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Planning a trip to Bariloche? You’re in for three unforgettable days!
This alpine-style town on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake is packed with things to do—chocolate shops, mountain viewpoints, scenic drives, and local culture. The only challenge is figuring out how to fit it all in without feeling overwhelmed. But that’s where we can help!
We’ve explored Bariloche extensively and know the highlights (and the hidden gems) that are worth your time. We’ve put together this ultimate 3-day itinerary to guide you through the best of the area—what to hit, what to skip, and how to make the most of your time in this slice of Patagonia. Let’s map out three incredible days in Bariloche!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Bariloche was this Road of the Seven Lakes day trip! It’s one of the most beautiful drives in Patagonia with crystal-clear lakes and mountain peaks at every turn. With a professional driver and guide, you get to sit back and enjoy the scenery and stunning stops along the way!
Itinerary Overview
This 3-day itinerary is based in Bariloche, a Patagonian city framed by the Andes and Nahuel Huapi Lake. Here you’ll find a mix of alpine-style town life, scenic mountain drives, and laid-back outdoor adventures. From walking tours that reveal Bariloche’s history to day trips through postcard-worthy landscapes, each day blends culture and nature in equal measure.
Getting around is straightforward: the town center is compact and walkable, while taxis are reliable for quick rides. Most guided tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you won’t need to worry about logistics. For extra flexibility, rental cars are also popular for side trips into the surrounding mountains and lakes. That means you can focus on the good stuff—epic views, great food, and memorable adventures.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect on this three-day Bariloche itinerary:
Day 1: Start with coffee and pastries at Morfy’s Mitre before a walking tour through Patagonia’s Indigenous history. After lunch at Chimi Deli, enjoy free time for lakeside strolls or chocolate tasting, then uncover Bariloche’s German past before dinner at El Boliche de Alberto.
Day 2: Spend the day on the Road of the Seven Lakes, with stops for views and time to explore San Martín de los Andes. Back in Bariloche, unwind with a rest or coffee, then enjoy Italian-inspired dishes at Di Como and drinks at Stradibar.
Day 3: Choose between horseback riding with an asado lunch or kayaking across Bariloche’s lakes with a picnic on a secluded beach. In the evening, wrap up your trip with artisanal shopping or a brewery stop before dinner at Berkana Bar de Lago with lakefront views.
Day 1
Morning – Morfy’s Mitre
There’s no better way to kick off your first morning in Bariloche than with a slow breakfast at Morfy’s Mitre, a cozy café right in the heart of town. Try to arrive around 9 or 9:30 am when the place is still calm, and you can grab a table by the window. The café is renowned for its fresh pastries and cakes, which pair perfectly with a strong Argentine coffee. It’s the kind of spot where you can sit back and soak in the local vibe without feeling rushed.
The best part? Morfy’s Mitre is just a two-minute walk from the meeting point of your first tour, so there’s no need to stress about time. After a relaxed start, you’ll be perfectly positioned to dive into the day’s adventures. It’s the ideal combination of convenience and comfort to ease into your Bariloche itinerary.
Late morning – Learn about the Indigenous Peoples of Patagonia on a walking tour
It’s easy to come to Bariloche and dive straight into the chocolate shops, lake views, and endless outdoor adventures, but without taking the time to understand its deeper history, something is missing. We found that this Indigenous walking tour is the perfect way to connect with the cultural roots of Patagonia, offering a perspective that goes far beyond the scenery.
The Mapuche and Tehuelche peoples have called this region home for thousands of years, and hearing their stories brings a richness to Bariloche that you just don’t get from guidebooks. This tour kicks off at 11 am, only a two-minute walk from Morfy’s Mitre, and runs for about an hour and a half—just the right amount of time to dive into the history without feeling rushed.
Your guide will lead you through the center of town, stopping at key monuments that share the traditions and struggles of Patagonia’s Indigenous peoples. With a small group of around 15 people, you’ll have plenty of chances to ask questions and engage with the history. By the time it wraps up around 12:30 pm, you’ll walk away with a much deeper appreciation for the cultural layers that shape Bariloche today.
Just keep in mind the tour only runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so it’s definitely one you’ll want to plan ahead for!
Don’t miss out on this eye-opening experience—book this tour here!
Lunch – Chimi Deli
After wrapping up the walking tour, it’s just a quick four-minute stroll to Chimi Deli, a modern and casual spot that’s perfect for lunch. The vibe here is relaxed, and the menu is filled with fresh sandwiches, salads, and light bites that hit the spot without slowing you down. After a morning of walking and learning, this is exactly the kind of simple but satisfying meal you’ll be craving.
What makes Chimi Deli such a great choice is how versatile the menu is—whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or more of a meat lover, you’ll find plenty of options. It feels both wholesome and quick, the kind of place where you can refuel and still keep your afternoon open for more exploring. It’s not fancy or over the top, just really good food served in a friendly atmosphere before heading back out to discover more of Bariloche.
Afternoon – Free time to explore
By the time lunch at Chimi Deli wraps up, it’ll likely be around 2 or 2:30 pm, which gives you a nice 3–4 hour window to explore Bariloche at your own pace. This is a good time to slow down, pick something that suits your mood, and enjoy the city before heading back to your hotel to freshen up for the evening tour. A few options we recommend include:
- Lakefront walk: Start at the Civic Center and wander along the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake. The promenade has plenty of benches, so you can pause whenever you like to take in the snow-capped peaks reflecting on the water. It’s simple, free, and one of the best ways to soak up the beauty of Bariloche.
- Chocolate tasting: Bariloche is known as Argentina’s chocolate capital, so this is the perfect time to indulge. Pop into iconic shops like Rapanui or Mamuschka, where you’ll find rows of handmade chocolates, plus cozy cafés serving hot chocolate or ice cream. It’s part treat, part local tradition!
- Explore the Civic Center: This alpine-style plaza is a landmark in its own right, featuring stone buildings that resemble those of a European mountain village. Step inside the Museo de la Patagonia for a quick dose of cultural history if you’re in the mood for something educational. Just note that the museum is closed on weekends.
- Ride the Cerro Otto cable car: If you’re up for a short adventure, head to the base of Cerro Otto and take the gondola ride up to a panoramic viewpoint over Bariloche and the lake. The ticket office is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm, and tickets are about $25–$30 USD per adult. At the top, there’s even a revolving café where you can sip coffee and enjoy cake.
Evening – Uncover Bariloche’s German Footprint
As evening settles in, it’s time to see Bariloche through a completely different lens. Starting at 7 pm in Centro Civico square, this 1.5-hour German footprint walking tour dives into the town’s lesser-known past, focusing on the wave of German immigration that shaped Bariloche after World War II.
Your guide leads you through the center, weaving a mix of historical facts and compelling stories that paint a picture of how the town evolved during this period. From tales of immigration to Bariloche’s surprising role in World War II history, the tour offers a fascinating contrast to what you learned earlier in the day.
Along the way, you’ll notice the influence of German culture everywhere, from the distinct alpine-style architecture to the town’s love of winter sports. What makes the experience especially engaging is the passion of your guide, who shares history in a way that feels both accessible and thought-provoking.
The group is small enough to encourage questions, and you’ll find yourself completely absorbed in the stories of how these cultural layers blended into the Bariloche we see today. Plus, the timing works out perfectly, with the tour wrapping up around 8:30 pm just in time for dinner. Just note that it doesn’t run on Sundays or Mondays, so plan accordingly.
This tour adds a whole new layer of context to the Bariloche you’ve been exploring throughout the day. It’s the perfect early-evening experience to deepen your understanding before sitting down to dinner.
Spots are limited—book this unique tour in advance here!
Dinner – El Boliche de Alberto
To wrap up your first day in Bariloche, make your way to El Boliche de Alberto, one of the city’s most famous parrillas. This bustling steakhouse is all about Argentina’s love for grilled meats, with the aroma of sizzling beef, lamb, and chorizo greeting you the moment you step inside. The menu keeps things classic—perfectly cooked cuts paired with sides like crispy papas fritas or a simple salad, and everything is served in generous portions meant to be savored.
The atmosphere here is lively yet traditional, with locals and travelers alike gathering to share in the same experience: hearty food, bold flavors, and good company. Pair your meal with a glass of Malbec, and you’ll have a true taste of Argentina’s dining culture. After a full day of history, walking tours, and exploration, El Boliche de Alberto is the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and toast to your first night in Patagonia!
Day 2
Full day – Travel the Road of the Seven Lakes
Day two begins early, but it’s worth it. At 8 am, you’ll be picked up for this full-day tour along the legendary Road of the Seven Lakes, a stretch of highway winding past crystal-clear lakes, mountain peaks, and dense forests.
The route links Bariloche with San Martín de los Andes, covering seven different lakes, including Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machónico—each stop more scenic than the last. With someone else doing the driving, you can sit back and simply enjoy the changing landscapes without worrying about directions or long hours behind the wheel.
Over the course of the day, there are plenty of opportunities to stop, stretch your legs, and take photos of the lakes and surrounding mountains. The highlight comes when you reach San Martín de los Andes, a picturesque town where Swiss-inspired alpine architecture meets a rugged Patagonian backdrop.
Here you’ll have around three hours of free time to wander through the streets, shop for souvenirs, or settle into one of the many restaurants for lunch. It’s the perfect balance of guided sightseeing and time to explore at your own pace.
The tour lasts about nine hours in total, wrapping up around 5 pm with hotel drop-off back in Bariloche. After a day packed with scenery, fresh air, and culture, you’ll understand why this is considered one of the most beautiful drives in Patagonia. Don’t just take our word for it—check out all the five-star reviews here to see why this is a top-rated tour in Bariloche!
Book our FAVORITE tour here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
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.
Late afternoon – Return and relax
By the time you return to Bariloche around 5 pm, you’ll be ready for a slower pace. After a full day of sightseeing, this is the perfect window to rest at your hotel, grab a coffee at a nearby café, or take a gentle stroll along the lakefront to stretch your legs. A little downtime will leave you refreshed and ready to enjoy dinner later in the evening. It’s a nice chance to recharge while still soaking in the charm of Bariloche.
Dinner – Di Como
Dinner in Bariloche typically starts late, and Di Como fits right into that rhythm, with doors opening at 8 pm daily, except on Mondays when they’re closed. After a day spent on the road and soaking in lake views, this cozy spot is a welcome change of pace. The menu leans Italian with a Patagonian twist, offering everything from wood-fired pizzas to creative pasta dishes, all paired nicely with a well-rounded drink list.
The warm, laid-back atmosphere and genuinely friendly service make it feel inviting whether you’re sharing a pizza or sitting down for a longer meal. It’s the kind of place where you can relax into the evening, enjoy good food without any fuss, and reflect on the day’s highlights.
Evening – Stradibar
If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, stroll just seven minutes from Di Como to Stradibar, one of Bariloche’s trendiest drink and tapas bars. The atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming, making it the perfect spot to raise a glass to the day’s adventures.
Alongside creative drinks and shareable small plates, Stradibar often features live music in its courtyard, adding an extra layer of fun to the evening. Whether you’re winding down with a glass of wine or trying one of their signature drinks, it’s a great way to soak up Bariloche’s nightlife in a relaxed, stylish setting.
Day 3
For your final full day in Bariloche, you’ve got two incredible options to pick from, depending on your style of adventure. Choose to ride through the Andes foothills with a traditional Patagonian asado, or paddle Bariloche’s pristine lakes with a picnic on a secluded beach. Both are full-day tours that let you soak up the natural beauty of Northern Patagonia in very different ways, so it really comes down to whether you’d prefer exploring on horseback or by kayak.
Full-day Option 1: Go horseback riding with an asado lunch
Horseback riding has a way of slowing life down and letting you really connect with the landscape, and Bariloche is no exception. This six-hour tour kicks off at 9:30 am every day except Sunday, with hotel pickup and drop-off included to keep things simple.
You’ll start at one of the oldest ranches in the region, a sprawling 62,000-acre property, before heading out for two hours of riding through the Andes foothills, across the Patagonian steppe, and into shaded forest trails.
The day begins with a light breakfast at the ranch, then it’s into the saddle. The guides are fantastic at pointing out wildlife and sharing stories along the way, so even if you’re new to horseback riding, you’ll feel relaxed and confident. The scenery shifts constantly, from open grasslands to wooded trails, so you get a real taste of Patagonia’s variety in just a short time.
When you return, a traditional three-course Argentine asado is waiting. Think barbecued meats with plenty of sides, plus an open bar to keep the good vibes going. By the time you’re dropped back at your hotel around 3:30 pm, you’ll have enjoyed the perfect mix of adventure and indulgence.
It’s a memorable way to experience Patagonia’s landscapes while savoring one of its most iconic food traditions. If you’re looking for a day that combines nature, culture, and cuisine all in one, this tour delivers it beautifully!
Check out the dozens of 5-star reviews and book your spot here!
Full-day Option 2: Head out on a kayak paddling adventure
For a different perspective, trade the saddle for a paddle with this seven-hour kayaking adventure that begins at 9 am. Surrounded by Bariloche’s stunning lake district, you’ll set out on Moreno Lake, Nahuel Huapi Lake, or even a combination of both, depending on your experience level.
The fiberglass kayaks are built for smooth gliding, making it easy to relax between strokes as you float past snowcapped mountains and thick forests reflected in the water. The pace is unhurried, letting you truly enjoy the serenity of the lakes while your guides handle all the logistics.
One of the best parts of the day comes when you pull up to an isolated beach for a break. Here, you’ll enjoy a picnic-style lunch, with time to swim or simply soak up the views before paddling back.
Everything is included—transportation, lunch, and all the gear you’ll need—so all you have to do is wake up ready to explore. You’ll finish up around 4 pm, happily tired from a day on the water and surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery Patagonia has to offer. And with dozens of glowing five-star reviews here, it’s clear this is a highlight of any trip to Bariloche!
Check availability and reserve this kayaking adventure here!
Late afternoon – Relax or keep exploring
Whichever tour you choose, you’ll still have about 3–4 hours before dinner once you’re back in Bariloche. You can use this time to recharge at your hotel, or if you’re still in the mood to explore, here are a few fun options:
- Chocolate museum visit: Havanna Museo del Chocolate is a small museum just outside town that tells the story of how Bariloche became Argentina’s chocolate capital. It’s an easy visit, usually taking 30–45 minutes, and ends with sweet samples that make it even more worthwhile. Perfect if you want a quick, tasty stop without committing to a long activity.
- Beer tasting at a local craft brewery: Bariloche has a thriving craft beer scene, and Manush Centro is one of the most popular spots to try it out. You’ll find a wide selection of local brews on tap, from pale ales to dark stouts, often paired with hearty bar snacks. It’s a fun and social way to round out the afternoon before heading to dinner.
- Shopping and artisan markets: Downtown Bariloche is home to seasonal markets where you can browse local handicrafts, wool products, and handmade souvenirs. The Municipal Craft Fair and Feria Artesanal del Centro Cívico are both within walking distance of the city center. It’s a relaxed way to pick up unique gifts and experience the local culture at the same time.
Dinner – Berkana Bar de Lago
End your final evening in Bariloche at Berkana Bar de Lago, a gastropub that combines great food with even better views. Set right on the waterfront, it’s the kind of place where you can sip a drink or dig into a hearty meal while looking out over Nahuel Huapi Lake, the mountains reflecting in the distance. After three packed days, the relaxed atmosphere here makes it easy to wind down and savor the moment.
The menu has plenty of variety, from drinks to elevated pub-style dishes, so it’s a good choice whether you’re craving something casual or a little more refined. Best of all, Berkana is open all afternoon and evening, so you don’t need to wait until late to enjoy dinner here—a rarity in Bariloche. Just keep in mind it’s closed on Sundays, but if your schedule lines up, it’s a perfect spot to toast the end of your adventure!
Related Read: Have a couple extra days here? Check out our full list of the best things to do in Bariloche for more ideas on how to spend your time!
Where to Stay in Bariloche, Argentina
Now that you have your three-day itinerary for Bariloche figured out, all that’s left is to find the perfect base. There are a lot of accommodation options to choose from around the city, so here’s our list of the top ones for any budget to make planning easier!
Arelauquen Bungalows & Suites – $$$
Arelauquen Bungalows & Suites is located on the Arelauquen Golf Pro and Country Club. This facility is truly beautiful! They offer entire bungalows that hold 2-4 adults and have a full kitchen, balcony, and spa tub. You will have incredible lake views around the property and most rooms. It has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and a spa.
At just $125 USD for a two-person bungalow, this place is a steal. The only con is being a 25-minute drive from downtown. Check availability on Booking.com.
Hotel Ayres Del Nahuel – $$
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 $90 USD and can be booked on Booking.com.
HOPA-Home Patagonia Hostel & Bar – $
HOPA-Home Patagonia Hostel & Bar is located several streets away from the main party zone, so 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 $13 USD, and this property includes breakfast and has shared kitchen, free WiFi, and luggage storage provided. You can book HOPA-Home Patagonia Hostel on Booking.com.
Related Read: For more hotel options and an in-depth look at the best areas, have a look at our where to stay in Bariloche guide!
Planning your Trip to Argentina
Accommodation in Argentina
Booking accommodation is one of the biggest aspects of your trip, and we should know as we stay in a new hotel up to 40 times per year! Funny enough, we make 99% of these bookings on one website and that’s Booking.com – and there are a few reasons why we use this site!
Number one is the website is easy to use and sorts accommodation options. That takes the stress out of planning which honestly still affects us and we do it more than not.
Second, is the price guarantee. We have literally booked a hotel months before and then 1 week out found it cheaper (we always do a quick search), and they’ll match that price from anyone’s website including the hotels!
And third, is the Genius loyalty program. If you make a certain amount of bookings per year you get a Genius discount. We are level-two geniuses because we make more than 5 a year. At participating hotels, we get things like free breakfast included, early check-in, and up to 15% off.
You can check out all their accommodation options throughout Argentina!
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!
Tours in Argentina
We love booking online because we can check reviews of the tour and know exactly what to expect on the tour, such as the itinerary and inclusions. Sometimes the tours are pricier online than booking directly in person, but this is why we always book with Viator. If we happen to find the exact same tour for a lower price once we’re at the destination, Viator will actually refund the price difference!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
With so much to see in this part of Argentina, we hope this 3-day itinerary helped you narrow down what to do in Bariloche! From a taste of this city’s history to literally tasting some of the best food (and chocolate!) and taking in the stunning scenery, we think three days here is the perfect amount of time to explore. Enjoy your time in Bariloche!
If your travels are taking you beyond Bariloche, make sure to browse through our other Argentina blogs and our Patagonia category! We’ve spent plenty of time exploring here and would love to share all our tips, itineraries, hotel guides, and favorite activities with you! Or we’ve put a few of our popular ones below for you to check out:
Bariloche’s Best Hike: Cerro Tronador