or start early to reach the Black Glacier.
Things to do in Bariloche by type
32 tours, tickets and experiences across 4 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 13 experiences Andean Region: Discover El Bolsón and Lago Puelo - Full-Day Tour -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 10 experiences Blest Port and Cantaros Waterfall Tour -
Gastronomy & nightlife 6 experiences Bariloche Beer Experience: A Sensory Journey through Craft Beer -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 6 experiences COMBO: Small Circuit and Cerro Catedral - Tour with Airport-Hotel Transfers
- Over 6 hours 8
- 3-6 hours 5
- Flexible 1
- Families 8
- Youth 8
- Couples 8
- Senior 8
Top experiences in Bariloche
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 32 available.
Cerro Campanario and Llao Llao Peninsula
From $31 per adult
Horse Riding Excursion with Lunch - Half-Day Tour
From $227 per adult
Circuito Chico Tour
From $766 per adult
San Martín de los Andes by the Road of the Seven Lakes - Full-Day Tour
From $70 per adult
Canopy in Bariloche - Private
From $259 per adult
Victoria Island and Myrtle Forest - Full-Day Tour
From $153 per adult
Blest Port and Cantaros Waterfalls with Frias Lake Tour
From $215 per adult
International Lake-Crossing Journey to Chile from Bariloche
From $517 per adult
Sightseeing in Bariloche - Full-Day Tour
From $68 per adult
Blest Port and Cantaros Waterfall Tour
From $161 per adult
Llao Llao trekking - Private
From $434 per adult
San Martín de los Andes by the 7 Lakes Route
From $148 per adult
Where to stay in Bariloche
Popular hotels in Bariloche, out of 161 properties you can book.
NH Bariloche Edelweiss
From $129 per night
RH Rochester Bariloche
From $93 per night
Llao Llao Resort, Golf-Spa
From $297 per night
Pioneros Suites by Grupo Tierra Gaucha
From $37 per night
M382 Hotel Bariloche
From $34 per night
Villa Huapi
From $46 per night
Hotel Bariloche By Tierra Gaucha
From $32 per night
Charming Residences & Suites with Private Spa
From $732 per night
Alma del Lago Suites & Spa
From $116 per night
Aldea Andina Hotel&Spa
From $89 per night
Hotel Alto Traful
From $171 per night
Nido del Condor Hotel & Spa
From $135 per night
Best time to visit Bariloche
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bariloche is December to February, when average daytime highs are around 69–77°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Bariloche weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 59° 46° 100%
- Thu 22 Oct 57° 45° 96%
- Fri 23 Oct 57° 44° 96%
- Sat 24 Oct 57° 42° 82%
- Sun 25 Oct 59° 41° 20%
- Mon 26 Oct 56° 44° 42%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Argentine peso (ARS)1 US dollar ≈ $1,523
- Languages
- Spanish, Guaraní
- Calling code
- +54
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Argentina/SaltaUTC−3
- Capital
- Buenos Aires
Upcoming public holidays in Argentina
- National Sovereignty DayDía de la Soberanía Nacional
- Immaculate Conception DayDía de la Inmaculada Concepción de María
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- CarnivalCarnaval
- CarnivalCarnaval
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Bariloche
These are the airports closest to central Bariloche. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- BRC San Carlos de Bariloche Airport7 mi (12 km) from the city centre
- EHL El Bolsón Airport56 mi (90 km) from the city centre
- CPC Aviador Carlos Campos Airport75 mi (120 km) from the city centre
Getting around Bariloche
Excellent public bus service, served by just one company (since 2017): My Bus. The only exception is if you want to visit Dinahuapi, then you should catch a bus of "Las grutas". The bus uses the same "Sube" system used in Buenos Aires so your can pay with any contactless debit or credit card or with an official "Sube" card if you already have one. The bus ride from the airport on line 72 costs AR$5800 (Dec 2025) while other local routes cost AR$1895 (Dec 2025).
Bariloche travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Bariloche?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bariloche is December to February, when average daytime highs are around 69–77°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Bariloche?
January is usually the warmest month in Bariloche, with average highs of 77°F (25°C). June is the coolest, with average lows of 35°F (2°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 154 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Bariloche?
San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC) is the closest airport, about 7 miles (12 km) from the centre of Bariloche. Other nearby airports include El Bolsón Airport (EHL, 56 mi) and Aviador Carlos Campos Airport (CPC, 75 mi).
What currency is used in Bariloche?
Bariloche uses the Argentine peso (ARS). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $1,523.
What time zone is Bariloche in?
Bariloche uses the America/Argentina/Salta time zone (currently UTC−3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Bariloche?
Excellent public bus service, served by just one company (since 2017): My Bus. The only exception is if you want to visit Dinahuapi, then you should catch a bus of "Las grutas".
What are the best places to visit in Bariloche?
Top sights in Bariloche include Nahuel Huapi Lake, Cerro Catedral, Llao Llao Hotel and Cerro Otto. A huge glacial lake of deep blue water framed by Andean peaks, with Bariloche spread along its southern shore. Boat trips leave from Puerto Pañuelo; bring a warm layer, since the wind off the water is cold even in summer.
What are the top things to do in Bariloche?
Popular experiences you can book in Bariloche include Cerro Campanario and Llao Llao Peninsula, Horse Riding Excursion with Lunch - Half-Day Tour and Circuito Chico Tour. Destina Holidays offers 32 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Bariloche?
The most popular types of experiences in Bariloche are day trips & excursions (13), outdoor activities & adventure (10), gastronomy & nightlife (6) and zoo, aquarium & nature (6). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Bariloche?
Popular areas for hotels in Bariloche include Bariloche. Well-reviewed options include NH Bariloche Edelweiss and RH Rochester Bariloche.
How many hotels can I book in Bariloche?
Destina Holidays currently lists 161 properties in and around Bariloche, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
