Should I stay in town or at the ski base for Cerro Catedral?

Staying in Bariloche town is the better choice for most visitors - you have more accommodation options, better restaurants, and lower prices. The ski buses run from the town centre to Cerro Catedral (20 km, around 40 minutes) during winter. Slope-side accommodation exists at Villa Catedral but is limited and more expensive.

How much do hotels in Bariloche cost?

Dorm beds in Bariloche hostels start from ARS 20,000–30,000 per night. Mid-range hotels and cabañas run ARS 100,000–220,000. Lakeside lodges and boutique hotels at the higher end start from ARS 280,000 and reach ARS 600,000+ for the premium lakefront properties.

How far is Bariloche airport from the town centre?

Teniente Luis Candelaria Airport (BRC) is 12 km east of the town centre - around 25–30 minutes by taxi or remis, costing approximately ARS 6,000–10,000 as of 2026. The El Salario shuttle bus also connects the airport to the bus terminal.

When is the best time to book hotels in Bariloche?

For skiing, July is peak season - book 6–8 weeks in advance and expect rates 20–30% above average. For summer trekking and lake activities, January and February are the busiest months. Shoulder seasons (April–May for autumn colours, September–October for spring) offer the best combination of value and availability.

Are there hotels directly on Nahuel Huapi Lake?

Yes - several properties sit directly on the lakeshore in and around Bariloche. Llao Llao Hotel is the most famous, 25 km west of town on a peninsula between two lakes. Other lakefront options include Hotel Cacique Inacayal and some cabañas along the lake road.

Hotels in Bariloche | The Argentina Guide

Bariloche sits on the southern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake, surrounded by Andean peaks and Valdivian temperate rainforest. The town is Argentina’s premier mountain resort - popular for ski season in July and August, and equally busy in summer for trekking, mountain biking, and lake kayaking. Accommodation ranges from backpacker hostels in the town centre to legendary luxury lodges on private lake peninsulas.

Understanding Bariloche’s Areas

Town Centre (Centro) is the practical base for most visitors. The civic centre, main restaurant strip along Mitre Street, chocolate shops, craft beer bars, and tour operators are all concentrated within a walkable grid. The lakefront promenade runs along the northern edge of the centre, with views across Nahuel Huapi to the mountains beyond. Most budget and mid-range accommodation is here, and the ski bus departs from the bus terminal in the centre.

Barrio Los Coihues and the Lake Road (Avenida Bustillo) extends westward from the town centre along the lake’s southern shore for around 25 km. Hotels, cabañas, and lodges are scattered along this road at various points. The Llao Llao resort occupies a peninsula at km 25. This area is beautiful and relatively quiet, but requires a car or the local bus (Bus No. 20) to get around.

Villa Catedral is the ski base at Cerro Catedral, 20 km from Bariloche. Ski season accommodation here is limited and more expensive than in town. The advantage is walking distance to the lifts; the disadvantage is limited food and entertainment options once the ski lifts close.

Colonia Suiza is a Swiss-immigrant village about 22 km west of town on the lake road. Very quiet, with a couple of small guesthouses and a famous Sunday market. A good option for those seeking complete tranquillity, though transport into Bariloche requires planning.

Getting to Bariloche

Teniente Luis Candelaria Airport (BRC) is 12 km east of the town centre. Taxis and remis to the centre cost approximately ARS 6,000–10,000 as of 2026, taking 25–30 minutes. The El Salario shuttle service connects the airport to the central bus terminal at a lower per-person cost (ARS 2,500–3,500).

By long-distance bus, Bariloche is connected to Buenos Aires (18–20 hours via Mendoza-Neuquén, or the Patagonian Express), Mendoza (12 hours), and El Calafate (24–28 hours). The Via Bariloche and Andesmar companies are the main operators. The bus terminal (Terminal de Ómnibus) is centrally located, a short walk from the civic centre.

Budget Hotels and Hostels (ARS 20,000–60,000/night)

Bariloche has a strong hostel scene, popular with trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts:

El Refugio Hostel - Bolívar 162, town centre. A well-regarded hostel with dorm beds from approximately ARS 22,000–30,000 per night and private rooms from ARS 65,000. The rooftop has lake views and the kitchen is well-equipped. Staff are knowledgeable about trekking routes and ski conditions.

Hostel Inn Bariloche - Pasaje Gutierrez 172, town centre. One of the largest hostels in town, popular with tour groups and independent travellers alike. Organised activities and a lively atmosphere. Dorm beds from ARS 20,000; private rooms from ARS 60,000.

Hostel 41 Below - Morales 555, town centre. One of the most consistently well-reviewed hostels in Bariloche. Dorms from approximately ARS 22,000 per person per night; private rooms from approximately ARS 55,000. The hostel organises group trekking days to Cerro Campanario and hosts a weekly asado. Breakfast included.

El Gualicho Hostel - Elflein 128, town centre. A friendly hostel close to the Civic Centre with good common areas and consistent reviews for cleanliness. Dorm beds from approximately ARS 20,000/night as of 2026.

Patagonia Hostel - 24 de Septiembre 252. Small, quiet hostel popular with solo travellers. Dorms from approximately ARS 22,000. The communal kitchen is large and well-equipped.

La Caleta Hostel - Pasaje Guido 301, near lake. Sits a short walk from the lakefront with private rooms as well as dorms - approximately ARS 55,000–70,000 per night for a private double.

Apart Hotel El Arca - Av. Los Pioneros 7680. Self-catering apartments 6 km from the centre, useful for groups or families. From approximately ARS 60,000 per night for a two-bed unit. Car recommended.

La Bolsa del Deporte - Elflein 364, town centre. Part hostel, part gear shop - the combination of accommodation and outdoor equipment rental makes it particularly useful for trekkers arriving without their own kit. Basic but clean. Dorm beds from approximately ARS 20,000.

Mid-Range Hotels and Cabañas (ARS 100,000–230,000/night)

Hotel Edelweiss - Av. San Martín 202, town centre. A 97-room hotel on the main commercial strip, centrally located and reliable. The views from upper floors look across the lake to the mountains. Rates approximately ARS 120,000–180,000 per night as of 2026. Good choice for families wanting a dependable base.

Hotel Tres Reyes - Presidente Roca 348, town centre. Bariloche’s best-value mid-range option in the centre - 77 rooms, well-maintained, and with a heated pool. Walking distance from the lake promenade. Rates approximately ARS 110,000–160,000.

Cabañas del Lago - Along Av. Bustillo km 4–8, lake road. Self-catering cabañas with lake views, suited to families or groups of 3–6. Rates vary widely depending on cabaña size and lake proximity - expect ARS 180,000–280,000 for a 4-person cabaña per night in high season.

Hotel Edenia - Rolando 265, town centre. A solid three-star in the heart of the city. Double rooms from approximately ARS 90,000 per night, breakfast included. Lake views from upper floors (request when booking). Helpful desk staff who can arrange excursions and rentals.

Aldebaran Hotel & Spa - Av. Bustillo km 6. Boutique hotel perched above Nahuel Huapi with one of the best panoramic lake views of any mid-range property in Bariloche. Doubles from approximately ARS 165,000. Known for attentive service and the Panorama restaurant.

Dazzler by Wyndham Bariloche - Av. San Martín 232, town centre. Reliable international chain standard in the city centre. Doubles from approximately ARS 155,000. Good for business travellers or those with early-morning departure buses.

Hotel Nevada - Rolando 250, town centre. A consistent performer in the mid-range bracket - clean, well-located, and friendly staff. Rates from approximately ARS 100,000 in shoulder season.

Luxury Hotels and Lodges (ARS 300,000–700,000+/night)

Llao Llao Hotel & Resort - Av. Bustillo km 25, Lake Moreno. The most celebrated hotel in Argentine Patagonia, opened in 1938 and set on a private peninsula between Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes. The architecture is Swiss chalet meets Argentine estancia. The golf course, full spa, multiple restaurants, and boat dock make it a destination in itself. Rates from approximately ARS 450,000 per night as of 2026, rising sharply in peak ski season and January.

Design Suites Bariloche - Av. Bustillo km 2.5, lake road. A modern design hotel on the lake road with pool, spa, and architecture that frames the lake views. Rates approximately ARS 320,000–500,000. Better value than Llao Llao and closer to town.

Hotel Cacique Inacayal - Av. Bustillo km 4.5, lake road. A well-established upscale property directly on the lake with a private beach, gym, and spa. The restaurant serves the standard Patagonian menu (trout, venison, lamb) with creditable execution. Rates approximately ARS 280,000–420,000.

Villa Huinid Resort & Spa - Av. Bustillo km 2.9. Sits on the lakeshore close enough to town to feel connected, with 56 cabañas and lodge rooms set in native forest. The spa is one of the best in the region. Rates from approximately ARS 320,000 per night as of 2026.

Noi Puma Lodge - Av. Bustillo km 15.1. A smaller, more intimate lakeside lodge with 20 rooms, a heated outdoor pool, and direct Nahuel Huapi access. Rates approximately ARS 350,000–550,000 per night - a quieter alternative to the better-known Llao Llao.

Hotel El Casco Art Hotel - Av. Bustillo km 11.5. A refined boutique property set in a converted 1930s lakeside villa, with an art collection and wine cellar to match. Twelve rooms only, each individually decorated with Argentine contemporary art. From approximately ARS 300,000 per night. Quiet, intimate, and genuinely beautiful - the opposite of a resort hotel. Car essential.

Alto Andino - Ruta 258, Cerro Otto area. A smaller boutique lodge above the town with panoramic views. Rates approximately ARS 280,000–380,000.

Seasonal Pricing and Availability

Bariloche operates on two distinct peak seasons:

Ski season (July–August): The busiest and most expensive period. Cerro Catedral opens mid-June and the lifts run through mid-September in good snow years. Book accommodation 6–8 weeks in advance for July visits. School holiday weeks (mid-July) are the busiest - prices for quality properties can be 30–40% above average.
Summer (January–February): The second peak, with Argentine families on holiday. Trekking, cycling, and lake activities are at their best. Book ahead for January.
Autumn (March–May): Arguably the most beautiful season - the lenga beech trees turn red and gold across the hillsides. Fewer visitors, good availability, and rates 10–20% below peak. April and early May are excellent for trekking before the snow closes the higher trails.
Spring (September–October): Wildflowers emerge, the ski season ends, and the town is quiet. Good conditions for trekking the Circuito Chico. Value season.

Practical Tips

Book ski accommodation and car hire simultaneously for July visits - both fill up at the same time.
Bus No. 20 (Llao Llao line) runs from the town centre along Av. Bustillo to km 25 and is the best way to reach lakeside properties without a car. Service runs frequently in summer and reduced hours in winter.
Browse tours and activities in Bariloche via GetYourGuide - kayaking on Nahuel Huapi, Cerro Campanario, and guided trekking trips can all be arranged before arrival.
Bariloche is a chocolate town - the main commercial strip (Mitre Street) is lined with artisan chocolate shops. Many are overpriced; ask locals for recommendations outside the tourist core.
Altitude (768 m) is not a factor for most visitors, but the weather changes rapidly - always carry a waterproof layer for trekking.
Restaurants in the town centre are generally good value compared to the hotel restaurants along Av. Bustillo.

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Hotels in Bariloche: Where to Stay for Every Budget (2026)