Things to Do in Bariloche

Bariloche St. Bernards. Photo by Freyja Ellis.

By Caroline Bennett

Referred to as the Argentine Switzerland, Bariloche is famous for many things. Most people come to Bariloche for the awe-inspiring scenery and endless outdoor offerings. The area’s main attraction is Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, a massive playground for outdoor enthusiasts that surrounds the town and extends well beyond in a glorious network of hills and lakes. In the winter, the ski resort of Cerro Catedral draws crowds to some of the nation’s best slopes, especially during the days of the Fiesta Nacional de la Nieve, an event filled week of parades, ski races, snow pageants and parties.

Fantastic hiking trails connect the cerros and lakes in an intricate trail system that could entertain experienced legs for days, with several excellent refuges scattered throughout the terrain.

Bariloche offers easy access to one of the best ski resorts in the country - and in fact all of South America - as well as unlimited activities in the warmer months, including rock climbing, boating, trekking and camping, biking, paragliding and rafting. For those who prefer a little less physical activity, there is a plethora of bars, restaurants, shops and artisanal craft markets to wander around and shop.

And don't forget to try the chocolates, which Bariloche is famous for!

If a lazy day in the mountains or lakeside is more what you are after, no problem - there are many places you can drive to get the mountain vistas without having to do the work to get there on foot. Just inquire at a local tourist office or ask around, everyone knows places to go or can recommend things to see around the area. 

And one more note on the "tourist" aspect of this city. Bariloche is well known throughout the country as a great place for Argentines to get away and sip mate lakeside, and with its close proximity to Chile there can be an influx of tourism at certain times of the year - in the summer in particular. If the city is feeling too crowded for you, there are many other beautiful towns to visit that are only a day trip away. San Martin de los Andes, Villa Angostura and El Bolson are all great places to go and visit.