Bariloche is one of those places that truly has it all. Stunning mountain views, crystal-clear lakes, and a charming Alpine-style town make it feel like something out of a storybook. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or a chance to indulge in local treats, Bariloche is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left. Here are our absolute favourite things to do that we think will make you fall in love with it too.
1. Head Up Cerro Campanario
The views from Cerro Campanario are easily some of the best we’ve ever seen. You can take a quick chairlift to the top, or tackle the steep 25-minute walk, but either way the effort is more than worth it. At the summit, you’re rewarded with stunning panoramic views of shimmering lakes, lush forests, and snow-capped peaks across Nahuel Huapi National Park
There’s also a small café at the top where you can grab food, drinks, and souvenirs so we decided to treated ourselves to some mulled wine for our efforts.
2. Cycle the Circuito Chico
If you’re up for a little adventure, cycling Circuito Chico through Nahuel Huapi National Park was the highlight of our trip. It’s a 27-kilometre loop with views that won’t disappoint, it’s got everything from craft fairs to quaint stop offs where you can rest up and grab a coffee.
We rented bikes from Circuito Chico Adventure, a rental shop right at the start of the route. They charged 30,000 ARS (£22) for mountain bikes and 50,000 ARS (£38) for e-bikes. If you’re not an experienced cyclist, we’d recommend the e-bike as the hills can be tough. The rental comes with helmets, maps, and they even offer to pick you up if you get stuck.
3. Spend a Day at the Beach
Bariloche’s beaches are just as magical as its mountains. Playa del Moreno Sin Viento was our favourite. Its calm, clear waters and stunning surroundings make it the perfect place to relax. We spent the day swimming, soaking in the views, and treating ourselves to freshly grilled asado.
4. Grab an Ice Cream at Mamuschka Helados
If you love ice cream, you have to visit Mamuschka. This beloved local spot is famous for its quality, which is why we ended up coming back almost every day. We’d happily go back to Bariloche just for another scoop (or three) of the champagne and cherries flavour.
5. Stock Up on Chocolate
Bariloche is known for its artisanal chocolate and it’s easy to see why. The town is packed with chocolate shops, many of which stay open until the early hours of the morning.There are plenty of options to choose from, but our favourite was Rapanui. Their dark chocolate was unreal and everything in the store would make a perfect gift for your loved ones.