Bariloche

San Carlos de Bariloche

A cosmopolitan mountain resort city on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, famous for chocolate shops, fine dining, and adventure sports. It's the primary hub for exploring the Lakes District with excellent skiing, hiking, and water activities.

Things to do

• Cerro Campanario — Take the chairlift up this iconic peak for panoramic views of Nahuel Huapi Lake, the surrounding Andes, and the city below.
• Circuito Chico — Drive or bike this stunning 80 km loop through forests, along lakeshores, and past viewpoints like Punto Panorámico and Puerto Blest.
• Skiing at Cerro Catedral — Visit South America's premier ski resort with modern lifts, varied terrain, and a season running June to September.
• Chocolate Shop Tour — Sample artisanal Swiss-influenced chocolates at renowned shops like Mamuschka or Abuela Goye, many offering factory tours and tastings.
• Kayaking on Nahuel Huapi Lake — Paddle across the crystalline waters to explore hidden coves, islands, and glacier-fed inlets with professional outfitters.
• Trekking Fitz Roy — Hike to the iconic granite peak in nearby El Chaltén for one of Patagonia's most photographed mountain vistas.
• Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio — Explore dinosaur fossils and Patagonian prehistory at this world-class paleontology museum in nearby Trelew, a day trip away.

Food to try

• Trucha a la Patagonia — Fresh-caught local trout prepared simply with butter, lemon, and wild herbs, showcasing the region's pristine lake and river resources.
• Venison Steak (Carne de Venado) — Grilled wild deer meat, often served with Patagonian mushrooms and a Malbec wine from nearby vineyards.
• Chocolate Alpino — Bariloche's signature sweet treat—chocolate-covered wafers and nougat, influenced by Swiss confectionery traditions brought by early settlers.
• Cazuela de Mariscos — A hearty stew of lake and ocean seafood, sometimes featuring centolla (king crab), served in coastal-influenced restaurants.
• Patagonian Lamb (Cordero) — Slow-roasted free-range lamb from the steppe, tender and flavourful, often featured at traditional asados and fine dining establishments.
• Fondue or Raclette — Swiss-style cheese melts remain popular in upscale restaurants, reflecting Bariloche's heritage and mountain resort atmosphere.

Local customs & good to know

• Summer crowds and winter closures — December to February are peak tourist season with some restaurants and attractions closing; June to August brings skiers but fewer facilities operate.
• Spanish is essential — While tourism staff in central areas may speak English, learning basic Spanish phrases is helpful for restaurants and outlying towns.
• Dress in layers year-round — Mountain weather changes rapidly; mornings and evenings are cold even in summer, and altitude affects temperature perception.
• Tipping and payment customs — Tipping 10 percent at restaurants is customary; many establishments still prefer Argentine pesos over credit cards in smaller shops.