Top 10 Things to Do in San Carlos de Bariloche (2023–2025 Highlights)
Visit the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Bariloche’s main draw, Nahuel Huapi National Park, holds unending trails, glacier-fed lakes, and unspoiled landscapes. V I S I T O R N I W Since new visitor centers have been established, accompanied by guided eco-tours as part of the experience.
Take the Chairlift on Cerro Campanario
Voted as “one of the ten best views in the world,” the top of Cerro Campanario provides you with 360º views across the Andean lakes. The safety railings and photo spots were renovated in 2024 to support the growing volume of visitors.
Ski at Cerro Catedral
Today, Cerro Catedral still dominates as the number one ski area of that massive continent. Last year, it played host to more than 500,000 visiting skiers; in 2025, it will usher in environmentally friendly gondolas and family areas that have been expanded.
Sample Some Of The Best Chocolate In Bariloche
Bariloche is known as the “Chocolate Capital of Argentina.” From creamy truffles to artisan dark bars, chocolate shops like Rapa Nui, Mamuschka, and Frantom have proliferated, particularly during the 2023 and 2024 Holy Week celebrations.
Discover Colonia Suiza
Just 25 minutes by car from downtown, Colonia Suiza is famous for its weekend artisan market and its traditional earth-cooked curanto meal. During high season in 2023, the village welcomed more than 20,000 culinary tourists.
Hike to Refugio Frey
One of the top Bariloche hiking spots, the trek to Refugio Frey offers excellent views of mountains with terrain that isn’t too difficult. Trail markings were improved in 2024, and you were safer if you were a beginner.
Drive the Seven Lakes Route
Seven Lakes route. It still ranks as one of the most beautiful drives in Patagonia: Ruta de los Siete Lagos. New rest stops and lookouts are coming online in 2025, but even today, it’s easier to decipher, especially for families and couples, on your own.
Take a Boat Tour to Isla Victoria
Leaving from Puerto Pañuelo, the boat ride incorporates Isla Victoria and the magical Bosque de Arrayanes — a cinnamon-barked forest that’s the source of inspiration behind Disney’s “Bambi.” In 2024, bilingual guides and upgraded boats led to a better experience all around.
Walk the Circuito Chico
This 40-mile scenic loop around Bariloche has become even more visitor-friendly as of 2023; bike lanes have been added to the route, along with panoramic stops that highlight the region’s best photo ops.
Relax at Playa Bonita
Great for a lazy afternoon, Playa Bonita has picturesque views over the lake and clean waters. By 2024, new recycling programs and eco-bathrooms had helped make it one of the most sustainable urban beaches in the region.
San Carlos de Bariloche Itinerary 7 Days in 2025
- Day 1: Welcome to Ireland and Get Your Bearings
- Touch down at the Bariloche Airport, which in 2024 debuted new domestic and international routes.
- Walk through Centro Cívico; eat your first taste of Bariloche chocolate.
- Watch the sun set over Nahuel Huapi Lake at a lakeside restaurant over dinner.
- Day 2 Cerro Campanario and Circuito Chico.It’s the best view of your life. Period.
- Morning: Ride the chairlift or hike up to Cerro Campanario.
- Afternoon: Pick up or rent a car and drive the Circuito Chico with your wheels or cycle it, stopping for afternoon tea at Hotel Llao Llao.
- Day 3: Discover Nahuel Huapi National Park. It’s a short drive to the town of Villa La Angostura, the gateway to picturesque Nahuel Huapi National Park.
- Participate in a guided nature walk or kayak tour.
- Find a lunch spot in the peace of Lake Gutierrez or Lake Moreno.
- Day 4: Isla Victoria boat tour
- Boat tour with a full day of activities, stopping off at Isla Victoria and Bosque de Arrayanes.
- Head back to Bariloche for dinner and a glass of local Malbec.
- Day 5: Excursion Colonia Suiza
- Experience the weekend market; purchase handmade crafts and local jams.
- But try a classic curanto, with all its smoky, earthy flavors.
- Day 6: Hiking or Skiing Hike OR ski into a remote alpine lake for lunch.
- Summer: Hike to Refugio Frey for alpine views and a packed lunch.
- Winter: Ski for the day on Cerro Catedral; use…”
- Day 7: Rest and Chocolate Tasting
Go to the Chocolate Museum; hear about Bariloche’s sweet rise to the top.
Take one last walk by the lake before you have to catch your flight.
Where to stay in Bariloche: 2023–2025 favorites
There’s a variety of places to stay in Bariloche; the following were memorable between 2023 and 2025:
Llao Llao Resort: Renowned for its location and five-star service, its suites were renovated in 2023.
Las Vegas Hotel: Sleek and modern; listed in travel magazines for most of 2024.
Hotel Cacique Inacayal: A similar option for those craving spa amenities and waterfront access.
Eco-cabins and Airbnbs: Emerged in 2023 as popular choices for remote-work locations and for quiet during shoulder seasons.
What to Eat in San Carlos de Bariloche
Bariloche marries the heritage of Patagonia with the flavors of Central Europe; what’s not to miss?
Trucha (trout): Frequently grilled and seasoned with herbs.
Cordero Patagónico: Roasted lamb; it was smoky and melting.
Goulash and Spätzle: A homage to the city’s Swiss roots.
Chocolate Fondue: A favorite for the colder months; it’s warm and rich.
2024 Bariloche’s dining scene had zeroed in on sustainability — menus boasted organic and locally-sourced fare.
Travel Tips & Useful Information
Currency: Argentine Peso; bring some small notes for local vendors.
Language: Spanish; English is spoken at hotels and tour agencies.
Safety: Bariloche is safe; there are many solo and family travelers.
Circular route: Cars, buses, and taxis for hire are available; most roads were repaved in 2023.
Connectivity: Most places offer pretty good internet, even near the mountains.
Sustainable Tourism in Bariloche (2023-2025)
From 2023 to 2025, serious action was taken on sustainable tourism in the city. Key initiatives include:
3. Integration of solar energy in hotels and cabins;
Plastic-free areas around the lakes and trails;
“Leave No Trace” education programs at parks.
Do it responsibly by staying at eco-lodges that are certified, shop at local stores, and don’t litter the trails.
Final Thoughts: Why You Absolutely Need to Visit Bariloche in 2025
From the alpine peaks to the artisanal chocolate, San Carlos de Bariloche is not just a trip — it’s a sensory awakening to nature and culture. Sketch of growth 2023, tableau of innovation 2024, and a canvas of smart expansions 2025, without losing its unassuming grace of Bariloche evolution.
So whether you’re going to ski the slopes, sample the chocolate, or hit the trails, there will be an open-armed Bariloch and stunning scenery to greet you.