Bariloche

Arrive in Bariloche by flight (BRC) or long-distance bus.

From the airport:
• No regular city buses
• Limited long-distance buses (check timetable, book in advance)
• Taxi or pre-arranged transfer (often the simplest option)

Base:
• Bariloche town for the entire stay

What to do:
• Walk along the Lake Nahuel Huapi shoreline
• Visit small city beaches (Playa Centenario, Playa del Centro)
• Short walks to viewpoints above the city

This day works well as a relaxed start or buffer after travel.

The easiest and most rewarding introduction to the Lake District.

Cerro Campanario:
• One of the best panoramic viewpoints in Patagonia
• Views over multiple lakes and surrounding peaks
• Accessible by chairlift or short uphill walk

Circuito Chico:
• Forests, lakes, peninsulas, and scenic viewpoints
• Several beaches suitable on warm, calm days

How to visit:
• Bus 20 (frequent and reliable) – best option for independent travel
• Taxi also works well
• Half-day tours cover main viewpoints efficiently

Duration:
• Half day to full day

Worth visiting even with mixed weather, but best on clear days.

Cerro Catedral offers the widest mountain views near Bariloche.

What you see in summer:
• Panoramic views over Lake Nahuel Huapi
• Surrounding peaks and, on clear days, distant Cerro Tronador
• Alpine landscape at around 2000 m altitude

Access:
• Bus 55 (approximately every 2 hours; check timetable)
• Taxi or transfer (often easier for return)

Important:
• Only worth visiting on clear days
• Skip in fog or low cloud conditions

In winter, this area functions primarily as a ski resort.

A full-day mountain excursion to the highest peak in the region.

Highlights:
• Ventisquero Negro (Black Glacier)
• Volcanic landscapes and hanging glaciers
• Remote Andean scenery

Access:
• Rented car (best option)
• Organized day tour (practical without a car)

What to know:
• Long driving day
• Road conditions and visibility depend strongly on weather

A scenic route connecting Bariloche with Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes.

Highlights:
• Continuous lake and forest scenery
• Numerous informal stops and natural beaches

Options:
• Full-day return trip from Bariloche
• One-way trip with overnight stay in Villa La Angostura
• Continue to San Martín de los Andes (see related itinerary)

Access:
• Rented car strongly recommended
• Tours exist but allow limited flexibility
• Buses are a valid option, but do not stop at viewpoints

A quieter southern extension with a more rural atmosphere.

Highlights:
• Lago Puelo National Park
• The Arrayanes Forest

Access:
• Bus (frequent and reliable, ~2.5–3 hours)
• Rented car

Works well as:
• Long day trip
• Overnight extension

Colonia Suiza:
• Traditional stop along Circuito Chico
• More touristic than nature-focused

Isla Victoria & Bosque de Arrayanes:
• Boat excursion on Lake Nahuel Huapi
• Scenic but expensive
• Landscapes similar to Circuito Chico

Andean Crossing to Chile:
• Bariloche → Puerto Varas (boat + bus)
• Exceptional volcano views
• Expensive and requires at least 2 days

Cerro Otto:
• Closest viewpoint to the city
• Ski center in winter, viewpoints in summer