What to do and how much it costs to spend summer in Bariloche

For some time now, Argentine Patagonia has become not only synonymous with winter — thanks to its snow and ski slopes — but also one of the favorite destinations to visit in the summer. It has it all: from tranquil beaches with clear waters to options for trekking, sailing, excursions, and much more. Here are the must-do activities when you visit.

And when talking about Patagonia, it's impossible not to mention Bariloche, a city that adds to all of the above, a solid hotel infrastructure, nightlife, and a gastronomic scene that keeps getting better.

Which Beaches to Visit in Bariloche?

Without leaving the city, along Avenida Bustillo — which follows the coastline of Nahuel Huapi Lake — Bariloche has several public beaches worth visiting. One of the most well-known is Playa Bonita, located at kilometer 8, often chosen by families to enjoy summer. Nearby, there are places to eat or buy a meal to take to the beach.

Another good option is to visit Playa sin Viento and Playa con Viento, located along Lake Moreno. They are separated by a bridge and part of the Circuito Chico in Bariloche. The difference between them is, as their names suggest, the varying wind gusts throughout the day.

The beaches of Lake Gutiérrez, about 16 kilometers from the center of Bariloche, are some of the most popular due to the turquoise color of their waters and because they're rumored to be some of the warmest. You can choose the one at Los Coihues neighborhood, the most popular in the area, or Muñoz, which requires an easy 6-kilometer round-trip trek.

One thing to keep in mind is that these beaches are often made entirely of stones, so it is recommended to enter the water with flip-flops or other footwear. Bahía Serena, about 13 kilometers from the city, is one of the only sand beaches in the area.

Summer 2025 in Bariloche: What's New?

Isla Victoria has a new side to show: this summer, visitors will be able to reach Puerto Piedras Blancas and explore one of Bariloche's most visited spots in a different way. Access is by semi-rigid boats departing from Puerto Pañuelo.

Once there, you can enjoy water activities like SUP and kayaking, take hikes on the island, relax on the beach, enjoy a delicious lunch, and even stay overnight in six domes with privileged views of the landscape.

The transport from Bariloche to this spot costs around USD 80 (including embarkation fees), with additional costs for activities on the island. There is also space to camp and build campfires.

Trekking in Bariloche

The options are endless, with something for all tastes and ages. A good option is the trail to Mirador del Brazo Tristeza, which is 1.7 kilometers long. It's an easy hike with some inclines. At the top, you'll get panoramic views of one of Nahuel Huapi's arms with Cerro Capilla in the background. A great idea is to bring some mate and enjoy a picnic.

Other easy treks include the Sendero Arrayanes in Llao Llao Municipal Park, which is 3 kilometers long. The entrance is on Circuito Chico, and the trail is famous for its many specimens of one of Patagonia's most iconic native trees. You can check thewebsite of the Andean Club of Barilochefor a list of all available treks, including their location, difficulty, and description.

How and Where to Sail in Bariloche

There are many options for this activity, but we recommend a classic and a new one. The first is to go to Puerto Pañuelo and take the catamaran to Isla Victoria to explore the most famous part of the island. The journey lasts about an hour, taking you to the Quetrihué Peninsula, where you can hike and immerse yourself in a forest of Arrayanes trees. The cost of the boat ride ranges from ARS 90,000 for adults and ARS 45,000 for children (does not include access to Nahuel Huapi National Park and is valid until December 31).

The newest sailing experience involves spending a few hours aboard a sailboat. This type of vessel is ideal for cruising Bariloche's calm lakes. It's a relaxing tour where you can enjoy the tranquility of the water, sunbathe in the middle of the lake, and unwind.Yachting Barilochehas 3 boats with regular departures from Puerto Petunia. Each can carry several people, and tours can be booked for 3, 6 hours, or all day. In summer, people often take dips in various spots. The tour includes snacks and costs ARS 70,000 for three hours.

For the more adventurous, we recommend kayaking on Lake Gutiérrez.Cuadrante Sur Kayakoffers two to three daily departures, each lasting 2.5 hours with a snack included at a beach reached by paddling. The price is ARS 67,500 with transportation from Bariloche city center and ARS 62,000 without transportation (prices valid through December).

What to Do in Bariloche by Car?

The Camino de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Road) is one of the most famous scenic routes in the country. It covers 110 kilometers on RN 40, connecting Villa La Angostura with San Martín de los Andes. The route includes around 10 stops, such as viewpoints, lakes, forests, and trails, so it's ideal to stop for photos or explore other places. For reference, a basic car rental costs about ARS 58,000 per day (includes full insurance and about 250 km per day. Prices valid for November/December).

A worthwhile detour on the route is to Villa Traful, which you can reach from the Seven Lakes Road by a gravel path currently being improved. Once in Traful, you can take the classic boat tour to the Sunken Forest, a unique phenomenon on the continent, and enjoy the beach at La Puntilla, on Lake Traful.

Where to Take the Best Panoramic Photos in Bariloche?

There are dozens of mountains and viewpoints where you can take incredible photos of the area. However, Cerro Campanario is one of the most accessible and offers nearly 360-degree views.

To get there, take a chairlift, which currently costs about ARS 14,000 for adults and ARS 8,000 for children aged 5 to 12 years (prices valid through December 2024). Once at the top, you'll find photo spots and a café with large windows and wooden decks to enjoy the view. It's the perfect place to get a photo with Bariloche's landscapes as the backdrop.

For those who have visited Bariloche more than once, we recommend a half-day excursion to Estancia La Fragua, located about 34 kilometers from the city. The visit starts at the property, where you'll be greeted with something warm and some fried pastries.

After that, the horses are prepared for a two-hour ride across the property, covering landscapes with low vegetation, streams, and rocky formations. There’s a condor nest on the property, so you may see some of these majestic birds soaring above. The ride is peaceful, making it a great option for families.

Afterward, you'll return to the property to enjoy a traditional barbecue before heading back. The price is ARS 130,000 per adult and ARS 120,000 for children aged 5 to 12 years (prices valid until December 31).

Where to Eat in Bariloche?

Bariloche has long been known as one of the country's top gastronomic destinations. Many top chefs from major cities have chosen Bariloche as the place to open their restaurants, thanks to its proximity to high-quality local ingredients.

One result of this, in addition to the quantity and quality of the culinary offerings, is the creation of "Bariloche a la Carta," an annual event held every October to celebrate local flavors, which has become one of the country's most popular food events.

Here is a mini guide to some must-visit places:

• By the lake: Cirse Club del Lago, located at kilometer 14.5 on Av. Bustillo, is a space with food trucks, a stand-up table, slackline, and other activities. They also host events and live music.

• With panoramic views: Punto Panorámico, located within Circuito Chico, offers unique views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. We recommend trying the lemon trout with rustic potatoes (price: ARS 27,500, valid in December).

• Almado opened about a month ago in a new location on Av. Bustillo, near Playa Bonita. Its menu is diverse, catering to all tastes. We recommend the shrimp omelet (ARS 12,900) and pil pil salmon (ARS 25,000. Prices valid in December).

• With vibe: Nené is a bar in the city center (San Martín 674) popular with young people, couples, and friends. They offer shareable plates and more substantial dishes. We recommend the pork belly bao and the sweet potato, mango, and green curry (both around ARS 12,000). Their specialty is aged rib-eye steak (from ARS 23,000).

• Maleza: located right in front of Lake Nahuel Huapi, near the Civic Center. It’s a great place for tea time and enjoying warm days on the deck. They have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. We recommend the pistachio cheesecake (from ARS 9,000 per slice) and the brunch for two (orange juice, coffee, toast, pastoral eggs, healthy bowl, and brownie for ARS 33,000).

• Gourmet: Batistín, the restaurant at Huinid Bustillo, offers a menu combining international flavors with Patagonian influences. Chef Alejandro Clausen presents an innovative proposal with well-spiced appetizers and main dishes.

• Quiven: A Bariloche classic on Av. Bustillo at 1966, with views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. They offer a "surprise" menu with five or eight courses, revealing each dish upon arrival (inform your dietary restrictions when booking).

Where to Buy the Best Chocolate in Bariloche?

Bariloche is home to around 25 chocolate factories that produce more than 2,000 tons annually. Interestingly, it is the only city in Argentina to be part of the World Cocoa Route, which includes countries like Ecuador, Peru, and Costa Rica. Bariloche also has the highest per capita chocolate consumption in the country.

One of the most popular chocolatiers is Mamuschka, known for its classic dulce de leche-filled bear-shaped chocolates and collectible metal tins with detailed designs. A kilogram of chocolate here costs around ARS 56,000, half a kilo ARS 31,500, and a quarter ARS 15,500.

Another option is Rapanui, known for its chocolate branches and alfajores. Here, a kilogram costs around ARS 56,000, half a kilo ARS 28,000, and a quarter ARS 14,000. These prices were valid in November.

Where to Stay in Bariloche?

Bariloche offers more than 30,400 accommodations of all types: from luxury five-star hotels to cabins, apartments, and hostels. A five-star hotel starts at ARS 230,000 per person, a two-star hotel from ARS 50,000, and a private room in a hostel with a private bathroom from ARS 30,000. Camping has an entry fee of ARS 15,000 per adult, ARS 10,000 for children, and ARS 12,000 per trailer or camper (prices valid at the time of publication).

A great recommendation for those looking to enjoy the comforts of a hotel with unique panoramic views, a spa, and continental breakfast is Huinid Bustillo (Av. Bustillo 2600). The same chain also operates another more traditional hotel on Av. Pioneros and cabins within the same property.

If you prefer staying near the city center, Hotel Carlos V Patagonia (Morales 420) is an excellent option. This three-star hotel offers three types of rooms and a comprehensive breakfast. It is located just two blocks from the Civic Center.