Circuito Chico & Cerro Campanario
The classic lake-view loop and chairlift panorama.
Overview
Why visit Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche sits on the shore of Nahuel Huapi, a glacial lake ringed by snowy Andes peaks. Founded in 1902 and settled by Swiss, German and Austrian immigrants, its log-and-stone architecture and chocolate shops earned it the nickname 'Little Switzerland'.
The town is Argentina's mountain playground. In winter, Cerro Catedral — South America's biggest ski resort — fills with skiers; in summer, kayaks and sailboats take to the lake and hikers ride chairlifts to views over the national park. The Circuito Chico drive curves past viewpoints, breweries and the Llao Llao hotel.
Everything here comes with chocolate: Bariloche has been Argentina's chocolate capital since Italian immigrants opened shops in the 1940s. Day trips follow the Seven Lakes route north to San Martín de los Andes or south to El Bolsón's hippy market.
Things to do
Top things to book in Bariloche
Popular tours and tickets. Compare prices and book ahead to skip the lines.
Cerro Catedral Skiing
Lift passes and lessons at South America's biggest resort.
Chocolate & Beer Tour
The town's two obsessions in one tasting walk.
Seven Lakes & San Martín
The famous lake-road day trip through the forest.
Plan your trip
Compare prices for Bariloche
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Fun facts
Things you didn't know about Bariloche
- 01
Little Switzerland
Alpine architecture, chocolate shops and snowy peaks earned Bariloche its Swiss nickname.
- 02
Argentina'S Chocolate Capital
Italian immigrants founded the chocolate industry in the 1940s — shops line Mitre street.
- 03
South America'S Biggest Ski Resort
Cerro Catedral offers around 120 kilometres of pistes with views over the lake.
- 04
The Seven Lakes
The scenic Ruta de los Siete Lagos links seven glacial lakes through the forest.
- 05
A Park Founded In 1934
Nahuel Huapi was Argentina's first national park, modelled on Yellowstone.
- 06
A Legendary Hotel
The Llao Llao hotel, rebuilt after a 1938 fire, is an icon of Patagonian architecture.
- 07
Cerro Tronador
The 'Thunderer' glacier volcano nearby is named for the sound of its ice avalanches.
- 08
A Hitler Myth
Wild conspiracy theories claimed Nazi fugitives hid here — historians debunk most, but the myth persists.
- 09
Smoked Fish & Curanto
Mapuche curanto feasts and smoked trout are the regional table.
- 10
Crossing To Chile
The Andean Lakes Crossing connects Bariloche to Puerto Varas by boats and buses.
Random Bariloche fact
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FAQ
Quick answers about Bariloche
Where is Bariloche located?
Bariloche is in Argentina, in South America.
What is the population of Bariloche?
The greater Bariloche area is home to about 135,000 people.
What is Bariloche famous for?
Argentina's Alpine-style Patagonian resort town pairs a mountain lake as blue as Switzerland with the country's best chocolate, ski slopes and the famous Seven Lakes road.
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