Best Things to Do in Bariloche: Lakes, Mountains & Adventure

Bariloche is located in the northern region of Patagonia and is known for its stunning mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and charming Swiss-inspired downtown area. It's an absolutely beautiful destination, and I don't think you'll regret adding it to your Argentina itinerary.

We visited Patagonia during the summer months, at the end of January and beginning of February. The weather in Bariloche was perfect - sunny, warm enough to swim and enjoy the beaches, but not overly hot. Overall, it was incredibly comfortable, and I'd definitely recommend visiting during this time of year.

We spent 3 nights and about 2.5 days exploring Bariloche. I'd recommend spending 3–4 days here if possible, as it gives you more time to enjoy the scenery and visit some of the area's iconic spots. That said, we still felt like we saw a lot during our stay. It really depends on the activities you want to do, but an extra day would have been nice.

Here are some of the top things to do in Bariloche, including a few activities we didn't have time to experience ourselves.

Circuito Chico (The Loop)

This scenic driving loop is essentially an all-day adventure that takes you through some of the most beautiful areas around Bariloche. Along the route, you'll find Cerro Campanario, gorgeous viewpoints, beaches, hiking trails, Cerveza Patagonia, and the adorable village of Colonia Suiza.

If you're short on time, this is probably the one activity I'd prioritize. It gives you a fantastic overview of the region and showcases some of the best scenery Bariloche has to offer.

White Water Rafting

We spent half a day white water rafting near the Chilean border, and it was SO much fun.

Getting there took about an hour and a half, and a large portion of the drive was on rough, rocky, and dusty roads, not exactly pleasant. But once we arrived, it was completely worth it.

The water was incredibly clear, the scenery was beautiful the entire way, and we tackled Class III and IV rapids. It wasn't overly difficult, and thankfully, we didn't tip over!

We spent roughly two hours on the river, and it ended up being one of our favorite adventures in Argentina.

One thing to note: I booked the Spanish-language tour because the English option was nearly double the price, even though we don't speak much Spanish. If you've never rafted before, I probably wouldn't recommend doing this. We got lucky and met another couple who translated for us throughout the experience. Without them, it would have been a bit challenging.

After rafting, we enjoyed lunch at a local farm, which was absolutely delicious. Overall, if you're looking for an exciting outdoor adventure, I'd highly recommend this tour.

Cerro Campanario

Even though Cerro Campanario is part of the Circuito Chico route, it deserves its own spot on this list.

The views from the top are absolutely incredible. You'll get panoramic 360-degree views of Bariloche, its lakes, and the surrounding mountains. Photos simply don't do it justice.

We chose to hike to the summit rather than take the chairlift. The trail is short but steep. Depending on your budget and energy level, you can always take the chairlift instead.

The hike took us about 30 minutes going up and roughly half that time coming down. We were practically jogging downhill thanks to gravity.

At the top, you'll find a small café where you can grab coffee, juice, or a quick snack while soaking in some of the best views in Patagonia.

If you only visit one viewpoint in Bariloche, make it Cerro Campanario.

Bariloche Town

Often called the "Switzerland of Argentina," downtown Bariloche is full of charming streets lined with chocolate shops, fondue restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and local stores. The town sits right on the edge of the lake, creating a beautiful backdrop for an evening stroll.

We spent our first evening walking around town, having dinner, and sampling some of the famous chocolate shops, which absolutely lived up to the hype.

While it is a bit touristy, it's definitely worth spending a few hours exploring.

There's also a beautiful church near the waterfront and an adorable rainbow crosswalk that's become a popular photo spot.

Horseback Riding

This is one activity we didn't have time (or budget) to do, but it looks incredible.

Several tours offer horseback riding through the mountains and countryside surrounding Bariloche. Riding through Patagonia, especially during sunset, sounds like an unforgettable experience.

If horseback riding is something you enjoy, this would be worth adding to your itinerary.

Kayaking on the Lakes

Another very popular activity in Bariloche, kayaking on the crystal clear lakes surrounded by mountain views. We definitely would have done this if we hadn’t chose white water rafting.

Perfect alternative if you want something less strenuous and a more relaxing experience.

For horseback riding and kayaking I’d recommend checking out tours on Get Your Guide.

The Seven Lakes Route (Ruta de los Siete Lagos)

Another popular activity is driving the famous Seven Lakes Route along Route 40.

This scenic drive takes you through some of Patagonia's most breathtaking landscapes, with pristine glacier-fed lakes, dense forests, and mountain views around every corner. The route connects Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes and is often completed as a day trip from Bariloche.

Since it's a full-day excursion when you include stops, we simply didn't have enough time to fit it into our itinerary. However, everyone we talked to said the scenery was spectacular.

Personally, if you're limited on time, I'd prioritize staying around Bariloche and completing Circuito Chico. But if you have an extra day available, the Seven Lakes Route is definitely worth considering.

Final Thoughts

Bariloche is all about the scenery, so spend as much time as possible soaking it in. I also highly recommend staying somewhere with amazing views.

We absolutely loved our Airbnb, which overlooked the mountains and water. It ended up being our favorite Airbnb from our entire Argentina trip.

No matter what you choose to do in Bariloche, you're surrounded by incredible natural beauty. Spend time hiking, relaxing at the beaches, exploring the lakes, and simply enjoying one of the most beautiful places in Patagonia.