Dive into Bariloche’s best-kept secrets. Bariloche offers much more than its classic circuits. Explore its hidden gems and discover the secrets few people know.
Discover hidden gems in Bariloche and some of its most surprising corners
Hidden beaches, little-traveled trails, and a train ride across the steppe await you in Bariloche.
Do you look for places that are off the beaten path? Even in Bariloche, one of Argentina’s most visited destinations, it’s possible to find them. It might take a bit more effort, but all you need is that key tip that lets you get away from the crowds and enjoy a wonderful destination in a different way.
Hidden beaches, beautiful waterfalls, lesser-known trails, and even a train ride are some of the treasures tucked away in this corner of Patagonia. The best part is that, to discover them, you only need to dare to go beyond the usual.
At Rentennials we want you to truly get to know Argentina and make traveling about more than just ticking off the most famous spots. That’s why here you’ll find everything you need to discover Bariloche’s “Side B.”
Hidden beaches in Bariloche
It’s true that finding a secluded spot anywhere in the world is getting harder. But that doesn’t mean you should stop trying to find that little corner where you can lay down a mat and sip some mate without too many people around. Bariloche still offers beaches that, thanks to their more difficult access, can be enjoyed in greater tranquility.
Below are three hidden beaches in Bariloche.
Beach at Hotel Las Cascadas
Because it’s behind a hotel, this small beach is rarely frequented by tourists.
To reach La Cascada beach, first head to the hotel of the same name. You’ll find it off a turn at kilometer 5.9 on Av. Bustillo. Once you’ve parked, walk to the trail that starts behind the parking lot. Along the way you’ll pass a waterfall and, after a few minutes, you’ll arrive at a quiet beach on Lake Nahuel Huapi. There’s a small beach bar with food and loungers.
Bahía Tacul Beach
Bahía Tacul’s beach is a small respite within one of the most popular tourist routes: the Circuito Chico. To get there, turn off onto Route 77 and take a gravel road that leads to Villa Tacul, a small neighborhood with very few houses. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the Blest arm of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
The gravel road forks at the end. It’s best to turn left and park in the lot managed by the Tacul-Chewque Mapuche community. From there, it’s just a short walk to the beach.
This is a perfect place to go with kids. The beach has sand, stones, and is surrounded by forest—like most corners of Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Muñoz Beach
Reaching Muñoz Beach requires a 6-kilometer hike each way (and the same to return). Few people tackle it because you need at least five hours round-trip. It sits on the shores of Lake Gutiérrez; to get there, go to Villa Los Coihues, 5 km from the Civic Center. The trek starts at the Park Ranger Station, where you can leave your car and begin walking.
You’ll find more people along the first section of the trail. First is the Cascada de los Duendes, then the Lake Gutiérrez viewpoint, and the Emilio Frey Hut. After that, the vegetation changes and becomes lower, so we recommend starting early in the morning.
Near the end of the trail, take the left path and descend steeply to reach Muñoz Beach.
Because this trail has a medium difficulty level, remember to register on the Nahuel Huapi National Park website or on the Bariloche Trekking site.
One tip: plan enough time for the round trip to avoid walking back in the dark (overnight stays are not allowed at Muñoz Beach).
For more information on the trail, click here.
Pampa Linda, on the way to Tronador
Cerro Tronador is one of Bariloche’s must-sees. Its viewpoint over the Ventisquero Negro glacier is undeniably impressive. But few people know that along the way lie some of the area’s best-kept secrets. In Pampa Linda, you’ll want to park the car and take your time to explore some of Bariloche’s prettiest waterfall trails.
Because it’s often treated as a “through-place,” most travelers don’t stop to explore Pampa Linda. As we always say, take your time and discover the best corners at your own pace.
Las Nalcas Waterfall
To reach Las Nalcas Waterfall, take the road toward the Ventisquero Negro viewpoint. After passing the Hostería Pampa Linda, go about 400 meters and turn left at the fork. A few minutes later you’ll reach a stream that marks the end of the vehicle track. Park there and continue on foot.
It’s a short walk—about 30 minutes—along a trail that begins by crossing a small stream and then a bridge over the Upper Manso River. Caution: there’s a fork where you must turn left.
At the waterfall, you’ll see water plunging from 40 meters high. The lush surrounding vegetation will connect you with nature in a different way.
Los Césares Waterfall
On the shores of Lake Mascardi, along the road toward Pampa Linda (RP 81), begins a short walk that takes you to the De Los Césares Waterfall. It’s a two-kilometer route that takes just over 1 hour and 30 minutes round-trip. Simply follow the signs and take the first right at the initial fork. The path is uphill and can be muddy after rain.
How to reach Tronador and Pampa Linda
To reach Pampa Linda, and then Tronador, take RN 40 south to the junction with RP 81 at Villa Mascardi. Turn right there and, a few kilometers later, follow the road to Tronador.
Entry and return times for Tronador
The road from Los Rápidos to Pampa Linda has specific hours during which traffic flows in only one direction:
- Uphill only: 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from Los Rápidos
- Downhill only: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Pampa Linda
- Two-way traffic: 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- No uphill traffic allowed between 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
A journey across the steppe on the Bariloche–Perito Moreno Night Tourist Train
The Patagonian steppe has a special kind of magic. The winds, the vast desert, and the endless landscape make any traveler reflect on how difficult—and beautiful—it must have been to live in these lands decades ago. Recently, the night train service connecting Bariloche with Perito Moreno Station resumed—an invitation to discover another side of the region.
The Bariloche Tourist Train route to Perito Moreno Station
Departing from the Bariloche station around 7:00 p.m., the train arrives at Perito Moreno a little later, where you’ll be welcomed with hot drinks and tasty starters. Then you’ll head to the station’s barbecue hall (quincho) to enjoy typical Patagonian dishes.
Dinner is a classic Argentine grill, with salads or fries, bread, tortas fritas, and dessert. Vegetarian options are available.
The price includes the train ticket and the meals.
Tourist Train days and times
The night tourist train runs on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and returns to Bariloche around midnight.
The route operates in the summer season through Easter. In winter, the weather becomes harsh and nights are very cold.
Where to buy your Tourist Train tickets
To purchase tickets, visit the official website of Río Negro’s Tren Patagónico.
Cerro La Buitrera: trekking through Bariloche’s steppe
Just 20 km south of Bariloche, the Patagonian steppe opens up before you. Cerro La Buitrera rises with its strange rock formations sculpted by wind and water erosion. For those eager to get beyond Bariloche’s familiar settings, this is the perfect destination.
What the Cerro La Buitrera trek is like
The Cerro La Buitrera trail has a medium difficulty level, and you can hike 6 to 10 km round-trip. There are no major climbs, but unlike forest treks, you won’t find shade here. So it’s essential to protect yourself from the sun and bring plenty of water. Also bring something to eat.
Along the way you’ll cross broad plains covered with vegetation typical of the steppe. Canyons and curious rock formations will become a familiar sight as you walk.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the surrounding peaks.
How to get to Cerro La Buitrera
To reach Cerro La Buitrera, take the road that starts at the junction of the Ring Road (Ruta de Circunvalación) and Avenida Esandi. After about 15 km, you’ll find a left turn with a one-lane bridge. After crossing, turn left again and continue to a school, where you’ll turn right. The road continues to Estancia La Lucha, a locally owned ranch. Because it’s private property, you must pay an entrance fee and ask permission to do the trek.
Note that access is via a dirt road; while it can be done in a low-clearance car, a pickup or SUV is preferable.
Tips for exploring Bariloche and its hidden gems
Traveling to Bariloche is a dream for anyone looking to connect with nature. Sometimes, due to the number of people at the classic highlights, the experience isn’t what you expected. That’s why it’s essential to find that hidden gem in any destination so you can enjoy it your way.
Here are some tips to make your Bariloche trip unforgettable:
- Travel in the low season whenever possible (March–June and September–December).
- March and December are the best months to visit popular places with fewer people and ideal weather.
- Venture beyond the traditional circuits. The landscapes are just as spectacular—if not more—than the famous ones.
- If you go in high season, find that quiet corner you’ve been dreaming of to spend an afternoon fully connected with nature in complete silence.
Rent a car in Bariloche with Rentennials and discover its “Side B”
To explore Bariloche’s hidden gems, nothing beats having a car. You’ll reach places public transport and tours don’t. Bariloche awaits in all its splendor—Nahuel Huapi National Park and its lesser-traveled surroundings.
Rent a car in Bariloche with Rentennials and enjoy a different kind of experience. It’s the safest, most affordable, and easiest app to use—offering the widest variety of vehicles at the best price.
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