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Looking for the best things to do in San Carlos de Bariloche? You’ve come to the experts!
Bariloche is one of the best towns we’ve traveled to, and we’ve been all over Argentina. There truly is so much to do here that we had trouble fitting it all on our first visit.
If you’re feeling that same pressure, don’t worry! We’ve narrowed down the top activities in Bariloche, whether you’re looking for culture, enjoying the rugged wilderness, or something in between.
All you have to do is read through our list, book your ideal bucket-list experience, and pack your bags – Bariloche, here we come!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this scenic drive on the Road of Seven Lakes! Taking an organized tour lets you enjoy the views the whole way. Plus, you’ll stop to enjoy the charming town of Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes along the way.
Check out all of the 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Things to do in Bariloche
1. Drive the Road of the Seven Lakes
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Drive the legendary Road of the Seven Lakes, take in epic viewpoints along glacial lakes, stop in Villa La Angostura, enjoy free time exploring San Martín de los Andes
- Inclusions: Local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle
- Rating: 4.4 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The Road of the Seven Lakes is a famous drive in the area of Bariloche. This particular stretch of road drives past 7 absolutely stunning lakes: Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machonico – hence the name. In total, the trip from Bariloche to San Martín de Los Andes is 118 miles (190 kilometers) and takes around 3.5 hours each way.
While the drive is stunning, combined it is nearly 248 miles (400 kilometers) or a 7-hour round trip – and that’s if you don’t make any stops! We weren’t up for that much driving and opted to take this full-day tour from Bariloche instead!
We had a fantastic time on this day trip. Not having to worry about directions or driving allowed both of us to take in the scenery and the sights. It includes round trip transfer from your hotel in Bariloche. The tour took us along the road of the Seven Lakes with many stops to take photos. We then made it to San Martín de Los Andes and had about 3 hours to explore. I loved the Swiss-inspired architecture with the Patagonian landscape in the background!
Lunch isn’t included in the tour price, but there were a lot of restaurants to choose from in San Martín. After you see all the sights, you’ll be back in town around 5 pm, just in time for dinner!
Book this scenic full-day tour now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
2. Fly Fishing
- Duration: 8–10 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Spend the day fly-fishing with an expert guide in Patagonian rivers, venture deep into Nahuel Huapi National Park by 4×4, enjoy a gourmet riverside lunch
- Inclusions: Fishing gear, lunch, unlimited drinks, professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, private tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
When in Argentina, what better lake activity is there than a day of fishing on the water? If you love fishing and find yourself in the area during the summer months, make sure to spend a day on the lake.
If you are looking for a guided fishing experience, this all-inclusive full-day guided fishing tour has it all! Built for luxury, this tour includes a round-trip transfer from your hotel in Bariloche, all your fishing gear, drinks, a delicious Argentine steak lunch, snacks, and a guided chartered fishing boat.
No experience is required—whether it’s your first time holding a rod or you’ve been fishing for years, the expert crew will guide you through everything you need to know. Out on the clear, cold waters of Nahuel Huapi National Park, you’ll cast for wild rainbow and brown trout in one of the most scenic fishing spots in all of Patagonia.
With calm water, great company, and everything taken care of for you, it’s easy to settle in and enjoy the day. It’s a relaxing and memorable way to experience Bariloche’s lakes from a new perspective, blending stunning scenery with the excitement of reeling in Patagonia’s famous trout!
Book this tour with more than 270 5-star reviews here!
3. Go on a walking tour
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Walk Bariloche’s historic center on a private tour, uncover the town’s German roots, explore sites tied to post-WWII immigration, and hear stories that reveal the city’s complex past
- Inclusions: Certified expert tour guide, private tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 310+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
Walking through a new town is always one of my favorite things to do when traveling. To my surprise, Bariloche is steeped in World War II history. Many Germans who fled the war ended up in Argentina.
This German footprint walking tour in Bariloche is a 1.5-hour look at the storied town with the help of a guide. It includes stories and facts about the time after World War II and how the town changed and was influenced by immigration from Germany.
The interesting architecture and the town’s sports culture will also be discussed during this tour. The local tour guide is passionate about history, so you learn a lot and hear some really interesting tales along the way. Plus, it’s offered in both English and Spanish, so it’s accessible for many travelers.
This is one of the most popular tours in Bariloche, with more than 280 five-star reviews (see them all here, and a fantastic choice if you want to explore the city through a completely different lens and walk away with a deeper understanding of its complex past.
Dates are limited – book this unique tour in advance here.
4. Hike Cerro Tronador
- Duration: 9.5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Drive deep into the Andean Lake District, stop in Pampa Linda, walk to the Ventisquero Negro glacier, take in the towering peaks and thunderous icefalls of Cerro Tronador
- Inclusions: Professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle
- Rating: 4.4. stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Hiking Cerro Tronador was one of our favorite experiences in Bariloche—a less-crowded trail that completely blew us away with its lakes, rivers, and glaciers. Located 56 miles (90 kilometers) from town in Nahuel Huapi National Park, this guided hiking tour is the easiest way to take on the mountain, offering transportation, a clear route to follow, and a guide who brings the landscape to life.
The hike from Pampa Linda to the base of Cerro Tronador is an 8.7-mile (14-kilometer) trek that took us about 4.5 hours. It starts off in a lush forest, but things get tougher as you climb higher—soon you’re walking over volcanic rock and completely exposed to the elements. Definitely bring plenty of water, a good sun hat, and sunscreen because you’ll be glad you have them!
The hike back down is much easier and only took us about 3 hours—and by the end, we agreed it was totally worth the effort. This 8-hour tour also includes round-trip hotel transport and a guided walk through Pampa Linda to the Ventisquero Negro Glacier, plus stunning views of Cerro Tronador’s peaks.
It’s a full day of incredible scenery and rewarding effort, and by the time you return to Bariloche, you’ll understand exactly why Cerro Tronador is considered one of the region’s most unforgettable adventures.
This tour is likely to sell out – book your spot now and pay later!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Go horseback riding
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Ride through Andean lakes, forests, and steppe on a traditional estancia, spot local wildlife along the trail, and enjoy a classic Argentine asado lunch with an open bar back at the ranch
- Inclusions: Professional guide, all equipment, light breakfast of sweets, coffee, juice and mate tea, open bar, traditional Argentine asado, air-conditioned vehicle
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Horseback riding in different countries has become one of my favorite ways to see an area. It’s a relaxing experience that often leads to some stunning viewpoints we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
We took this half-day horseback riding tour that started at one of the oldest ranches in the area, which spans over 62,000 acres. We got the chance to ride in the foothills of the Andes, the Patagonian steppe, and even into the forest. The expert guide was also great at pointing out wildlife along the way.
You get a full two hours of riding time, which is a great deal on its own. And if you’re not a confident rider, don’t worry—they’ll walk you through the basics before you head out.
The tour lasts for 6 hours and starts out with a light breakfast. It also features a yummy three-course lunch with a traditional asado (a feast of barbecued meats) along with an open bar, as if it could get any better!
Check out the dozens of 5-star reviews and book your spot here!
Related Read: Still need a hotel? Our where to stay in Bariloche guide has cozy alpine gems and lakeside hotels you’ll love!
6. Go kayaking
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Kayak across pristine Patagonian lakes, explore hidden bays with a private guide, enjoy a beachside picnic on a secluded shore, and take in sweeping views of the Andes from the water
- Inclusions: All taxes and fees, hotel transportation, bilingual kayak guide, all equipment, picnic lunch, beverages and snacks, national park permits and insurances, private tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Paddling on the water is one of our favorite things to do, no matter what country we’re in. It’s so peaceful when you’re coasting along the water between paddles while enjoying the scenery. There are so many beautiful lakes around Bariloche that we had trouble picking which one we wanted to kayak!
This kayak paddling adventure tour helped us narrow it down! The tour takes you to Moreno Lake or Nahuel Huapi or both, depending on whether you’re an experienced kayaker or not. It comes with all the gear you need and an open agenda, so you can customize the itinerary.
This day spent on the lakes of Northern Patagonia quickly became one of our top things to do in San Carlos de Bariloche. We didn’t have to plan a thing, so we could just enjoy. The fiberglass kayaks offered a super smooth ride, and we even paddled to an isolated beach for lunch and swimming!
Everything you need is included, from transportation to lunch and all your gear. So, it’s an easy adventure to book for your time in Bariloche. It’s the kind of day where all you have to do is show up, paddle, relax, and soak in the beauty of Patagonia—truly time well spent!
Check availability and reserve this 5-star tour here!
7. Take in the Views of Circuito Chico and Cerro Catedral
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Follow the scenic Circuito Chico, stop at iconic viewpoints, browse local artisan spots along the route, explore the base of Cerro Catedral amid Bariloche’s mountain landscapes
- Inclusions: Round-trip transfer, accredited guide
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to see some of Bariloche’s best viewpoints and cultural spots in one day, this Circuito Chico tour is perfect. The standard 5-hour tour explores the most famous stops around the circuit, while the 7-hour version adds Cerro Catedral Hill, which I highly recommend for the incredible alpine views.
The tour starts with hotel pickup before following the scenic Circuito Chico route. Along the way, you’ll make stops at classic highlights like Cerro Campanario, Panoramic Point, San Eduardo Chapel, Hotel Llao Llao, and the Rosa Mosqueta Factory. Depending on your guide and the day, you might also visit a local tea house, brewery, or lavender plantation.
If you choose the extended version, you’ll continue to Cerro Catedral Hill, where you can wander the base village or ride the chairlift for panoramic mountain views. It was the cherry on top of a perfect day!
The tour is offered in Spanish by default, but you can upgrade to add a bilingual guide, which is well worth it to catch all the stories and local insights. It’s an easygoing, flexible way to get to know Bariloche and its stunning scenery without feeling rushed!
Reserve your spot here and get flexible cancellation and payment options!
8. Visit Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest
- Duration: 6–7 hours
- Time: 10:30 am and 12:30 pm
- Highlights: Sail to Victoria Island, wander the Arrayanes Forest, admire centuries-old trees, explore shaded trails and hidden beaches surrounded by native Patagonian flora
- Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, catamaran, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.2 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re someone who enjoys the outdoors, you’re going to love visiting the Quetrihué peninsula, where both Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest can be found.
The only way to see both of these spots is by boat, are they are surrounded by Lake Nahuel Huapi. There are catamarans that leave from the Puerto Pañuelo pier, but we opted for this boat tour, so everything was taken care of for us. The tour was about 7 hours long, including pick-up from our hotel in Bariloche and two stops on the island and peninsula.
One of the stops is Bosque de Arrayanes, which is in the Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes. Here you’ll get to see 300-year-old trees that have distinct light brown twisted trunks. It looks like a photograph out of a children’s fairytale book.
Isla Victoria is the other stop on this tour, which features white sand beaches, lush forests, and crystal clear water. We recommend coming in the summer so you can take advantage of the beautiful water and jump in for a swim – it hovers around 57°F (14°C) in peak summer.
We think this tour is well worth the cost, making the whole day of exploration feel effortless. Between the fairytale forest and the pristine beaches of Victoria Island, it’s an easy addition to your Bariloche itinerary and a spot you’ll be talking about long after you leave.
Check availability and book this tour here with FREE cancellation options.
Related Read: For a stress-free way to plan your trip, check out our 3-day Bariloche itinerary, where we pick out the best activities, tours, restaurants, and more!
9. Learn about the Patagonian Indigenous Peoples
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Explore Bariloche’s indigenous history, walk lakeside paths uncovering Tehuelche and Mapuche stories, visit key cultural sites, dive deeper with a guided stop at the Patagonia Museum
- Inclusions: Certified expert tour guide, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
The indigenous peoples of Patagonia, including the Mapuche, Puelche, and the more southern Tehuelche groups, have inhabited the rugged landscapes of Argentina for thousands of years. With so much rich history to be found, no trip to Bariloche is truly complete until you’ve listened to their stories!
This 1.5-hour walking tour is the perfect introduction to the indigenous peoples inhabiting the region, with a particular focus on the Tehuelche and Mapuche peoples. We loved learning the non-biased history from our guide, Diego, including the tense and complex relationship between the indigenous peoples and the Catholic Church.
As it’s a short tour that visits multiple monuments around the local area, it’s ideal for fitting into a packed itinerary. It gave us a brief but fulfilling moment to pause and reflect on the history of the region, and we came out of it with a whole new appreciation of life here in Bariloche.
It’s also a small-group experience, with a maximum of just 15 people, so we had plenty of time to ask questions along the way. It’s only offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, though, so don’t forget to book in advance to avoid missing out!
Don’t miss out on this eye-opening tour – you can read their glowing reviews and book here!
Where to Stay in Bariloche, Argentina
Whether you are preparing to explore all the amazing Bariloche activities or need a place to rest after a long hiking day, we recommend staying right in Bariloche. There are a lot of accommodation options to choose from, so here’s our list of the top hostels and hotels for any budget to make planning easier.
Luxury – $$$
Arelauquen Bungalows & Suites is located on the Arelauquen Golf Pro and Country Club. This facility is truly beautiful! They offer entire bungalows that hold 2-4 adults and have a full kitchen, balcony, and spa tub. You will have incredible lake views around the property and most rooms. It has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and a spa.
Bungalows can range from around $100 USD per night for a two-person bungalow to $340 per night for a four-person bungalow, depending on the season. The only con is being a 25-minute drive from downtown. Check availability on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Located right in town, Hotel Ayres Del Nahuel has something for everyone! It’s moderately priced, has a fitness center, a library for children, and is right off the lake. The rooms range from a classic double to a superior family with a lake view, depending on your budget. But the location is the main selling point, as you’ll be right in downtown Bariloche.
Prices start around $80–$150 USD and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
HOPA-Home Patagonia Hostel & Bar is located several streets away from the main party zone you will be able to sleep without all the noise. Plus, the hostel has an on-site bar if you want to socialize with other travelers. A dorm bed here starts at $20 USD per night, and this property includes breakfast and has an average-sized shared kitchen, free wifi, and luggage storage provided. One of the main cons here is the limited number of bathrooms.
You can book HOPA-Home Patagonia Hostel on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Renting a Car in Argentina
We enjoyed a rental car for our second trip to Argentina when we traveled in Patagonia – and wow, what a way to travel! But the best part was that we only paid $40 USD per day for a 5-person sedan!
But how? Well, if you’re renting a car in Argentina, the cheapest company is Discover Cars. We often get questions from readers asking us if the website is fake because it seems too cheap! It’s a great website and the one we used for our rental.
If you do want to compare prices (and you should), do a quick search on Airport Car Rentals too. They’re another big competitor and each company often has its own deals to offer!
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Thanks for reading!
We had so much fun exploring Bariloche and found the city packed full of exciting activities. If you’re heading to Argentina, we highly recommend stopping in Bariloche to explore the area. We hope you liked reading about all the many things to do in San Carlos de Bariloche and that it helped you plan your trip.
If you are planning a trip to Central America, check out our other Argentina blogs before you go! We’ve traveled to large cities and remote parts of this country and found some truly hidden gems while exploring that we would love to share with you.
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