Bariloche with Kids: Planning a Patagonia Family Trip from Buenos Aires
How to plan a family trip to Bariloche from Buenos Aires: flights, where to stay with children, activities by season, chocolate shops, and the lake circuit.
Rosie CarterWriter · Palermo, Buenos Aires
Every British family in Buenos Aires goes to Bariloche eventually. It is the Lake District with snow-capped mountains, the Cotswolds with chocolate shops, and the Scottish Highlands with better weather. My children rate it above Iguazú, above Mendoza, above everything. We have been four times.
Getting there
Flights: 2 hours from Buenos Aires Aeroparque. Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi, JetSmart. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for school holidays. Prices: USD 80-200 return per person.
When to go:
- Summer (December-March): warm, long days, hiking, lake swimming, boat trips. Best overall family experience.
- Winter (June-September): skiing at Cerro Catedral, snow, hot chocolate season. Colder (0-8°C daytime) but magical.
- Autumn (April-May): spectacular foliage, quiet, cheaper. Best photos.
- Spring (October-November): unpredictable weather, fewer tourists, good for budget trips.
How long: 4-5 days is ideal. 3 days is rushed. A week is blissful.
Where to stay with kids
Llao Llao area — upscale, stunning views, 25 km from town. Llao Llao Resort & Golf is the most famous hotel in Patagonia (USD 300-600/night). Not budget, but the grounds, pool, and lake access are extraordinary for children.
Town centre — walking distance to Calle Mitre (chocolate shops), restaurants, and lake. Best for families without a car. Hotels: Panamericano Bariloche (USD 100-200), Hotel Huemul (USD 80-150).
Circuito Chico area — between town and Llao Llao. Cabañas (log cabins) with kitchens and fireplaces. USD 100-250/night. Best for families who want self-catering and outdoor space.
Essential activities with kids
The Circuito Chico
A 60 km scenic loop road west from Bariloche along Lago Nahuel Huapi. Stop-offs:
1. Punto Panorámico — viewpoint over the lake and mountains
2. Bahía López — beach access (summer swimming)
3. Puerto Pañuelo — boat trips depart to Isla Victoria and Bosque de Arrayanes
4. Llao Llao peninsula — walk the chapel trail (30 min, buggy-friendly)
5. Colonia Suiza — Swiss settlement with curanto (traditional pit-cooked feast) and artisan shops
6. Cerro Campanario — chairlift to a viewpoint ranked "best view in the world" by National Geographic. 15 minutes up, spectacular.
Allow a full day. Rent a car (USD 40-80/day) or book a remis (taxi tour, USD 80-150).
Chocolate on Calle Mitre
Bariloche is the chocolate capital of Argentina. Calle Mitre (the main pedestrian street) has a chocolate shop every 20 metres. The children will want to enter all of them.
Top picks:
- Rapa Nui — the biggest and most famous. Excellent hot chocolate.
- Mamuschka — artisan quality, beautiful presentations
- Del Turista — the original, since 1940
- Abuela Goye — homemade style, smaller, charming
Budget: ARS 5,000-10,000 per box of artisan chocolates. Hot chocolate: ARS 3,000-6,000. The children will bankrupt you happily.
Skiing at Cerro Catedral (winter only)
South America's largest ski resort, 20 km from Bariloche.
- Kids' ski school: from age 4. Half-day lessons: ARS 30,000-50,000
- Lift passes: ARS 40,000-80,000/day (children half-price)
- Equipment rental: ARS 15,000-25,000/day per person
- Season: late June to late September (snow permitting)
The skiing is good for beginners and intermediates. Advanced skiers find it limited compared to the Alps. For British children who have never seen snow, it is absolutely magical.
Boat trip to Isla Victoria
A catamaran takes you across Lago Nahuel Huapi to Isla Victoria and the Bosque de Arrayanes (a forest of orange-barked trees). Full day trip. Children love the boat ride and the beach stops.
Cost: ARS 30,000-50,000 per adult, children half-price. Departs from Puerto Pañuelo.
Budget for a family of four (5 days)
Worth reading next
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Bariloche with kids?
Summer (December-March) for the widest range of activities. Winter (June-September) if your children want snow and skiing. Autumn (April-May) for quiet and spectacular foliage.
How much does a family trip to Bariloche cost?
USD 1,500-2,800 for a 5-day summer trip (family of four). Add USD 300-500 for skiing in winter. The biggest variables are accommodation and whether you ski.
Can small children ski at Cerro Catedral?
Ski school takes children from age 4. The nursery slopes are gentle and well-maintained. Equipment rental includes children's sizes. Half-day lessons are usually enough for young beginners.
Is the Circuito Chico suitable for toddlers?
Yes. The drive itself is in a car. Stop-offs have flat walking paths, beaches, and the Campanario chairlift accepts small children. Bring snacks and a buggy for the Llao Llao chapel walk.
Sources & Links
Further reading — legal & visa
We cover the lifestyle side. When it comes to visas, residency, and the paperwork — these guides from Lucero Legal are the most thorough we've found.
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