Why Bariloche
Bariloche is the big mountain town of northern Patagonia: Lake Nahuel Huapi, forests, peaks in every direction and Cerro Catedral, one of the largest ski areas in South America. It works year-round, with snow in winter and lakes and hiking in summer.
The choice is town, lake or mountain. The centre has everything on foot; cabins along Avenida Bustillo give you lake views and quiet; and the Catedral base is for skiers.
Choosing by type of trip
- Ski-focused: an apartment at the Cerro Catedral base.
- Family: a cabin with a kitchen on Avenida Bustillo.
- Couple: a lake-view cabin at the higher kilometres, near Llao Llao.
- No car: the centre or the first kilometres of Bustillo.
- Tighter budget: Dina Huapi or a Bustillo cabin with a kitchen, outside July and January.
When to go
- Good time to save
- Peak season: pricier and busier
- ❄ Usual snow season
- A guide only: varies each year.
Winter (June to September)
Cerro Catedral's ski season usually runs from mid-June to late September. July is the Argentine winter holiday and the most expensive month. August and September usually offer good snow and less demand.
Summer (December to March)
Lakes, chilly beaches, hut-to-hut hiking and cycling the Circuito Chico. January is the busiest month; March combines good weather with fewer people.
Getting there
- Fly into Bariloche airport, with flights from Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities. It is about 15 km from the centre.
- From Chile, cross the Cardenal Samoré pass from Osorno or Puerto Varas by car or international bus. Check its status first, as it can close in snow.
- Long-distance buses from Buenos Aires take more than a day; only worth it if flights are unavailable.
