Bariloche, Gateway to Andean Patagonia
San Carlos de Bariloche, sitting on the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi, is the classic base for exploring Argentina's Lake District, a stretch of Andean-Patagonian forest, volcanoes and emerald lakes running south to San Martín de los Andes. Unlike southern Patagonia, the scenery here feels almost Alpine: snow-capped peaks, forests of lenga and arrayán trees, and a town whose Central European-style architecture reflects its Swiss and German settler roots.
The Seven Lakes Route: The Classic Drive
The Seven Lakes Route (Ruta de los Siete Lagos) links Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes over roughly 110 km of gravel and paved road, skirting seven lakes — Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico and Lácar, depending on where you draw the line. A full day with photo stops is ideal, though a round trip is doable in a long day if you leave early. Rent a car (from about 40 USD a day) or book a full-day organized tour from Bariloche, typically 35,000-45,000 ARS per person including a guide.
Cerro Campanario and Circuito Chico: The Must-See Views
Cerro Campanario was once named by National Geographic as having one of the best panoramic views on Earth. Take the chairlift (about 15 minutes, roughly 12,000-15,000 ARS round trip) or hike up in 40 minutes; from the top you can see Lake Nahuel Huapi, Lake Moreno and Lake Perito Moreno all at once, with the Andes behind them. The Circuito Chico is a roughly 25 km loop you can drive, bike or take a tour bus through, passing Bahía López, the Llao Llao viewpoint and Colonia Suiza, with pull-off lookouts every few kilometers.
Colonia Suiza, Chocolate and Craft Beer
Colonia Suiza, founded by Swiss settlers in the late 1800s, still holds its weekend crafts fair and serves curanto, a traditional dish cooked underground, in its tea houses. Bariloche is also synonymous with chocolate — brands like Rapa Nui, Mamuschka and Fenoglio run factories open for visits and tastings. And for craft beer, this city is the birthplace of Argentina's Patagonian brewing scene, with breweries such as Blest, Manush and Berlina, several with lake views.
Cerro Catedral: Skiing from July to September
Cerro Catedral is South America's largest ski resort, with over 1,200 hectares of skiable terrain and 39 lifts. The season runs roughly mid-June through early October, peaking in July and August. A day pass costs around 25,000-35,000 ARS in high season, and gear rental is available at the base. Outside snow season, the chairlift keeps running for summer hiking and mountain biking.
When to Go and How to Get Around: Summer, Winter and Lake Nahuel Huapi
Bariloche has two distinct high seasons: summer (December to March), great for hiking, kayaking and boat trips on Lake Nahuel Huapi, and winter (June to September), centered on skiing. A boat trip to the Arrayanes Forest via Puerto Blest, or an excursion to Isla Victoria, are summer classics, along with kayaking and rafting on the Río Manso, from about 20,000 ARS per person. Renting a car gives you more freedom for the Seven Lakes Route and Circuito Chico, but organized tours are simpler if you'd rather not drive on gravel roads. Book accommodation well ahead for either high season — the town fills up in January-February just as much as in July. One last practical note: pack sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes no matter the season, plus a warm layer for evenings — even at the height of summer, the temperature drops fast once the sun dips behind the mountains, and afternoon wind on the lake can catch boat passengers off guard. If you're combining Bariloche with El Chaltén or Mendoza, note that domestic flights connect through Buenos Aires, so build in a buffer day for connections during peak season.