Things to do in San Carlos de Bariloche

16 activities, venues and outings in San Carlos de Bariloche, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

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Camino de los Siete Lagos
Road of the Seven Lakes
All-day tour by bus to see the seven picturesque lakes between Bariloche and San Martín de Los Andes, with lunch at SMdLA, followed by a return trip through the arid Pampas where you can see much of the local fauna along the way.
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Catedral Alta Patagonia
Skiing
It has the biggest ski centre in South America, with a skiable area of 2 km² (0.77 sq mi), over 100 km (62 miles) of ski runs, and a lift capacity of 22,200 skiers per hour. It is located 19 km (12 miles) from Bariloche. If you enjoy hiking, there is trail to the Frey refugio which takes about 6½ hours (4 up, 2½ down). Look for the trailhead in the far corner of the parking lot.
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Cerro Campanario
Beautiful view of the lakes and mountains around—hike it (30 min, departs near the bottom of the lift) or take the ski-lift (AR$8000, ~USD$8). Get in with bus #20, 21, 10 from the center and get off at km 17.8. After the Campanario you can go on with the Circuito Chico during the same day.
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Cerro Frey trek
Considered by many as the best 1-3 days trekking in Bariloche. When it's cold enough you can skate in the lake near the refuge. When there's not too much snow you can climb the granite "agujas" (needles) near the refuge which have ways for all levels, or head to Lago Jakob. There are two ways to get in and out: the main one is from Villa Cathedral (bus #52, every hour), another (a bit longer) one starts from Los Cohiues and goes along the Gutierrez lake (bus #50).
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Cerro López
In late spring/summer/early autumn there's a trekking trail to the mountain shelter (not as easy as Otto's). It takes about 3 hours to get there and can be quite tiring, but the views from the shelter are impressive. Be sure to bring along water and some fruit to keep your energy. Colonia Suiza, a Swiss-like borough, is nearby.
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Cerro Otto
Viewpoint over the area of Bariloche. Transport there includes in the price of the cable car which cost AR$70 both ways (bus+cable car) or less one way while the other way you can hike or take a mountain bike(9 km from the city, about 2½ hours when hiking down). The rotating restaurant at the top has some impressive vistas of the region (average meal costs about AR$25) and there are some nice hiking trails behind the restaurant.
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Cerro Tronador
Visit the black glacier (ventisquero negro), see the Cerro Tronador and a waterfall over an overhanging cliff named Saltillo de las Nalcas, near the village of Pampa Linda. The busride takes about two hours, and costs AR$90 return or AR$45 one-way (Transitando, 20 de Febrero 300, Bariloche). There is an additional entrance fee to the national park of AR$50 (foreigners). With this bus, you have to hike the last 7 km to the glacier, which is a beautiful experience as there is a hiking trail and the road shows amazing landscape. Some tourist buses take you right to the sights. Near the lookout there is confiteria which sells overpriced food although location is remote and the place astonishing.
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Circuito Chico
This beautiful 25-km route can be biked or hiked. You can also do it by bus during summer (line 10). If you hike it, take bus 20 towards Llao Llao till "El Muelle". See map above for track.
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Los Arrayanes National Park
A forest of rare, orange-colored trees that only grow on a local island (and one in Japan) near Villa la Angostura. There are several cruise boats; the newest (luxurious) ship is called the "Cau Cau". Take the circuit bus out of Bariloche and catch a boat (near the Hotel Llao Llao) and have lunch, hike or bike, and enjoy the afternoon in the forest.
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Sendero de los Arrayanes
Nice 3 km hike starting close to the Lao Lao golf course. Beautiful views to Lago Moreno.
Do Not mapped
Cruce de Lagos
All-day cruise of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the National Park. Numerous stops allow you to wander in Andean rain forest, eat at the Hotel Puerto Blest and enjoy the stunning scenery from the turquoise waters of the lake. Buy the pass for a one hour cruise on Lago Frias which brings you near the snow covered volcano, Tronador. Lago Frias is milky jade green in color and the ride includes a short stop at the Chilean frontier. US$230 per person - also known as Cruce Andino.
Do Not mapped
Pampa Linda & Mount Tronador
Up to 4 days of hiking with nice tails, and a hostel, to and from Bariloche. Consult with the local national park office.
Do Not mapped
Turisur
Boat excursions from Bariloche (Puerto Panuelo) to Bosque Arrayanes (about AR$160) & Puerto Blest, they also do the trip across to Chile (Cruce de Lagos) (about US$230).
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Isla Victoria
Do Not mapped
Asia Bar
Salsa evening every Friday, 01:00-05:00.
Do Not mapped
Paragliding
Tandem flights by Cerro Otto or Cerro Catedral.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to San Carlos de Bariloche (CC BY-SA 4.0).