What to do in Bariloche in the Fall

Bariloche in the fall is absolutely epic. The leaves are ten different shades of red, orange and yellow against a backdrop of giant mountains. Cooler temperatures make it easier to enjoy the hikes this area is known for, and the summer crowds are gone—so you’ll get to experience the area’s beauty with a bit more peace and quiet.

Nestled along the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is one of Argentina’s most beloved mountain towns. While it welcomes visitors year-round—whether they’re swimming and hiking in the summer or hitting the slopes in the winter—I’d argue it’s one of the best times to visit.

If you’re planning a fall trip to Bariloche, here are the activities you won’t want to miss in Argentina’s lake district.

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Complete the Circuito Chico Loop

Just outside of Bariloche, Circuito Chico is a 60 km (37.5 mile) loop around lake Moreno. The loop can be traversed, by car, bike, or on foot. We did the circuit in our rental car, which meant we got to save our energy for a few hikes along the way.

I’ve heard biking this circuit is a lot of fun, but I recommend you go with a tour if you’re not an experienced cyclist-the roads are winding and don’t have much of a shoulder in many places.

Circuito Chico offers incredible panoramic views, breweries, restaurants, and several of the region’s most popular trailheads.

Have a craft beer at Cerveceria Gilbert, check out the famous Llao Llao resort from Punto Panoramico, and take on Cerro Lopez.

You could easily spend a whole day here, or cherry-pick your favorite activities. In the fall, I’d say the short hikes and panoramic views are essential!

Do a bike tour of circuito chico | Click to book

Join a bus tour of circuito chico | Click to book

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Relax at Playa Bonita

While you may not be sunbathing much in the fall, Playa Bonita is still worth the stop. It’s a peaceful place to take a stroll along the shores of the Nahuel Huapi, or share mate with a friend.

The light-colored sand contrasts with the blue water of the lake and some of the trees along the shore turn bright yellow in fall, making for an even more incredible view.

There is no dedicated parking here, but you can park on the street and take the path down to the beach.

View from Llao Llao hike — View from Cerro Llao Llao

Hike one of Bariloche’s many trails

Hiking in Bariloche in autumn is an unmissable experience. The leaves change colors, displaying bright shades of yellow, orange, and reds. The air can be brisk, but on a sunny day, it’s the perfect weather for a hike.

Bariloche has a near infinite number of hikes of varying difficulty, length, and ease of access. If this is your first time visiting Bariloche, I’d recommend Cerro Campanario, Cerro Llao Llao, Cerro Lopez, and Refugio Frey.

Cerro Campanario

Cerro Campanario is the closest hike to Bariloche and a great option if you’re short on time. It’s a short but steep 2 km (1.3 mile) trail that climbs steadily all the way to the top. But trust me—the views are worth every step.

From the summit, you’ll be treated to stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. There’s also a small café where you can enjoy a hot drink while taking it all in before heading back down.

If you’d rather skip the hike, no problem—there’s a chairlift that will carry you right up to the viewpoint.

Cerro Llao Llao

We decided to do this hike on a whim, without really knowing what to expect. The trail starts along Circuito Chico and is about 3 km (1.9 miles) long. It’s a steady climb, but not as steep as Cerro Campanario.

The path winds through the woods before opening up to a series of dusty switchbacks. It took us just under an hour to reach the viewpoint. Keep an eye out for the small sign marking the spot—the viewpoint is a rocky area off to the right, and it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

The views at the top were an absolute treat! You get to take in the Moreno, Lopez, and Nahuel Huapi lakes, as well as the iconic Llao Llao Hotel. The view was so stunning and so unexpected that this was one of our favorite hikes of the trip.

Cerro Lopez

Cerro Lopez is one Bariloche’s most iconic hikes. Not only is the trailhead conveniently located along Circuito Chico, but you are rewarded with amazing views of Bariloche at the top.

While we didn’t do this hike because of the forecast, we were told this hike would be an excellent choice on a clear day. Without cloud cover, the sweeping view of the lakes and mountains makes it worth the steep climb.

The hike is 6.7 miles out and back with 4,000 ft elevation gain. At the top, you arrive at refugio Lopez and have the option to take on some shorter trials from there also. If you’re ok with climb, this one is worth adding to your list!

Refugio Frey

Refugio Frey is one of Bariloche’s four refugios, or shelters. The trail is about 22 km (13.75 miles) round trip, making it a long hike, but with a moderate elevation gain of 2,736 feet, it’s very doable in a day.

Hiking it in April was absolutely incredible. Along the way, you’ll pass lakes, walk through forests glowing with fall colors, and get up close to jagged mountain peaks before arriving at a stunning alpine lake. I’m pretty sure I said “wow” at least 2,300 times!

Welsh Tea time in Bariloche with cakes and sandwhiches

Visit a Tea House

Bariloche’s northern european heritage means the city inherited a tradition of tea time. While meriendas (afternoon snacks) are common all around Argentina, drinking tea isn’t. Sipping a hot tea with a mix of sweet and savoury snacks is a ritual you need to take part of in Bariloche.

Stop by Café Blend for a modern take on Argentine Merienda and incredible views of the lake. They serve a range of teas and coffee drinks, as well as sandwiches and cakes. Everything we tried there was absolutely delicious. For a more traditional take on tea time, check out Equs, a Welsh guest house. There’s a fixed price for visiting, which includes Welsh tea, and an assortment of sweet, bite sized cakes, a sandwich, and toast.

Sample some chocolate

There are a LOT of chocolate shops in Bariloche. The most famous ones being Rapa Nui (my favorite, but also available in Buenos Aires), and Mamushka.

Stop by a shop or two to sample chocolate bars and bombons. Chocolate en rama, which looks like a log, is a staple from this region. We visited Bariloche close to Easter so the shops were full of chocolate eggs and bunnies of all sizes.

There are SO MANY stores (Abuela Goye, Del Turista, Torres, and more) that you could spend hours checking them all out.

Rapa Nui also has the best ice cream – you can’t skip it!

Feel the magic in Bosque de los Arrayanes

While not quite in Bariloche, this is absolutely worth your time if you can squeeze into your itinerary. Located on an island off the shores of Villa La Angostura (about an hour and 20 minutes away), Bosque de los Arrayanes is known for its caramel-colored trees that are straight out of a fairytale and its cabin.

To go from Bariloche, you can hire a tour to take you on a catamaran from Puerto Pañuelo. This one gets great reviews and takes you to Isla Victoria as well.

Tour with Navigation to the Arrayanes Forest and Victoria Island | Click for rates and availability

Check out Colonia Suiza

As the name suggests, this small town off circuito chico is where swiss immigrants first settled in the area.

Today it is somewhat of a tourist trap. BUT if you like shopping at artisan stands, and looking for souvenirs, you might want to add this to your list. I also think it’s a great I-only-have-an-hour-and-want-to-do-something activity.

Day trip to San Martin de Los Andes via the Ruta de los 7 Lagos

San Martín de los Andes is a small, beautifully scenic town along the famous Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route). A day trip here takes you past five stunning lakes—Nahuel Huapi, Correntoso, Escondido, Machónico, and Lácar—each with its own unique charm.

While I think San Martín is worth spending a few days in, even a stop for lunch and a leisurely stroll makes a lovely addition to your itinerary if you have the time.

San Martin de los Andes via the Seven Lakes Route | Click for rates and availability

What is the weather like in Bariloche in Fall?

Fall in Argentina starts in mid March and lasts until mid June. As the season shifts from summer to winter, the weather becomes more unpredictable. During the day, it can be in the 60s and 70s°F (20°C) – and may even feel hot in the sun – but at night it could easily drop into the low 50s (5°C-10°C).

There is a bit more rain, but honestly, it’s a beautiful time to visit. If you’re a hiker, I think it may be the best time to go to Argentina’s lake district. The key is to wear layers and be prepared for weather changes at altitude.

I would recommend going in April, when the chances of nice weather are higher, but it very much depends on your tolerance for the cold!

Tips for visiting Bariloche

Bariloche is one of the most accessible places to visit in Patagonia, making it ideal for travelers looking for an easy vacation. I just have a few things you should keep in mind before you go:

Don’t leave belongings (especially valuables) in the car. Car break-ins are common.
Bring layers: even when the fall air is crisp, the sun can be deceptively warm. But as soon as it gets cloudy or the wind picks up, you’ll be chilly.
Wear sunscreen: mountain sun is tricky! Always wear sunscreen.
Double check that chair lifts are open before planning to go out to one! Some of them close during shoulder season.
Get a SUBE card: if you’re planning on using public transportation, you’ll need it.