There are many places to visit in Bariloche in 3 days. Here is a suggested itinerary so that you don’t miss the most important things to do in the city and its surroundings.
🔎 Check here the quide to travel to Bariloche.
Bariloche is one of those places in Argentine Patagonia where you can stay for up to a week doing excursions. It is worthwhile from strolling along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi to savouring the local gastronomy and, above all, the handmade chocolate. All this with the added bonus of contemplating the natural environment that surrounds it among the high mountains of the Andes.
It is the perfect destination for hikers and nature lovers. You can explore many of the hiking trails around Bariloche and even take scenic routes by car that will leave you open-mouthed, either on your own or on an excursion.
Of course, if you only have a few days to visit Bariloche, there are some places that are not to be missed by any means. And to make sure you don’t, we have designed this suggested itinerary to visit Bariloche in 3 days, detailed day by day. Let’s discover it!
Table of Contents
Summary – Itinerary for Bariloche in 3 days:
- Day 1: Civic Centre in the morning and Victoria Island and Bosque de Arrayanes in the afternoon.
- Day 2: Circuito Chico and Colonia Suiza.
- Day 3: 7 Lakes Route from Villa La Angostura to San Martin de los Andes.
Day 1: Civic Center and Victoria Island
We start our 3-days itinerary in Bariloche with the city centre and one of its landmarks, the Civic Centre. Bariloche’s main square is characterised by its stone floor and is surrounded by typical alpine-style buildings made of stone and wood, such as the Town Hall and the Regional Museum.
At the side of the square there are two arches and the beginning of Mitre Street, the busiest street in the Bariloche, where you can find shops and most of the artisan chocolate shops such as Rapa Nui, which even has an ice rink inside. Now is the moment to take a break and savour a hot chocolate along with a delicious sweet pastry.
📷 Take a look at these viewpoint city tour in Bariloche with a local agency. Book your place!
🔎 Go further and check here our article about the complete visit to the Civic Center in Bariloche.
At midday it’s time for one of the best excursions to do in Bariloche: sailing to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest. Victoria Island is located in the middle of Nahuel Huapi Lake and has hiking trails that allow you to observe the native flora and fauna.
The Arrayanes Forest is a true paradise, where through wooden walkways you will get to know this tree with its cinnamon-coloured trunk. It adds a special charm to the landscape and coexists with other local species such as the coihues and cypresses.
📷 Take a look at these tours to Isla Victoria and Arrayanes Island with a local agency. Book your place!
🔎 Check here our article about visiting Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest.
Day 2: Circuito Chico and Colonia Suiza
The second day of this itinerary of what to see in Bariloche in 3 days will be dedicated to the scenic route called Circuito Chico. It’s a 60-kilometre road along the Nahuel Huapi and Moreno Lakes with viewpoints, emblematic constructions and many stops.
The first stop on the Circuito Chico is Campanario Hill, close to the city centre, which can be climbed on foot or by chairlift. The 360º views of the lake and mountains from the top are spectacular and there is even a coffee shop to have a drink or a snack.
Continuing along the lake you will reach Bariloche’s iconic building, the five-star Llao Llao hotel, built in the first half of the 20th century in a spectacular location. With large windows overlooking both the mountains and the golf course, you can not only stay here but also go for a drink in its amazing lounge decorated in wood.
Following the circuit and entering the forest area we find several hiking trails. For us, the most beautiful is the one that runs along the small Escondido Lake with its picturesque dock. Then it reaches Los Troncos Bay where you find yourself in the backdrop of the imposing mountains.
📷 Take a look at these Panoramic Tour along Circuito Chico with a local agency. Book your place!
🔎 Also check here our article about visiting Circuito Chico with its stops, km by km.
A few kilometres off the route, you should visit the village of Colonia Suiza, where the artisans have their place of honour. It’s time to do some shopping!
In addition, you must try the curanto, the local speciality, which has a curious way of cooking. It consists of preparing meat and vegetables on the ground, above hot stones covered with earth and cloth. Sounds weird but tastes fantastic! We recommend eating it at the restaurante Los Curantos de Víctor Goye, which also has a folkloric show.
🔎 Check here what there is to see at Colonia Suiza.
Finally, an obligatory stop is the viewpoint over Lake Moreno, a kind of balcony with fabulous views of the lower part of Circuito Chico, where you will appreciate the lake and the mountains at their best.
Day 3: Seven Lakes Route
For the last day of the Bariloche 3-day itinerary we will take a longer tour. Although there are many other options for excursions close to the city, such as sailing to different Nahuel Huapi lake branches or visiting the Gutierrez and Mascardi lakes, for us the Seven Lakes Route is a must. This 100-kilometre route links the towns of Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes and crosses two national parks, Nahuel Huapi and Lanín.
The 7 Lakes Route owes its name to the number of lakes it borders: Lácar, Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Correntoso and Espejo. It is a panoramic route with many curves along the mountain slopes. You can make stops at the viewpoints to observe the beauty of each water mirror with its turquoise and greenish colour, together with the mountains in the background. You will find large lakes alongside smaller ones.
📷 Take a look at this San Martín de los Andes day trip that runs along the Seven Lakes route with a local agency. Book your place!
🔎 Check here our complete guide to visit the 7 lakes route.
If you want to spend a night along the Seven Lakes Route, there are several campsites, mainly in summer, close to the lakes’ shores. At the end of the route and next to Lake Lácar is San Martín de los Andes, one of the most beautiful towns in Argentinean Patagonia, ideal for a few hours of sightseeing.
🔎 Check here the what to see in San Martín de los Andes.
Where to stay in Bariloche in 3 days
There is a wide range of places to stay in Bariloche, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Patagonia Argentina. You can choose from charming cabins in the middle of the forest, to lakeside apartments or modern hotels in the city centre.
🏨 Check here where to sleep in Bariloche and get your ideal accommodation.
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