Hello, fellow travelers! My name is Andrés Cantone, and I’m an avid explorer. My family and I have been in Argentina for the last 2 years. We were able to get back from Australia while the pandemic was still raging, so now that everything is more relaxed on that subject, I thought it was time to hit the road again. Having heard about the incredible natural wonders of Patagonia, we decided that Bariloche would be the perfect destination for us. And boy, were we in for a treat!
We took a Flybondi flight from the city of Córdoba, with the option of flying with Aerolíneas Argentinas and Jet Smart from various cities across Argentina. As Club La Nación and Club Flybondi members, we were able to score a 20% discount on our flights, making the round trip for three people a steal at only 60,000 pesos (around 150 USD).
Once we arrived in Bariloche, we were blown away by the sheer beauty of the Andes mountain range, shimmering lakes, and winding trails. We stayed at the Bahía Paraíso hotel, a 3-star hotel, with very good service. The stay included a buffet breakfast and panoramic views of the lake.The cherry on top? Every room came equipped with a jacuzzi!

Activites:

During our stay, we explored the city’s Civic Center, a historic building that’s been at the heart of tourism in the area since 1940. We also made a stop at the city’s Cathedral, a stunning stone structure that offers incredible views of the sunrise through its stained glass windows.
Of course, no trip to Bariloche is complete without indulging in some of the world-famous chocolate that the city is known for. We visited RapaNui, Mamuschka, and Del Turista, the most popular chocolate shops in town. We even picked up chocolates from each shop and filmed ourselves comparing them (check out the video here!). At RapaNui, we tried their scrumptious ice cream and waffles, and for the adventurous types, there was even an ice skating rink inside the chocolate shop!

Small Circuit:

The following day, we decided to go on one of the classic tours in Bariloche, the Circuito Chico. We rented a car for 10,000 pesos per day and hit the road. The Circuit is a loop that starts from the center of Bariloche, runs along the western border of Nahuel Huapi Lake, and allows you to soak in the stunning views of the forests, lakes, and inns. Along the way, you can stop and take Instagram-worthy photos with breathtaking landscapes. The Circuit passes through Campanario Hill, where you can take a chairlift or hike up (adults: 2,500 pesos, children under 4 are free). At the top, you can enjoy panoramic views and visit little cafes with 360º views that come highly recommended!

The Circuit has several points where you can stop and visit different trails. One of them is Sendero de Arrayanes, where nature is awe-inspiring, and you can see how little human intervention has occurred in the place. The beauty of everything here is pure, clean, and natural.
On the trail, you’ll encounter several lakes, including Lago Escondido (Hidden Lake), which is easily accessible by bus (line 20 from the city center). The lake offers beautiful views and accessible walks, making it an ideal spot for families with children and older adults.
Next, we visited Villa Tacul, where the Bahía de los Troncos (Bay of Trunks) is located just a few meters away. The name is apt because there was a large fire on Cerro Capilla, and many logs fell into the lake and were carried by the current to the beach.
When we saw this sight, tears welled up in our eyes because we had never seen anything like this before, despite having seen many beautiful places in the world. The mountains in the background, the transparent lake, and the stone shoreline took our breath away. It’s the perfect spot to sit with a cup of tea or mate and take in the natural beauty around you. This spot is more than just a recommendation; it’s a must-visit location in Bariloche.
As we continued our journey, we passed by Llao Llao hotel, an iconic place in Bariloche, famous for its prestige and stunning views. Unfortunately, we couldn’t secure a reservation (book in advance!), but you can still have lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner at the hotel even if you’re not staying there.
We also visited the picturesque Cologne, Switzerland, nestled in the mountains. The first Swiss families arrived in the region at the end of the 19th century and settled there. The town’s main attractions, in addition to the beautiful beach, are the fair and the cooking of curanto. These two activities are only carried out on Wednesdays and Sundays, so it’s advisable to plan the trip in advance.
The Circuit tour takes a whole day, and even though you can complete it quickly, it’s recommended that you stop and fall more in love with the place, discovering every corner of its magic.
We ended the day at Nahuelito Theme Park, designed for children but enjoyable for the whole family. It’s a 400-meter tour where you’ll see life-size models of the dinosaurs that once inhabited the region. The guides make the walk enjoyable and informative, and our son was thrilled with the dinosaurs!
On the second day, we embarked on a thrilling adventure to Cerro Otto, a stunning peak accessible by cable car. However, due to the strong winds, we opted to drive up instead. At the summit, we were blown away by the revolving restaurant with a seating capacity of 200 that offers a 360º view of the surrounding area. The restaurant rotates every 20 minutes at a barely perceptible speed, allowing you to enjoy some of the most delectable gastronomic options while taking in the breathtaking panoramic view of the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
We also explored other picturesque places, such as Villa Los Coihues, nestled on the shores of Lake Gutiérrez, where we were left speechless by the awe-inspiring landscapes that never ceased to amaze us.

Regarding food in Bariloche you are in for a treat. During our stay, we visited ‘La Fonda del Tío’, a highly recommended restaurant known for its mouthwatering pasta dishes and the biggest and richest milanesas in the city (priced at 2,600 pesos). We also had the pleasure of dining at ‘Nautical’, a charming restaurant with breathtaking views of the lake. The squid rings and risotto we had there were the best I’ve ever tasted, hands down. If you’re looking for a tea house with exceptional service and stunning views, be sure to check out ‘Blend’. You can sit on the deck outside and take in the picturesque views of the lake while enjoying some of the best cheesecake and medialunas (croissants) you’ll ever have the pleasure of eating. Trust me, you won’t find better tasting medialunas in all of Argentina!

No visit to Bariloche would be complete without a trip to Cerro Catedral. This ski resort is the most famous and important in the region, and even though we weren’t there during the snow season, we were still able to appreciate the impressive infrastructure that’s in place to receive visitors during the winter months. With a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, and everything else you might need for an unforgettable ski holiday, Cerro Catedral is a must-visit destination for all winter sports enthusiasts.
Before you leave, don’t forget to take a trip to Correntoso, also known as the shortest river in the world. This natural wonder spans only 300 meters between two lakes and offers stunning views that will take your breath away. This is just one more reason to fall in love with Bariloche!
All the routes are in excellent condition, making for a smooth and enjoyable drive, cycle, or walk. What’s more, all the activities on offer are reasonably priced, so you can experience everything this beautiful destination has to offer without breaking the bank. We can’t wait to return to Bariloche, and we’re sure you’ll feel the same way once you’ve visited this Patagonian gem. After all, Patagonia is known as one of the Wonders of the World for a reason! Have a Great Trip!