Where to stay in Bariloche – A guide to the gateway to Patagonia
San Carlos de Bariloche, known simply as Bariloche, is the capital of the province of the same name, located in the department of Río Negro, in southwestern Argentina.
Bariloche is the most visited destination in Patagonia and one of the most visited destinations in Argentina.
The Argentine city is considered the second ski destination in the world, and the most important in South America.
Its lakes, forests, and high mountains, as well as important ski centers, are the main attractions of Bariloche.
In addition to its impressive natural landscapes and ski slopes, Bariloche is an important destination for bird watchers since its natural parks are a privileged place to appreciate the Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world.
The climate of Bariloche includes abundant winter rains and snowfall. Its temperatures are cold. In Bariloche there is little annual thermal variation but a wide variety on a daily basis. The summers are dry, short and mild, with precipitation concentrated in the winter that is in the form of rain and snowfall.
The main tourist attractions of Bariloche are its natural wonders, among which the Nahuel Huapi National Park, Cerro Catedral or Cerro Otto stand out.
When it comes to the best areas to stay, as it is a geographically dispersed destination, the choice of accommodation will depend to a large extent on the purpose of the trip. If you are looking for a ski trip, then the best area is undoubtedly in the vicinity of Cerro Catedral (See accommodation in Cerro Catedral). If you want a more central position in the city to explore the surroundings of Bariloche to your liking, then the city center is a better option (See accommodation in Bariloche’s City Center).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Bariloche, Argentina.
The best areas to stay in Bariloche, Argentina
1. Our favorite area: Bariloche City Center
Bariloche’s City Center is located next to the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
This lively area has the look of a European alpine city, with wood and stone buildings and dark slate roofs.
The life of the center of Bariloche revolves around Miter Street, the main commercial artery of the city, full of souvenir shops, chocolate shops, galleries, and tourist agencies where it is possible to hire tours to the surrounding natural attractions.
The center of Bariloche is a must for tourists and locals and is the place where important cultural events are held in this Andean city.
The Cathedral of Bariloche is located a few steps from Miter Street. It was finished in 1947 in neo-Gothic style.
The central area of Bariloche has hotels of all types and for all budgets, but if you are looking for cheap accommodation in Bariloche, it is more likely that you will find it here than in the adjacent areas to the ski slopes.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Bariloche, Argentina:
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Cathedral of Bariloche
- Central location
- Well-connected area
- Mitre Street
- Cheap accommodation
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Soft Bariloche Hotel
The Soft Bariloche is an establishment with free Wi-Fi located in the commercial center of Bariloche and a few meters from the Nahuel Huapi Lake. The Cathedral ski area is 12 miles away.
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Budget
HOPA-Home Patagonia Hostel & Bar
Featuring free WiFi and breakfast, HOPA-Home Patagonia Hostel & Bar is located in San Carlos de Bariloche, 2 minutes from the beach and 7 minutes from the city center. There is a shared kitchen.
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Luxury
NH Bariloche Edelweiss Hotel
The Edelweiss is a 4-star establishment offering spacious and bright rooms with views of Nahuel Huapi Lake and the snow-capped mountains. The property offers ski storage service.
2. Cerro Catedral
Cerro Catedral is located 11 miles southwest of the center of San Carlos de Bariloche.
It is the most extensive ski center in the southern hemisphere and one of the most important in the world.
Cerro Catedral is the best area to stay in Bariloche for lovers of winter sports, as this area has all the necessary infrastructure to serve skiers.
But not only is Cerro Catedral recommended during the winter. In the summer, you can practice many other activities such as hiking, climbing, abseiling or mountain biking.
The top of the hill has a lot of facilities for tourists and incredible views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Cerro Catedral is an excellent area to stay in Bariloche for lovers of adventure and sports, either in winter or summer.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Bariloche:
- Wide variety of hotels
- Ski area
- Best area for summer and winter sports
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Punta Condor
Hotel Punta Condor is located in Bariloche, just 2 minutes from the Cerro Catedral ski slopes. It has 2 swimming pools, a gym and a sauna. The property offers rooms with mountain views and free Wi-Fi.
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Budget
Base 41
Base 41 is 2 minutes from the ski lifts located at the base of Catedral Ski Resort and 12 miles from Bariloche’s city center. It offers fully furnished apartments with free Wi-Fi.
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Luxury
Village Condo
Village Condo is located in the ski resort of Cerro Catedral, just 3 minutes from the ski lifts. It offers ultra-modern accommodation with a hot tub, spa services and free Wi-Fi.
3. Playa Bonita
Playa Bonita is an area located next to Lake Nahuel Huapi, about 8 kilometers west of downtown San Carlos de Bariloche.
Living up to its name, Playa Bonita is a pleasant place with a beautiful pebble beach and cold water.
The beach of Playa Bonita is an excellent place to relax in the sun during the summer or to practice outdoor activities that include kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing or diving. For all these activities, the use of neoprene wetsuits is recommended since the waters of the lake are extremely cold.
The neighborhood next to the beach is quiet and refined, with several restaurants and shops.
Playa Bonita is one of the best areas to stay in Bariloche due to its beautiful beach, its family atmosphere and the possibility of outdoor activities, particularly during the summer.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Carlos de Bariloche:
- Peaceful area
- Beach area
- Outdoor activities
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hostería La Luna
Located on Bustillo Avenue, just 1 block from Playa Bonita, La Luna offers rooms with a private bathroom and an American breakfast daily. It has free Wi-Fi and common areas with views of the lake.
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Budget
La Casona Hostel
La Casona Hostel is located in San Carlos de Bariloche. There is free private parking and free WiFi in all areas. Lake Nahuel Huapi is just 5 minutes away.
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Luxury
Nido del Cóndor Hotel & Spa
The Nido del Cóndor Hotel & Spa allows you to enjoy the warmth of a country house with all the luxurious amenities of a 5-star hotel and an attentive staff that provides personalized attention.
4. Lago Gutiérrez
In the surroundings of this beautiful lake, you will find many tourist attractions of Bariloche.
The main points of interest in this area are the numerous lakeside beaches, trails and its small paleontological museum.
In the area, you can also do forest tours, horseback riding and fishing.
Most of the beaches around Lago Gutiérrez are accessible by paved roads, among its main ones are Villa Los Coihues and small beaches on the western shore of the lake.
The paleontological museum contains fossils and eggs of native dinosaurs of Patagonia.
The Gutiérrez Lake or Lago Gutiérrez area is one of the best areas to stay in Bariloche, especially for families.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Carlos de Bariloche:
- Family friendly
- Lakeside beaches
- Paleontological museum
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