Lake view from the Circuito Chico in Bariloche

Bariloche | Top 5 things to do in Argentina’s Lake District

Argentina Patagonia June 29, 2019

A network of sweeping glacial lakes, lush green rolling hills and lively beaches, Northern Patagonia is a stark contrast to the harsh, windswept South. San Carlos de Bariloche is at the heart of the region with endless adventures to offer. With the Andes wrapped around the city it’s no wonder hiking is at the forefront. But we arrived after exploring the mountains of Ushuaia, Torres del Paine and El Chaltén and our soles weren’t too keen for more just yet. So, here are our top five things to do in Bariloche…other than hiking.

1 // Bike the Circuito Chico

This popular route offers some of the most remarkable views of the vast Lake Nahuel Huapi and surrounding mountains. It can be toured easily by car or more strenuously by foot but we’d recommend renting a bike to get the best of both worlds.

You’ll barely feel the wind in your hair before wanting to stop and soak in the first of many picturesque inland bays. If the weather agrees, you can do some kayaking, which you can add to your bike rental. The route then turns upward for the most demanding section of the day. It’s worth it though, as the view at the top is simply spectacular. Just down the road you can reward yourself while once again taking in the scenic view with a refreshing craft beer from Patagonia Brewery.

Gentle hills set the pace as you bike past lakes and over bridges, with hiking trails, beaches and viewpoints along the way. It’s easy to complete the circuit in four hours but we’d recommend allotting the whole day so you have ample time to explore. Towards the end the route takes you past the famous luxury hotel Llao Llao and St. Edward’s Chapel.

Tip: Plan your trip for a Wednesday or Saturday so that you can make a short detour to Colonia Suzia and hit up the market, one of our absolute favourite things to do in Bariloche and possibly all of Argentina.

The Deets
How To – Circuito Chico Adventure Bike Rental will set you up with everything you need.
Getting There – Take bus 20 from city center toward Llao Llao and get off at the stop immediately after Campanario (which the bus driver will announce).
Address – Kilometre 18,300 of Bustillo Av.
Cost – 700 ARS pp. ($22 CAD / $16 USD) + city bus

Our top thing to do in Bariloche - bike around the lakes

2 // Take the chairlift up Cerro Campanario

One of the best views in San Carlos de Bariloche is from the top of Cerro (mount) Campanario. You can certainly hike to the top, or you can take advantage of the skiing culture in the off-season and use the chairlift. The views get better and better as you get closer to the summit and you never break a sweat. If you finish your bike trip before sunset this is a perfect end to the day as it’s on the way back to the city.

If you have the time the walk down is surely worth the view. We were short on time so after exploring the various lookouts at the top we took the chairlift down again and hopped back on a bus to the city.

The Deets
Getting There – Take bus 20 from city center towards Llao Llao. The bus driver will announce Campanario.
Cost – 330 ARS per person ($10 CAD / $7.5 USD) or walk up for free + city bus.

3 // Indulge in the best chocolate this side of Switzerland

Meandering the streets of Bariloche it’s impossible to miss the Swiss and German influences. The same way it would be hard to miss the Spanish and Italian influences in Buenos Aires. Makes sense given the ski culture that takes over during the winter months. But even from Spring to Autumn the streets are lined with restaurants and storefronts boasting cheese fondue and a plethora of chocolate.

Related // We loved this chocolate so much it made it’s way into our 4-day Buenos Aires Itinerary

Our favourite by far was Rapanui. It’s the Willy Wonka of chocolate shops, with a jaw-dropping assortment of decadent treats. This chocolateria is so sought after they have multiple locations in the country’s capital and airports. If you want a reward after a day of hiking try the gelato – their pistachio is the best we’ve had (even in Italy), or the dark and white chocolate dipped raspberries called Franui (insanely good). Or if you want something to take home load up a box of specialty chocolates that don’t disappoint.

The Deets
Getting There – It’s impossible to miss right on the main street in town at Mitre, R8400

Our #4 thing to do in Bariloche - Hanneck Horse Ranch — The view of Nahuel Huapi National Park from Cabalgatas Haneck

4 // Visit a horse ranch and have traditional asado

Argentina staples collide in this totally-worth-the-expense experience. Get out of the city and explore the lesser seen reaches of Nahuel Huapi National Park for a couple of hours on horseback. The Haneck family came to Bariloche in the 1890’s and have earned respect in the area ever since. Most local families will know their name for their contributions to the region if not for the ranch itself.

Even if horseback riding through the beautiful Patagonian countryside isn’t your thing, it’s worth it just for the asado – Argentinian barbecued meat. Enjoy chorizo, lamb and steak cooked over an open flame and served up with delicious local side dishes and flowing wine. After a traditional crepe with dulce de leche, grab a copa de vina and head for the hammocks to take in the relaxing view before heading back to the city.

The Deets
How To – Book direct with Cabalgatas Haneck or through your hotel/hostel.
Getting There – The cost includes pick up and drop off at your hotel. And not by a tourist-filled mini-bus either – by the family themselves.
Cost – 2,450 ARS per person ($75 CAD / $55 USD)

Laura riding a horse at Cabalgatas Haneck in Bariloche

5 // Wind down at the beach

After weeks of sweaters and jackets in Southern Patagonia we were elated to shed our layers and comfortably sport tees in Bariloche. So much so that we spent an entire afternoon on the beach soaking up the lakeside views.

There are endless beach options depending on what you’re looking for – quiet vs. busy, East vs. West – but we opted for Playa Bonita. Watching the sun slowing set over the lake from the brewery across the street is the perfect way to cap off a relaxing day.

The Deets
Getting There – Once again take bus 20 from the city centre towards Llao Llao, get off at the stop after the famous Butterfly restaurant and walk down to the beach.
Cost – Free! Other than the cost of loading your Sube card (which we never quite figured out).

If you like Bariloche be sure to check out it’s Chilean counterpart just across the Andes. From Puerto Varas to Pucon the highlights of Chile’s lake district shouldn’t be missed.

Have you been to Argentina’s Lake District? What are your favourite things to do in Bariloche?