From average weather, 2021 to 2025: days that are warm but not hot, with few rainy days, score highest. Crowds and prices change through the year, so check them before you book.
Arrival day
Before Day 1. The town is small and sits right on the lake, so settle in and keep the first evening quiet.Details
From the airport
Bariloche has its own airport, a short drive from the town, with taxis and shuttles into the center. Many visitors fly in from Buenos Aires. Long distance buses also run from Buenos Aires, but the ride is very long, so check the schedule ahead if you plan to go that way.
Getting around
Local buses run along the lakeside road toward the Circuito Chico and the mountain lifts. A rental car makes the Villa La Angostura and Seven Lakes days easy. Mountain roads can be slow in poor weather, so leave extra time.
When to go
Early March brings warm days and thinner crowds. The summer holiday weeks and the winter ski season are busier and cost more, so check ahead for those. The lake water stays cold even in summer, and the weather in the mountains can change fast, so pack layers.
First evening
Day 1 begins at the Civic Center, a short walk from the lakefront, so you will already be close. Walk down to the water, watch the light on the lake and have an early supper.
Day 1. Bariloche town and the national park hills
4 stops · 11.0 km
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
1
MorningWorth a short visit
Centro Civico
The stone and timber buildings around a wide plaza, in the style of the Alpine towns that inspired the early settlers. A museum sits inside, and the lake and the mountains frame the square.
Go whenMorning, when the plaza is quiet and the light is clear.
Local tip Stand in the middle of the plaza and turn slowly. The lake, the stone buildings and the peaks all fit in one view.
About 15 min by car or transit5.3 km
2
MorningA view from above
Cerro Otto
A forested hill west of town with a wide view over the lake. Reach the top by lift or by road, and check ahead on how it is running.
Go whenMorning, on a clear day.
Local tip Check ahead on how to get up and on the weather, because cloud can cover the top. Pack a warm layer, since it is cooler up there.
Trout from the cold lakes and rivers of the region, grilled simply with lemon and served with potatoes or a salad.
Local tip Ask whether it is local, and order it with a simple side.
About 15 min by car or transit5.5 km
3
AfternoonA place to wander
Mitre Street
The main shopping street of the town, lined with chocolate makers, ice cream shops and cafes. Wander it with no plan, then stop for something warm to drink.
Go whenAfternoon, when you want something warm.
Local tip Walk the whole street first, then choose. A hot chocolate is thick and rich here, so share one and a plate of something small.
About 3 min walk0.3 km
4
EveningWorth the time
Lakefront on Lago Nahuel Huapi
The long shore of the great glacial lake, with a walkway beside the water and the peaks across it. A good place to sit on the stones and take your time.
Go whenAround sunset (about 8:05 PM), when the peaks turn pink.
Local tip Walk along the shore until the town noise fades, then sit on the stones. Keep a layer in your bag, because the wind off the water is cool.
The town has a long tradition of craft beer. Pair a cold glass with a plate of smoked meat or a big sandwich in a warm, wood-paneled room.
Local tip Ask for a small tasting of a few styles before you choose.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Day 2. The national park hills and the Circuito Chico loop
3 stops · 27.0 km
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Travel from Lakefront on Lago Nahuel HuapiAbout 30 min by car or transit14.9 km
Where Day 1 ended.
1
MorningWorth the time
Cerro Campanario
A small hill beside the lake road with a chairlift to the top. From the summit you look over the lakes, islands and peaks all around. Check ahead on the lift.
Go whenMorning, when the air is clear and the light is soft.
Local tip Take the lift up if it is running, then walk a little around the top. The view takes in lakes and islands in every direction.
The big mountain of the area, known for skiing in winter. In warm months, the base area is a pleasant place to see the peaks, and the lifts may run, so check ahead.
Go whenAfternoon, after lunch by the lake.
Local tip In the warm months you can enjoy the base and the views at your own pace. The lifts may run for walkers, so check ahead before you plan around them.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Day 3. The Circuito Chico loop
3 stops · 23.1 km
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Travel from Cerro CatedralAbout 29 min by car or transit13.2 km
Where Day 2 ended.
1
MiddayWorth a short stop
Punto Panoramico
A lookout over the lakes and the mountains behind the Llao Llao peninsula, a classic picture stop on the loop.
Go whenLate morning, when the lakes are bright.
Local tip Stay a few minutes and let the view settle. It is a good place to take a photograph of the whole loop.
About 15 min walk1.2 km
2
AfternoonWorth the time
Llao Llao Peninsula
A green point of land between two arms of the lake, with forest paths and quiet shores. Walk a short trail and look back at the mountains.
Go whenAfternoon, when the forest is quiet.
Local tip Choose one short walk through the trees rather than trying them all. The paths are gentle, and the shore is never far.
Lunch
A picnic by the lake
Pick up bread, cheese, fruit and something smoked in town, then eat on a quiet shore of the lake with the mountains in front of you.
Local tip Bring a layer, since the wind comes off the water.
About 16 min by car8.7 km
3
AfternoonA sweet stop
Colonia Suiza
A small settlement in a green valley, settled by Swiss and other European families. Known for its relaxed pace and sweet treats. Check ahead on hours before you go.
Go whenAfternoon, for something to eat and a slow look around.
Local tip Look for a local sweet made with wild berries, and ask about hours before you drive over, because small places here keep their own schedules.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Day 4. The Seven Lakes road
3 stops · 148.1 km
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Drive from Colonia SuizaAbout 57 min by car50.1 km
Where Day 3 ended.
1
MorningWorth a short stop
Lago Espejo
A small, clear lake on the Seven Lakes road, with a calm shore and a view of the mountains. A good first stop of the day.
Go whenMorning, when the water is still.
Local tip Park, walk to the edge and wait a moment. On a calm morning the lake mirrors the forest.
About 22 min by car or transit9.0 km
2
MiddayWorth the time
Lago Falkner
A long blue lake right beside the road, with pull-offs and a rocky shore. A good place for a picnic.
Go whenMidday, with a picnic.
Local tip Pull off at a spot with a view and eat by the water. Stop at the pull-offs rather than the road itself, and take a layer for the wind.
Lunch
A roadside picnic
Buy bread, cheese, fruit and smoked meat in town before you set out, then stop at a lake with a view and eat by the water.
Local tip Carry water, and pack out everything you bring.
About 1 h 32 min by car89.0 km
3
AfternoonA place to rest
San Martin de los Andes
A tidy mountain town at the far end of the road, on Lago Lacar. Walk down to the lakeside and rest before you decide whether to drive back or stay.
Go whenLate afternoon, before you decide how to go back.
Local tip Walk down to the lake and sit. If you are tired, you can turn around at any lake on the way instead. Check ahead on road conditions.
A protected forest of arrayan trees, with smooth cinnamon-colored bark, at the end of a peninsula. Reach it on foot or by boat from the bay, and check ahead on the boat and on the path.
Go whenAfternoon, with plenty of daylight left.
Local tip The trees are small and smooth, with cinnamon-colored bark and cool, quiet shade. Check ahead on the boat, on the path and on any park closure before you set out.
A small restaurant with a view of the water, a warm bowl of something simple and a long table is all you need here.
Local tip Order trout or a stew and take your time.
Dinner
Roast lamb
Slow-cooked lamb is a staple of Patagonia, tender and served with roasted potatoes. A satisfying meal after a day in the forest.
Local tip Ask for a half portion if you are not very hungry.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Departure day
After the last day. A calm morning and an early start for the airport keep the last hours easy.Details
Last morning
Leave the last morning free for a slow breakfast and one more look at the lake. Hot chocolate is a good way to say goodbye to town.
To the airport
The airport is a short drive from the town, but allow extra time in the busy holiday weeks. Ask your hotel for a taxi or shuttle the evening before.
Before you drive off
If you rented a car, return it a day early when you can, and fill the tank first. Check ahead on any road or park closure if you plan one last drive.
Questions people ask
When is the best time to visit Bariloche?
By average weather from 2021 to 2025, January to March and November to December are the most comfortable months for walking around Bariloche. This plan is built for early March, which is one of the best months. Crowds and prices change through the year, so check them before you book.
How many days does this plan cover?
It covers 5 days in Bariloche, planned for early March. Each day is built around a small number of stops, with room to rest.
Who is this plan for?
It was planned for most travelers. The pace and the places reflect that, so check it fits how you travel.
Is anything on this plan booked?
No. Places marked "book ahead" need a reservation. Hours, prices and availability change, so confirm before you go.
Can I plan my own days like this?
Yes. Archie drafts a day by day plan for your dates and takes your pace, the weather and who is travelling into account. You can start one from the Archie app.
Can I change this plan?
Yes. It is a starting point you can change to fit your own trip: swap a place, add a day or move the pace.
How much walking is there?
Each day has about 4.2 to 98.0 kilometers between its stops, and 135.3 kilometers in all across 5 days. A short hop is a walk and a longer one a ride. Distances are straight-line estimates, so allow extra for the streets.