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My partner and I stayed in Argentina for 2 months in 2026, and going to Patagonia was high on our list. We were there in June, which is the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere. We didn’t want to venture too far south, as we didn’t have the right clothing for a really cold destination. After some research, Bariloche became top of mind, and wow, we are so glad that we decided to go there!
Is Bariloche Worth Visiting? (My Quick Verdict & Top Highlights)
Bariloche is absolutely worth visiting! We ended up going there as a last-minute trip because we really wanted to experience the breathtaking Patagonia region! Bariloche was the perfect destination, as we didn’t have large winter gear with us. We still wanted to go to an area that was beautiful to see, that we could cover in a short amount of time, and truly embrace the region. There is actually quite a lot to see in Bariloche. From exploring the Circuito Chico route, shopping at the popular chocolate shops, and tasting some excellent craft beer, we had an awesome time. Bariloche is a perfect blend of taking in beautiful sights and strolling through a neat town all in one.
How Many Days Do You Need in Bariloche?
We travelled to Bariloche and spent 2 full days there, and this actually worked out well for us. We spent one day along the Circuito Chico route and the second day was devoted to exploring San Carlos de Bariloche city. While you could spend 3-4 days here to enjoy longer hikes or head to San Martín de los Andes, we weren’t up for hiking with the cooler weather and were happy to explore only San Carlos de Bariloche. I honestly feel that 2 days in Bariloche is the sweet spot. We didn’t feel rushed at all. We had a full day exploring the Circuito Chico route, including spending time at Cerro Campanario. On our second day, we explored the city and enjoyed some awesome regional food!
Bariloche 2-Day Itinerary: Interactive Map
The Ultimate 2-Day Bariloche Itinerary (Our Step-by-Step Route)
Day 1: Circuito Chico, Cerro Campanario & Lake Views
There are a few key things to do when visiting Bariloche, and exploring the Circuito Chico is certainly one of them. We planned on travelling the Circuito Chico route on our first day, as the second day was calling for rain. This turned out to be a great decision for us, as we had nearly* the perfect weather on our road trip around Circuito Chico. We only experienced rain during our last stop at the Patagonia Brewery, but this was completely fine as we had already taken in the amazing sights.
We decided to rent a car to explore the Circuito Chico route, as we wanted to have the ultimate flexibility. This meant we were able to make multiple pit stops along the route to take some photos at unexpected places! The car rental was super easy; we booked just the day before, and we paid 98.000 ARS for one day.
We started off driving straight to Cerro Campanario first and took the chairlift up. There was virtually no line, and we each paid 22.000 ARS for our chairlift ticket. This honestly was by far the highlight of Circuito Chico for me! The views we had were like a postcard. I loved seeing the snow-capped mountains and the deep blue lakes. There are a few different areas at the top to explore, so definitely take your time up there. I also loved warming up inside the cute cafe at the top. The cafe has a panoramic view of the area, so be sure to take a table by the window if you can!
Our next stop found us at our second favourite viewpoint, Punton Panorámico Viewpoint. This area is quite popular for viewing, and there is even a parking lot off to the side. We spent about 30 minutes here taking photos and taking in the views. I can imagine this area being very busy during the summertime; however, since we were visiting in the late fall (June), it actually wasn’t busy at all.
For the rest of the day, we stopped at more viewpoints, including the Llao Llao Hotel. We didn’t actually go inside, as we weren’t interested in eating there, and we weren’t allowed to go in without committing to dining there (which makes sense). However, we still enjoyed the area near the Llao Llao Hotel and were able to find some great places for taking photos.
Day 2: Exploring San Carlo & Artisanal Chocolate Tasting
Our second day in Bariloche was really fun and low-key compared to our first day. We had returned the car the previous day, and simply walked all around the city visiting awesome restaurants, tasting our way through chocolate shops along Calle Mitre, and enjoying some craft beer.
Morning: Coffee stop, chocolate shops, and mall stops!
There really is no better way to start your day in San Carlos de Bariloche than a stop at Gino Cafe. This is a really cute cafe with really great coffee! I had a flat white, while Ru enjoyed an espresso. Gino Cafe also has some light bites, so we also ordered two empanadas! They were so good, and easily held us over until we had lunch later on!
One neat thing that we learned about Bariloche is how it’s famous for its artisanal chocolate. This was very evident with the number of chocolate shops all right in a row! Many of them have free samples, so you can even taste-test before you buy!
Our Top 3 Favourite Chocolate Shops
Rapanui kinda blew us away with how large it was! The staff who worked there were really friendly, answering some of our questions, especially as we were trying to find some sugar-free chocolate (which we did!!). There is even a cafe/restaurant where you can have a meal, and they also have an ice cream shop attached too! This place is almost like a one-stop shop to enjoy seeing the different chocolates and sitting down for some yummy food too!
Mamuschka is also a really neat chocolate shop to explore, and it was really cool to check out. They have a large counter in the middle of the store where you can hand-select the different chocolates that you want to purchase! There is a large dining area where lots of people were sitting and enjoying their food. They also have a gift shop area attached as well, making it easy to pick out some chocolate to take with you.
El Reino de los Chocolates is a large chocolate shop with amazing decor inside. Almost immediately, we were given a sample to taste while we walked around and saw the variety of chocolates that they had. It almost looked like a Christmas winter wonderland inside, with the frosted evergreen branches along the ceiling. It’s a neat place with great chocolate, and certainly worth checking out.
Now trust me when I say that there are more chocolate shops around. These are my top three, but you’ll easily find more, especially small little chocolate shops. We did find it a bit tricky to find sugar-free chocolate, as many places didn’t have it. That’s why Rapanui was the top choice for us!
To round out your morning, make your way to Galeria Del Sol for some shopping. This is a beautiful, quaint mall with an impressive design structure. The wooden panels are so beautiful, with all of the skylight windows in the ceiling. There are many little shops to check out with great souvenirs. While you don’t need to spend a tonne of time here, we were glad that we went and really enjoyed the atmosphere.
Lunch: Choripan + Craft Beer
Bariloche has a lot of great restaurants to choose from, and we were delighted to check out Chimi Bar de Choris. A Choripan is an Argentine local favourite that is essentially a chorizo sausage sandwich. It consists of a sliced chorizo, topped with a chimichurri sauce and a bun. However, at Chimi Bar de Choris, they have a few different varieties to choose from. We really enjoyed our food here and topped it off with a craft beer. We were actually in Bariloche during the FIFA World Cup, so it was fun to relax, watch a match while enjoying our lunch!
I do recommend that you try this restaurant. It was a great lunch choice for us, and we were happy to enjoy a local Argentine dish!
Afternoon Shop Until You Drop and Amazing Lake Views
We love checking out local artisan markets, and San Carlos de Bariloche has a couple right in the city center. There are two large tents to walk through with artisan booths inside. The tents are open from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. We ended up walking through a couple of times as we were looking for a Christmas ornament to take with us. I would absolutely come here in the afternoon. We noticed that a few booths weren’t open right in the morning, so the afternoon might be your best time to come!
After you have gotten your shopping all done, it’s time to head to Lakeside! They have a cute Bariloche sign right along the water, with mountain views in the background. I would definitely recommend coming here for some great photo ops! When we went in the morning before our flight, it was SUPER windy. I’m not sure if that’s just the day that we went or if it’s normally like that. Regardless, get your picture here. The views are amazing, and it was certainly a fun time!
Wind Down with Dinner and a Drink
I would absolutely recommend going to Manush Centro for dinner, and it’s why I’ve added it as a recommendation here! It has a great local pub atmosphere, and the staff were really nice! We grabbed a couple of craft beers and enjoyed two hearty dishes. It’s definitely a favourite place, especially for craft beer fans. So if this is up your alley, then be sure to go here!
Top Things to Do in Bariloche (My Top Must-See Attractions)
Ride the Chairlift Up Cerro Campanario
Without a doubt, the top thing to do in Bariloche is to go up the chairlift to Cerro Campanario. As I mentioned before, it was the highlight of the trip for me, and the views were so incredible! If you only do one thing in Bariloche, let this be it!
Drive or Cycle the Famous Circuito Chico Scenic Loop
The Circuito Chico Scenic Loop is so worth your time and is such a great way to explore this region of Patagonia! You can walk, bike, take a bus, or drive around the scenic loop. Since we were late in the fall season, it was quite cool, so we chose to drive. However, all options are great, depending on how much time you have!
Taste Craft Beer at Local Microbreweries
Craft beer lovers will definitely enjoy exploring Bariloche, as there is an abundance of craft beer bars all within a short distance of each other. Visiting the infamous Patagonia Brewery along the scenic loop is considered a must. If you prefer, they also have a 0% beer, which is perfect if you are looking for a non-alcoholic beer!
Other brewpubs I can recommend are Manush Centro, Berlina Centro, and Wesley. We enjoyed sampling the different craft brews from each of these places. Since we were visiting during the time of the FIFA World Cup, all bars had the games going, making it the perfect place to watch some football!
Indulge in Bariloche’s Famous Chocolate Shops on Calle Mitre
A trip to Bariloche would not be complete without visiting the chocolate shops. Be sure to check out Calle Mitre, as that’s where you’ll find most of the chocolate shops, and it’s a great way to sample some chocolate while getting your steps in. My favourite chocolate shop by far was Rapanui, however, you’ll find so many large and small shops around that you’ll be sure to find something that you like!
One neat place that we didn’t end up going to was the HAVANA Chocolate Museum. We have visited a regular HAVANA chocolate shop near where we stayed in San Telmo, so we already had an idea about what their chocolate tastes like. However, they do have a whole chocolate museum, with tours as well. This could be really cool to check out if you have the time!
How to Get Around Bariloche (SUBE Card vs. Rental Car vs. Taxis)
We decided to rent a car for our 1-day tour around the Circuito Chico loop. This was super convenient for us, and we loved the flexibility that having the car offered. The 1-Day rental cost us, and we picked it up and dropped it off on the same day. Since our second day was in the city, we just walked everywhere and didn’t need to call a taxi. The city itself is quite small, and so walking was very convenient for us!
If you want to explore by bus, you’ll need to get a SUBE Card. You can purchase one of these cards and top them up at the various small local shops in the city. This card will allow you to hop on and off the scenic route and visit the popular stops. Even in the late fall/early winter season when we went, we saw several people waiting at the bus stops, so it looks to be quite popular even in the off-season!
Best Time to Visit Bariloche: Summer vs. Winter
Depending on when you decide to go to Bariloche, it will greatly impact the experience that you have. We went in June, which was the late full/early winter season. There wasn’t snow when we went, and we only experienced a bit of rain. Going in the autumn time it’ll certainly be less busy, but the weather might be more unpredictable.
Summer in Bariloche
Heading to Bariloche during the summer months between December and March, you’ll experience pleasant weather, hovering around 20-25C. During these months, you’ll experience longer daylight hours and can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
Some notable hikes during the summer season are Piedra de Habsburgo, offering amazing views of Lake Gutiérrez as well as Lake Nahuel Huapi, and Tambo Báez, for some nice and scenic views.
Winter in Bariloche
During the winter months, you’ll be able to embrace the snowy mountain landscapes and adventurous outdoor activities. Piedras Blancas is where you’ll want to go to enjoy things like snow tubing and sledding. If you are looking for something more adventurous, then heading to Centro de Ski Nórdico will be great for ATV rides in the snow and Nordic skiing!
What I love about Bariloche is that no matter when you go, you’ll be able to experience the beauty of the Patagonia region. While I didn’t get to enjoy sledding or kayaking in this area, I still loved my time in the autumn season and do think it’s worth it to go there!
Where to Stay in Bariloche: Downtown vs. Lakefront along Avenida Bustillo
This was such a tough decision – determining where to stay in Bariloche. We were really torn between finding a place along Avenida Bustillo road with incredible views and having walking access by finding a place in the city. I truly think we found the best hybrid, as we have a lovely view of the lake and mountains, while being on the edge of the city.
1. Vista DAT (Where We Stayed)
Vista DAT was a true gem for us, and I felt so lucky that we stumbled upon it. We booked through Booking.com and stayed here for 3 nights. I fell in love with our morning view, as the sky turned pink and orange while welcoming the sun for a new day. This was a great location for us, as we rented a car one day and only needed to walk less than 10 minutes to the rental place. As well, on our second day we just walked around the city and didn’t need the car. We were able to have some downtime in the apartment whenever we wanted a break, but overall, I feel like this was an ideal place to stay!
As this is a single studio apartment, I would recommend this place for couples or solo travellers who want an incredible view while still inside the city.
Book Your Stay: Vista DAT
2. Indias Blan-cas (Our Top Runner-Up)
We ALMOST booked Indias Blan-cas, but ultimately decided to stay in the city. This apartment is located along the Avenida Bustillo road, which meant we would have to rely on taxis or rent a car for our whole stay (which we seriously considered). They offer studio apartments as well as 1-bedroom apartments. They have the most incredible views of the lake, and I love the added bonus of having a bath in the room.
This whole resort feels so relaxing, and I would imagine make the most epic getaway for a few days in Patagonia. If I were to go back to Bariloche, I’d seriously consider staying here!
Book Your Stay: Indias Blan-cas
FAQ’s About Visiting Bariloche
Is Bariloche safe for tourists?
Bariloche is safe for tourists, and we had an incredible time here. I didn’t ever feel unsafe walking around, even in the evenings after going back to the apartment after dinner. Since we did go during the late autumn season, it wasn’t busy at all, so that is just my personal experience.
Should you rent a car or book a guided day tour in Bariloche?
We really went back and forth when trying to decide if we wanted to rent a car to drive the scenic loop ourselves or join a tour. It really just depends on what you are most comfortable with. We really liked having the flexibility of renting a car, which is what we did. I did, however, look into a number of tour options, which looked really fun! Booking a tour takes away the stress of driving and planning your day out!
Check Out the Tours we Almost Joined!
Do you need cash or cards in Bariloche?
Credit cards and cash are both accepted in Bariloche; however, it is worth mentioneding the you’ll pay more if using a credit card (most likely). We found that if you were to take cash out at a Western Union, then you’ll get a better local rate and not be charged an additional fee for using a credit card.
While we were in Buenos Aires, if we paid by card, then we would usually incur a 10% surcharge. By taking out cash at a Western Union, we would save that 10% additional fee and had money exchanged at the blue dollar rate.
It is a bit confusing, and it was challenging at first. If you are only there a couple of days, then perhaps using a credit card is easier. However, if you want your $ to stretch the farthest, then taking money out at a Western Union will be the way to go.
Can you visit Bariloche on a weekend trip from Buenos Aires?
Yes, visiting Bariloche over a weekend is a great trip from Buenos Aires. We stayed just for 3 nights and felt that we had enough time to explore and enjoy the area with our 2 full days there. The flight time is only about 2 hours, making it a quick and easy trip from the city.
