Full guide to Bariloche →

San Carlos de Bariloche is the jewel of Argentina's Lake District, a city of Swiss-inspired architecture nestled between Lago Nahuel Huapi and the snow-capped Andes. This 3-day circuit is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience the best of the area. From the famous Circuito Chico scenic drive to the serene beauty of Villa La Angostura and the Arrayanes Forest, every moment is filled with stunning lake and mountain views.

Having a rental car transforms this trip from good to exceptional. The Lake District's beauty lies in its scenic roads, each bend revealing a new lake, a new peak, a new viewpoint. Public transport exists but limits you to fixed schedules and routes, missing the hidden viewpoints and lakeside picnic spots that make the area magical. The driving is easy on well-paved roads with gentle terrain, making this an ideal road trip even for those new to self-driving in Patagonia.

Best Season

Year-round. Summer (December-March) for outdoor activities and lake swims. Winter (June-September) for skiing. Autumn (April-May) for spectacular foliage colors.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Bariloche & Circuito Chico

75 km
2 hours (with many stops)

Pick up your rental car at Bariloche Airport (BRC) and head directly for the Circuito Chico, a 60 km scenic loop that is one of the most famous drives in Argentina. The route winds along the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi, passing through forests of coihue and lenga, with viewpoints at every turn. Stop at Cerro Campanario and take the chairlift to the summit for what National Geographic once called one of the best views in the world — a 360-degree panorama of lakes, islands, and snow-capped peaks. Continue to Colonia Suiza for a traditional Swiss-style curanto lunch, then visit the Llao Llao peninsula and its famous hotel. Return to Bariloche via Avenida Bustillo, stopping at chocolate shops along the way.

Pick up rental car at Bariloche AirportDrive the Circuito Chico scenic loopCerro Campanario chairlift for panoramic viewsLunch at Colonia SuizaVisit Llao Llao peninsulaChocolate tasting on Avenida Bustillo
Overnight: Bariloche💡 Start the Circuito Chico early to enjoy the morning light and avoid crowds at Cerro Campanario. The chairlift is short and suitable for all ages. In summer, bring a swimsuit — the Lake District beaches are swimmable on warm days.
Day 2

Villa La Angostura & Arrayanes Forest

160 km (round trip)
2.5 hours

Drive 80 km north along the stunning shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi to Villa La Angostura, one of Patagonia's most charming villages. The small town center is built almost entirely of stone and wood, with boutique shops, artisan chocolate makers, and cozy tea houses. Take the boat or hike through Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes to see the unique Arrayanes Forest on the Quetrihué Peninsula — a grove of cinnamon-barked myrtle trees that inspired Walt Disney's Bambi forest. The 12 km trail through the forest to the tip of the peninsula is one of the most magical walks in Patagonia. Return to Villa La Angostura for a craft beer and dinner before driving back to Bariloche.

Scenic drive to Villa La AngosturaExplore the charming village centerHike or boat to Arrayanes ForestWalk among ancient myrtle treesCraft beer and dinner in Villa La Angostura
Overnight: Bariloche💡 The Arrayanes Forest can be reached by boat (30 minutes) or on foot (12 km each way). The hike is beautiful but long — consider taking the boat one way and hiking the other for the best experience.
Day 3

Cerro Catedral & Departure

50 km
1 hour

On your final morning, drive to Cerro Catedral, the largest ski resort in South America. Even in summer, the mountain offers excellent hiking trails and a cable car ride to the summit for breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes and peaks. In winter, enjoy a morning of skiing or snowboarding. After descending, head back to Bariloche for a final lunch — try a smoked trout or wild boar dish at one of the lakeside restaurants. Pick up your favorite chocolate as a parting gift, then drive to Bariloche Airport (BRC) to return your rental car and catch your flight.

Drive to Cerro CatedralCable car or hiking at Cerro CatedralPanoramic mountain viewsFarewell lunch in BarilocheDrive to airport and depart
Overnight: N/A💡 In summer, the Refugio Frey hike from Cerro Catedral base is spectacular (10 km round trip to a mountain lake surrounded by granite spires). In winter, lift passes can be purchased for half-day sessions. The airport is 15 km from downtown.

Trip Highlights

  • ★Circuito Chico — one of Argentina's most scenic drives
  • ★Cerro Campanario panoramic viewpoint
  • ★Arrayanes Forest — magical myrtle tree grove
  • ★Villa La Angostura village charm
  • ★World-famous Bariloche chocolate shops
  • ★Cerro Catedral mountain views
  • ★Lago Nahuel Huapi lakeside driving

Packing List

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Layered clothing (weather changes quickly)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Swimsuit (summer — lake beaches)
  • Warm jacket for evening
  • Daypack for hikes

Rent a Car in Patagonia

Browse Car Rentals

Plan This Route

Use our interactive route planner to customize this itinerary with your own stops, dates, and preferences.

Open Route Planner

Budget Estimate (2 People)

Accommodation$200–$450 (2 nights, mid-range hotels)
Food$150–$280 (restaurants and chocolate)
Activities$50–$100 (chairlifts, Arrayanes entry, cable car)
Total$605–$1,140 per person

Cost Overview — San Carlos de Bariloche

46% cheapervs Torres del Paine

Daily Cost (USD)

Budget$30-$50/day
Mid-Range$50-$100/day
Luxury$100+/day

Cost by Category

Accommodation
$40-$70 USD/night
Food
$10-$20 USD per meal
Transport
$1-$3 USD per ride (local)
Activities
Free (some specific areas might have a small conservation fee)

Trip Cost Estimate

Budget
$90–$150
Mid-Range
$150–$300
Luxury
$300+

Total for 3 days · Based on mid-range daily budget

View Full Budget Guide

Before You Go

  • !Rental car reserved through PatagoniaHub
  • !Valid driving license
  • !Hotel reservations (book ahead in January-February and July ski season)
  • !Travel insurance

Explore more: Bariloche

🚗Car Rental📅Best Time to Visit💰Budget Guide📍Destination Guide✈️How to Get There

🗺️ More Itineraries

10-Day Carretera Austral Road Trip — Complete Itinerary 2026Carretera Austral14-Day Complete Carretera Austral Expedition — Complete Itinerary 2026Cerro Castillo12-Day Volcanoes & Hot Springs Circuit — Chile Itinerary 2026Chaiten5-Day Island Hopping Chiloé — Cultural Road Trip Itinerary 2026Chiloe

📋 Practical Info for Bariloche

🛂Visa & Passport🛡️Travel Insurance⚠️Safety Guide💰Currency & Money🏥Health & Medical📶Internet & WiFi

Rent a Car in Patagonia

Explore this destination at your own pace. Find the perfect rental car for your Patagonia adventure.

Pickup Date
Drop-off Date

Explore More

Discover more guides and resources for this destination

Adventures

Activities

Cycling the Circuito Chico in Bariloche 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect

Activities

Fly Fishing in Bariloche 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect

Activities

Hiking in Bariloche 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect

Activities

Horse Riding in Bariloche 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect

Activities

Kayaking in Bariloche 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect

Activities

Mountain Biking in Bariloche 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect

Activities

Photography in Bariloche 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect

Activities

Skiing in Bariloche 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect

Camping Guide

Camping in Bariloche 2026 — Campsites, Tips & Gear Guide

Hidden Gems

Hidden Gems in San Carlos de Bariloche (2026) — Secret Spots & Local Tips

Family Guide

Family Travel Guide to San Carlos de Bariloche (2026) — Kid-Friendly Tips

Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails in San Carlos de Bariloche (2026) — Best Hikes, Difficulty & Maps

Hot Springs

Hot Springs near Bariloche, Argentina | Lake District Thermals

Fishing Spots

Fishing in Bariloche — Fly Fishing on Río Limay & Nahuel Huapi

Ski Guide

Ski Guide to Bariloche & Cerro Catedral | Patagonia Hub

Compare

Destination Comparison

Bariloche vs El Calafate 2026 — Which Is Better for You?

Destination Comparison

Bariloche vs Pucón 2026 — Which Is Better for You?

Destination Comparison

Bariloche vs San Martín de los Andes 2026 — Which Is Better for You?

Destination Comparison

Bariloche vs Ushuaia 2026 — Which Is Better for You?

Destination Comparison

Bariloche vs Villa La Angostura 2026 — Which Is Better for You?

Destination Comparison

Coyhaique vs Bariloche 2026 — Which Is Better for You?

Destination Comparison

Esquel vs Bariloche 2026 — Which Is Better for You?

Destination Comparison

Los Alerces National Park vs Nahuel Huapi (Bariloche) 2026 — Which Is Better for You?

Destination Comparison

Northern Patagonia vs Southern Patagonia 2026 — Which Region Should You Visit?

Destination Comparison

Patagonia for Families vs Couples 2026 — Best Destinations by Travel Group

Destination Comparison

Pucón vs Bariloche 2026 — Which Is Better for You?

Destination Comparison

Puerto Varas vs Bariloche 2026 — Which Is Better for You?

Destination Comparison

Torres del Paine vs Bariloche 2026 — Which Is Better for You?

Explore More Guides

View all →

3-Day El Calafate Glacier Express — Complete Itinerary 2026

3-Day Marble Caves & General Carrera Lake Adventure — Complete Itinerary 2026

3-Day Punta Arenas to Tierra del Fuego Expedition — Complete Itinerary 2026

4-Day Penguin Safari Punta Arenas — Wildlife Itinerary 2026

4-Day Torres del Paine W-Trek — Complete Hiking Itinerary 2026

5-Day Autumn Colors Road Trip Around Bariloche — Complete Itinerary 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Bariloche?

Three days covers the essential highlights — Circuito Chico, Villa La Angostura, and Cerro Catedral. For a more relaxed pace or to add the Seven Lakes Route, consider 5-7 days.

Can I do this trip without a car?

Public buses connect some points, but a rental car from PatagoniaHub is strongly recommended. It gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, access hidden beaches, and explore at your own pace — essential for maximizing a short trip.

What is the best Bariloche chocolate shop?

Rapa Nui, Mamuschka, and Del Turista are the most famous, all located on Mitre Street in the city center and along Avenida Bustillo. Each offers free samples — taste them all and pick your favorite.

Is Bariloche good in winter?

Absolutely. Cerro Catedral is South America's largest ski resort with excellent infrastructure. The town takes on a cozy alpine atmosphere with fireside chocolate and fondue. It is a completely different but equally wonderful experience.

How far is the airport from Bariloche city?

Bariloche Airport (BRC) is about 15 km east of the city center, a 20-minute drive. PatagoniaHub offers pickup directly at the airport terminal.

Destinations Visited

BarilocheCircuito ChicoVilla La Angostura