Bariloche Travel Guide: Attractions

The charming town of Bariloche is the tourist hub of the area, with most modern conveniences such as first-rate hotels and restaurants, as well as points of historical and cultural interest localized within walking distance of each other. The Civic Center, which was architecturally-inspired by the structural design of the Swiss city of Bern, is home to many municipal and tourism offices which include the national park headquarters, police station, town hall and information center, to name but a few.
Located near the Tourist Information Center, lies the Museum of Patagonia: a fantastic place to learn about the indigenous inhabitants of Bariloche and the surrounding area. Inaugurated in 1940, the museum is divided into four sections – natural science, pre-historic, ethnographic and regional history – that outline the historical and cultural eras the Patagonia region experienced. Its excellent section of the pre-Hispanic civilizations features in great detail the history of the first peoples of the Patagonia, making this Bariloche attraction a highly recommended spot.

Just a few blocks from the Civic Center is the beautiful Nuestra Señora del Nahuel Huapi (Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi) Cathedral. Built in 1946 and belonging to the National Parks Administration, the Cathedral sits right adjacent the majestic Nahuel Huapi Lake and hosts a festive annual Christmas concert, performed by the Bariloche Children and Young People's Choir. It has now been declared a National Historic Monument.

For those interested in viewing fossilized creatures that once roamed the Bariloche area, the Palaeontology Museum situated right on the coast of beautiful Nahuel Huapi Lake houses a wonderful collection of deposits from millions of years ago. On view is a reconstructed shark jaw that is more than 22 million years old, along with amphibian and insect-life that inhabited the area.

Attractions around Bariloche

Said to have inspired Walt Disney in creating the scenery for the classic cartoon “Bambi”, the magical Arrayane Forest (Bosque de Arrayanes) lies within the beautiful Nahuel Huapi National Park and is a must see when visiting the Bariloche area. The orange-colored Arrayane (Myrtle) trees are unique to this region of the world which bloom white flowers and purple fruits if seen during the correct season. These trees, that seem to twist in all directions, lead visitors to a cabin built in 1933 that welcomes travelers with a delicious piece of cake and cup of hot chocolate to warm them up during their respite from walking the beautiful trails of the forest. Situated about two hours by boat on Victoria Island – where travelers can also visit and view interesting plant-life such as eucalyptus and giant sequoias, as well wild boars and deer - the forest is recommended to be viewed during the spring season which occurs from November to April. Be sure to book our Bariloche tour package which includes a 2-hour tour that visits these Patagonian natural wonders.

For what is arguably the best lookout point in the Bariloche area, travelers should make the trip to Campanario Hill that is located 11 miles outside the city center of Bariloche. To get to the point, visitors need to take a 7-minute cable car ride that boasts breathtaking panoramic views on the way up.

Campanario Hill is on the popular 37-mile (65 KM) drive known as Circuito Chico, a water line route where travelers can enjoy amazing views of the merging of Nahuel Huapi and Perito Moreno lakes, as well as the Snow-capped peaks Cerro Catedral. Argentina For Less can arrange for a bus tour that begins about 11 miles from Bariloche on Avenida Bustillo and travels this scenic route. However for those who wish for a more intimate experience, bike tours are also available on the drive that stops along famous Argentina luxury hotel Llao Llao, as well as many parrilla (grill) and fondue restaurants.

One of the largest ski centers in Latin America is situated in the Bariloche area. Cerro Catedral is easily accessible from Bariloche city center – a mere 12 miles (19 km) – and has a ski area of around 2 km² (0.77 sq mi), with over 62 miles (100 km) of ski runs, ideal for any ski-lover. The lift is able to transport 22,2000 skiers per hour, however if you’re not a fan of the slopes, the excellent view of Nahuel Huapi Lake is still worth the trip to the top.