7 places near Bariloche you must visit in summer
The best places near Bariloche in summer are full of adventure, scenic routes, hidden gems, and original experiences. You’ll find everything from lake excursions and lesser-known natural areas to historic journeys like the Patagonian Train.
Traveling to Patagonia in summer invites you to experience a different side of southern Argentina, with long days, pleasant temperatures, navigable lakes, and a natural environment that encourages exploration at an unhurried pace. For those who choose Bariloche as a base, January and February are ideal months to explore the surroundings and enjoy experiences that go far beyond classic tourist circuits.
In this article by Rentennials, we share everything you need to know about the best places near Bariloche to visit in summer. There are options for all tastes, because this season invites you to disconnect and be surprised by new experiences.
Bariloche in summer: weather, landscapes, and a different way to travel
During the summer months, Bariloche offers a mild and pleasant climate. Temperatures usually range between 15 and 28 degrees Celsius, with cool nights and days ideal for outdoor activities. Unlike winter, summer allows access to hiking trails, lake beaches, viewpoints, and scenic roads that remain closed during the snow season.
This time of year also encourages a more active way of traveling and opens the door to dynamic activities such as kayaking, trekking, boat navigation, cycling, and scenic road trips.
What is the best way to explore the places near Bariloche?
Traveling by car is, without a doubt, the most comfortable and flexible way to explore the region. Many of the most interesting experiences are located just a few kilometers from the city but outside public transportation routes.
Having your own vehicle allows you to manage your time, stop at viewpoints, access hidden beaches, and drive iconic routes like Route 40 or the Circuito Chico without depending on organized tours. It also makes it easier to combine several destinations in a single day, which is key to making the most of the Patagonian summer. For this reason, traveling by car is the best way to discover places near Bariloche.
With Rentennials, it’s extremely simple: you can arrive at Bariloche Airport and have your car ready to go, without lines or complicated paperwork.
How many days should you plan to explore the best places near Bariloche in summer?
If you want to visit several destinations at a relaxed pace and still have time to rest, the ideal plan is between ten and fifteen days. If you have less time, you can still enjoy the experience by choosing a few key activities and optimizing your schedule.
The minimum recommended stay is at least one week, allowing you to alternate exploration and rest without feeling rushed. Whatever option you choose, you design your own itinerary, and there are many alternatives and ways to experience your trip.
Must-see experiences and destinations near Bariloche in summer
Now let’s take a closer look at the best places to visit near Bariloche in summer. In addition to beaches, incredible views, and spaces for connecting with nature, you’ll also find unique adventures that will stay with you long after your trip.
A classic experienced differently in summer: Circuito Chico
The Circuito Chico is one of the most iconic routes in the region, featuring a roughly 60 km drive along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, offering panoramic views and major landmarks. It is, without question, one of the best places near Bariloche to enjoy in summer.
Here are some must-see stops:
- Cerro Campanario: With its chairlift, in less than 10 minutes you can reach the summit and enjoy spectacular views of Nahuel Huapi Lake, Victoria Island, Cerro Otto, López, Goye, the Llao Llao Hotel, and the forests of Colonia Suiza.You can also hike up, following a beautiful trail through the forest. It’s not a long walk: the summit is at 1,050 meters, and the hike takes about half an hour, ideal for families. At the top, you’ll find a café offering homemade pastries, daily dishes, drinks, and a large panoramic window to enjoy the privileged views.
- Another highlight is the Llao Llao Hotel, a historic and luxurious hotel and a landmark of Bariloche’s architecture that you shouldn’t miss.
- If you decide to visit Colonia Suiza, you’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time. Declared a historic heritage site, it is the first European settlement in the region and preserves the original characteristics from the late 19th century.
- Another option is to reach Puerto Pañuelo, located on the Llao Llao Peninsula along Lake Nahuel Huapi. This is the departure point for incredible lake excursions to Puerto Blest, Victoria Island, and the Arrayanes Forest.
In summer, this circuit offers a completely different experience, with landscapes that take on new colors and new ways to enjoy them. With lake beaches, open trails, and clear viewpoints, it’s ideal for driving at a relaxed pace and stopping whenever you like.
Places such as Bahía López, Punto Panorámico, or the Llao Llao Hotel allow you to enjoy the scenery in a calmer setting. The circuit can be done in half a day, but it’s best to dedicate more time and combine it with short hikes or a lakeside picnic.
All of this makes it a perfect gateway for those looking for the best places near Bariloche in summer without traveling far from the city.
La Buitrera: wild and little-known nature
La Buitrera is one of those hidden gems that surprises even travelers familiar with the region. Located about 40 km from Bariloche, it is a private nature reserve within Estancia La Lucha, where you can enjoy a unique trekking experience.
The landscape is defined by rock formations shaped like giant mushrooms, offering a very different and uncrowded experience. It’s an ideal place for birdwatching, including condors, and a perfect plan for January and February, since winter snow makes access difficult.
You can reach it by car via provincial roads and well-maintained gravel roads. Visits are usually guided and provide insight into the area’s wildlife and geography.
Be sure to check the opening hours and entrance fees. If you’re looking for original experiences, La Buitrera is a must.
Boat trips and ancient forests on Victoria Island
Victoria Island is one of the most attractive lake destinations in Nahuel Huapi National Park. You can reach it via boat excursions departing from Puerto Pañuelo, and it offers hiking trails, quiet beaches, and unique biodiversity.
The island is home to the historic Anchorena House, built in 1918, the Nursery and Forestry Center, a botanical garden with species from around the world, as well as unmissable trails and viewpoints. In summer, lake crossings are especially enjoyable thanks to pleasant temperatures and excellent visibility.
This experience combines nature, history, and relaxation, making it ideal for a full-day trip. It’s one of the most complete options for those seeking the best places near Bariloche in summer, with a focus beyond urban tourism.
Valdivian rainforest and unique landscapes of Puerto Blest
Puerto Blest is synonymous with lush vegetation, waterfalls, and intensely green waters. The journey combines boat navigation and hiking, offering hypnotic views. It begins at Puerto Pañuelo on Lake Nahuel Huapi and passes by Centinela Island—where the remains of Francisco Pascasio Moreno, father of Argentina’s national parks, rest—before reaching the Los Cántaros Waterfall.
After walking through the dense Valdivian rainforest, you arrive at the source of the waterfall, at Lake Cántaros, where you can admire a millenary larch tree over 1,500 years old.
In summer, the contrast between water, vegetation, and sky creates unforgettable postcard scenes. Although it’s a well-known destination, it’s still an experience worth repeating if you want to enjoy nature in its purest form.
Patagonian Train: a historic journey through the steppe
The Patagonian Train offers a completely different experience from the region’s usual landscapes. The route between Bariloche and the Río Negro steppe reveals another side of Patagonia, defined by vastness, small towns, and railway history. This makes it one of the places near Bariloche you must visit in summer.
During summer, the train operates as a tourist excursion combining scenery, gastronomy, and local culture. The night service departs from Bariloche and arrives at Perito Moreno Station, in Los Juncos, about 50 minutes later. There, visitors are welcomed at the Tea House—formerly the train station—followed by a delicious dinner at the Quincho, which also features activities for children. After dinner and coffee, the train returns to the city.
Excursions run on Fridays and Saturdays and are ideal for travelers looking for something different.
Rural life and the Limay River in little-known Villa Llanquín
Villa Llanquín is a small rural village located on the banks of the Limay River, about 40 km from Bariloche. You reach it by car via gravel roads, making the journey part of the experience. This destination stands out as one of the best places to visit near Bariloche in summer for those seeking peace and authenticity.
The surroundings invite calm walks and complete relaxation, surrounded by lavender scents and quiet landscapes. You can also enjoy horseback riding, cycling, fishing, or birdwatching.
It’s an excellent option for a day trip or overnight stay, ideal for disconnecting from urban life.
Trekking and views of Cerro Tronador: Pampa Linda
Access to Pampa Linda is by car via mountain roads, with well-maintained gravel sections. It’s an ideal experience for trekking enthusiasts looking for the best places to visit near Bariloche in summer with a more adventurous profile.
Pampa Linda is the gateway to Cerro Tronador and several of the most impressive trails in Nahuel Huapi National Park. In summer, the roads are open, allowing hikes of varying difficulty levels, always surrounded by glaciers, rivers, and forests.
How to make the most of the best places near Bariloche to visit in summer
- Plan and book some activities in advance, but also leave room for spontaneity.
- Always use sunscreen and avoid sun exposure during peak hours.
- Follow the instructions of authorized guides.
- Do not light fires anywhere unless explicitly permitted.
- Take care of nature and respect all guidelines.
Summer in Bariloche: roads, car travel, and the freedom to explore
Exploring Bariloche and its surroundings in summer means embracing diversity: lakes, mountains, steppe landscapes, rural villages, and unique experiences all coexist within an accessible region.
At Rentennials, we celebrate travelers who choose to discover destinations in their own way. That’s why we simplify the process as much as possible, so you can focus solely on enjoying the journey.
Traveling by car from the moment you arrive in Bariloche gives you the freedom to create flexible routes, combine destinations, and discover hidden corners beyond traditional circuits. Because in Patagonia, some of the best experiences appear when you allow yourself to explore without rushing.
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