Top 5 Bariloche Full-Day Tours: A Detailed Guide

Bariloche is, you know, one of those places that just completely captivates you from the moment you arrive. Actually, its location, right on the shore of the massive Nahuel Huapi Lake and surrounded by mountains, is pretty much picture-perfect. Still, the city itself, with its alpine-style buildings and many chocolate shops, is really just the starting point. In fact, to truly grasp the scale and grandeur of this slice of northern Patagonia, you almost have to venture out of town on a day trip. The thing is that, with so many amazing choices, figuring out which excursion fits your style can feel, like, a bit overwhelming. So, we’ve taken a closer look at five of the most popular and, frankly, most rewarding full-day outings you can take from Bariloche, which should hopefully make your decision a little easier.

1. The Small Circuit (Circuito Chico): A Classic Introduction

Okay, so first on any list has to be the Circuito Chico, or the Small Circuit, which is basically the quintessential Bariloche experience. Honestly, if you’re short on time or just want to see the most iconic sights, this tour is absolutely the one to pick. The route itself is, you know, a relatively short drive that hugs the southern edge of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, so you get these incredible water views pretty much the whole way. As a matter of fact, the road twists and turns, and around every corner, there’s another spot that just makes you want to pull over and take a picture. For instance, the main panoramic viewpoint is a standard stop, offering a stunning vista that really lays out the whole scene of lakes, islands, and distant snowy peaks for you.

The real highlight for many, however, is Cerro Campanario, which is a small mountain you can go up via a chairlift. You get to the top and, honestly, the 360-degree view from there is just unbelievable; it’s so good that some people say it’s one of the best views on the planet. I mean, you can see everything from there, like the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes and the grand Llao Llao Hotel off in the distance. Speaking of the Llao Llao, that famous hotel is also on this route; it’s an amazing building that looks a bit like a majestic castle perched on a hill between two lakes. By the way, another stop is often the San Eduardo Chapel, which is a very pretty little stone and wood chapel that adds a bit of architectural charm to the natural beauty. You’ll also likely pass by spots where you can, for example, sample some local smoked meats and cheeses, which is a really nice touch. At the end of the day, this trip gives you a fantastic taste of the region in just a few hours, leaving your afternoon free for other things, like maybe exploring more of the town’s chocolate shops.

2. The Seven Lakes Road: An Epic Patagonian Drive

Now, if a scenic road trip is more your speed, then the Seven Lakes Road tour is, basically, a must-do. You should know, this is a full-day commitment, as the drive goes all the way from Bariloche to the lovely town of San Martín de los Andes. Obviously, the main attraction is the string of beautiful lakes you pass along the way, each one having its own unique color and character, sort of. For instance, you’ll see Lago Espejo, which means Mirror Lake, and on a calm day, it literally reflects the sky and surrounding forests perfectly. Then there’s Lago Correntoso, known for its deep green waters, and of course, the giant Nahuel Huapi Lake which you follow for a good portion of the trip. The views just keep coming, so you’ll want to have your camera ready at all times.

The journey itself is really the destination here. The road winds through very dense sections of the Valdivian rainforest, which feels almost prehistoric, and then opens up into these vast valleys framed by the Andes mountains. Anyway, a typical stop on this tour is the charming village of Villa La Angostura, a quiet, upscale little town that’s a nice spot to stretch your legs and maybe grab a coffee. In fact, the town itself is very picturesque with its wooden buildings and flower-filled gardens. Once you finally arrive in San Martín de los Andes, you’ll find another gorgeous town set on the shores of Lago Lácar. To be honest, it has a slightly more relaxed vibe than Bariloche and is a great place to wander around for a bit before the return trip. Seriously, you spend a lot of time in the vehicle on this one, but the non-stop incredible scenery makes it completely worthwhile for anyone who loves a good drive.

3. Victoria Island & The Arrayanes Forest: A Lakeside Adventure

For a different perspective of the area, you really can’t beat a boat trip out on the water, and the tour to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest is just, you know, a classic. This excursion starts with a catamaran ride from Puerto Pañuelo, which is an experience in itself, actually. Being out on the immense, deep-blue Nahuel Huapi Lake, surrounded by snow-dusted mountains, just gives you a sense of scale that you can’t quite get from the shore. The wind in your hair, the gulls flying overhead… it’s just a really great way to spend a day. The boat is usually quite comfortable, with both indoor seating and outdoor decks for getting the best pictures, so it’s a pretty relaxing journey.

The first stop is typically Victoria Island, the largest island in the lake. Here, you get to disembark and explore a bit, which is nice. There are marked trails that lead you through a pretty forest of giant coihue trees and cypresses, and some paths even lead to quiet little beaches. You might also spot some interesting birdlife, and there’s a bit of history to the island, which your guide will probably tell you about. Anyway, the next stop is the real star of the show for many: the Quetrihué Peninsula, home to the famous Arrayanes Forest. Seriously, stepping into this forest is like walking into a fairy tale. The arrayán trees have this smooth, cinnamon-colored bark and twisted trunks, creating a really magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Apparently, this unique forest was the inspiration for the animated movie Bambi. At the end of the day, walking along the boardwalks through these beautiful, strange trees is an experience you won’t soon forget.

4. Cerro Tronador: Hearing the Roar of a Glacier

If you’re looking for something a bit more wild and dramatic, the trip out to Cerro Tronador is definitely for you. Tronador, which means ‘Thunderer’, is an extinct volcano and the highest mountain in the area, and, frankly, it’s seriously impressive up close. The name comes from the sound of ice breaking off its glaciers, which, you know, creates a deep rumbling sound that echoes through the valleys, kind of like distant thunder. Actually, just hearing that sound is a pretty amazing experience and makes you feel the raw power of nature.

The journey to get there is an adventure in its own right, basically. The road is unpaved for much of the way and takes you deep into Nahuel Huapi National Park, through river valleys and past several lakes. Anyway, the landscape becomes more rugged and sparse the closer you get to the mountain’s base. The main destination is the Ventisquero Negro, or the Black Glacier. It’s a very unusual glacier because it’s fed by the pristine white ice from high up on Tronador, but as it moves down, it picks up a lot of sediment, which gives the glacier’s tongue a striking dark, almost black, color. You know, you can walk right up to the edge of the glacial lake at its base and see small icebergs floating in the murky water. Honestly, standing at the foot of this massive, creaking mountain with its hanging glaciers is a very powerful and humbling feeling, and it makes for an unforgettable day for anyone who loves raw, untamed scenery.

5. El Bolsón: A Taste of the Laid-Back Life

For a complete change of pace, a day trip south to the town of El Bolsón offers a really different flavor of Patagonia. You know, this town, nestled in a peaceful valley, has long been known for its relaxed, bohemian atmosphere, which started back in the 70s when it became a popular spot for hippies from Buenos Aires. That easygoing spirit is, like, still very much alive today. The drive down is beautiful, taking you along the shores of Lakes Gutiérrez and Mascardi, but the real focus of this trip is the destination itself. The most famous attraction is probably the outdoor craft market, which is usually held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Actually, this market is one of the best in the region, with tons of stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry and leather goods to woolen sweaters and pottery. It’s a great place to just wander, chat with the artisans, and maybe pick up some unique souvenirs. Besides the crafts, El Bolsón is also famous for its local produce; the area is a big producer of hops, berries, and other fine fruits. In fact, you’ll find lots of locally made craft beers, homemade jams, and delicious ice cream to try. Often, the tour will also include a stop at nearby Lago Puelo, which is a stunningly beautiful national park with water that is a shockingly bright turquoise color. At the end of the day, a trip to El Bolsón feels less about epic mountain views and more about soaking up a chill, friendly atmosphere and enjoying some local culture and flavors.

Key Takeaways

Alright, so that’s a quick look at some of the day trips from Bariloche. Obviously, each one offers something a little bit different. At the end of the day, it’s all about what kind of experience you’re looking for.

Small Circuit (Circuito Chico): You know, perfect for iconic views without a huge time commitment.
Seven Lakes Road: Basically, for people who love a good, long scenic drive with lots of different lake views.
Victoria Island & Arrayanes Forest: Kind of a magical boat trip to a special forest.
Cerro Tronador: For instance, this one’s for adventure lovers who want to see a real, live glacier up close.
El Bolsón: Sort of a relaxed day with a focus on crafts, good food, and a chill vibe.

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