It is one of the top destinations in the Argentinean Patagonia, ideal to spend a few days there. If you plan to visit Bariloche in 4 days, we recommend this itinerary based on our experience there.-
Bariloche, located in the majestic Argentinean Patagonia, is a dream destination that captivates with its stunning natural surroundings. On the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, this paradisiacal corner is framed by the imposing snow-capped mountains of the Andes Mountain Range and large fresh water bodies such as the Nahuel Huapi, Gutiérrez and Mascardi lakes.
With this itinerary for cover 4 days in Bariloche, you can immerse yourself in the wonder of Bariloche and enjoy a variety of exciting activities, including hiking trails through the Bariloche mountains. patagonian forests, panoramic tours as the route of the 7 lakes and Circuito Chico, and of course boat rides that you can’t miss on the Nahuel Huapi lake.
This detailed itinerary is based on our experience of visiting Bariloche and its surroundings many times, ideal to make the most of your time in this enchanting city.
🔎 Check out our article with the best recommended excursions to do in Bariloche in summer.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Bariloche in 4 days – summary:
- Day 1: Cerro Catedral and Circuito Chico
- Day 2: Victoria Island and Bosque de Arrayanes plus Civic Centre
- Day 3: Excursion to Puerto Blest
- Day 4: 7 Lakes Route
Day 1 Cerro Catedral and Circuito Chico
The first day in Bariloche can start with a hike up the emblematic Catedral Hill. It is ideal to visit both in winter, when it is the most important ski centre in the Argentinean Patagonia, and in summer to enjoy the views and do some trekking routes such as the one to the Frey refuge.
📷 Book a trek up Cerro Catedral to the Frey refuge here, a mountain adventure with fabulous views.
We recommend that at midday you start the unforgettable experience of touring the Circuito Chico, an 60-kilometre scenic route that meanders along the shore of the Nahuel Huapi lake, stopping at important icons such as the luxury hotel Llao Llao, where we recommend you stop for a cup of tea or coffee and contemplate its finely decorated interior with views of the golf course.
The tour continues with another stop for a short trekking route to discover the small lake Escondido with its pier and Bahía Los Troncos.
Finally, two options are to visit the village of Colonia Suiza and try their curanto, or stop at the local Cervecería Patagonia or the Punto Panorámico restaurant for dinner overlooking the lake before returning to the city.
📷 The tour of Circuito Chico can be done in your own car, renting a car in Bariloche or hiring an excursion.
Day 2 Victoria Island, Arrayanes Forest and Civic Centre
In the morning, it is a good time to visit the main places in the centre of Bariloche. The emblematic Civic Centre is a good starting point, surrounded by buildings made of wood and stone.
The road continues along Mitre Street, the main street in the city centre. Here you will find restaurants, cafes, and above all, several artisan chocolate shops, something very typical of southern Argentina.
If you want a recommended place to stop and enjoy a hot chocolate, pastries and premium chocolates, we recommend Rapanui. It even has an ice rink inside.
Finally, you should visit the Catedral Nuestra Señora del Nahuel Huapi, on the shores of the Nahuel Huapi Lake.
In the afternoon, it is an excellent time to sail across the Nahuel Huapi Lake to the protected park of Bosque de Arrayanes. Accompanied by a park ranger, you will walk through the thick forest surrounded by cypress and coihue trees along wooden walkways. Myrtles are easily identifiable by their cinnamon-coloured trunk.
The other stop will take you to Victoria Island, a vast expanse of land in the heart of the lake, characterised by lush wooded vegetation and enriched with ancient rock paintings of past inhabitants.
📷 Book the boat tour from Bariloche to Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest. There are morning and afternoon departures.
On the second day in Bariloche we recommend eating at Manush, a very picturesque place that stands out for its craft beer, a tradition deeply rooted in the Argentinean Patagonia.
Day 3 Excursion to Puerto Blest
On the penultimate day of Bariloche in 4 days, it is time for one of the most beautiful excursions to the Chilean border, sailing along one of the branches of the Nahuel Huapi Lake.
During the navigation you will find small ice floes floating on the lake due to the detachment of the glaciers.
Once you get to Puerto Blest, the mix of colours is amazing. The turquoise water of the lake, the thick green of the Valdivian forest and the snow-capped mountains in the background. Normally, during the excursion there is a short walk through the jungle to the waterfall of Los Cántaros.
You can even continue on your way (with good physical condition because the trekking is hard) and reach the Frias Lake with the possibility of a boat ride on its waters with a dreamlike landscape surrounding it.
📷 Book here the tour from Bariloche to Puerto Blest and Los Cantaros waterfall. There is also the option of adding navigation on Lake Frias.
On the third day in Bariloche we recommend eating at Alto El Fuego, one of the best parrillas in Bariloche. Their roast lamb is fantastic.
Day 4 Seven Lakes Route
To close the visit to Bariloche in 4 days, in the last excursion it is not necessary to walk so much, but rather to enjoy it from the bus or car in which you do it.
The well-known Seven Lakes Route is actually Route 40, which in a part of its route that goes from Villa La Angostura to San Martín de los Andes winds through seven beautiful Patagonian lakes: Lácar, Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Correntoso and Espejo.
Each of them offers a different postcard, so we recommend that you make stops at each of the viewpoints. It is an excursion that will practically take you the whole day and you even have the opportunity to take a stroll through the beautiful city of San Martin de los Andes at the end of the tour.
There are even places with tables set up for picnics by some of the lakes. Get your camera and mobile phone ready because the scenery is beautiful!
📷 The 7 lakes route can be done by renting a car from Bariloche or hiring a guided tour.
On the last day in Bariloche we recommend eating at La Fonda del Tío. Their milanesas are extraordinary.
Where to stay in Bariloche
Based on our experience of having visited the city on several occasions, we leave you two articles: accommodation in Bariloche recommended for all budgets and the best cabins on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi where to stay.
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