A quick guide to Bariloche for chocolate lovers

From my first days of living in South America I was listening to some stories from other people how beautiful Bariloche is. They admired the landscapes, food, people and most surprisingly chocolate. Since my curiosity would never be satisfied if I did not go there and see and taste it all with my own eyes, we planned a road trip from Chile to Argentina to explore the region of Bariloche.

All of what I was told turned out to be true. I must make a little confession to you: I ate way too much chocolate there…for breakfast, dinner and any available occasion possible. And I don’t even feel sorry about it! Maybe only some of my clothes shrank a little. I can safely say that I had the best chocolate in my life in the region of Bariloche.

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• Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
• Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
• Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
• World Nomads travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
• Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
• Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
• Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money.
• Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
• Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

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How chocolate lovers should spend their time in Bariloche in 4 steps:

Step 1

Order hot chocolate in a coffee shop

What is a better place to enjoy a huge mug of hot chocolate than mountains? Bariloche has some of the biggest ski centers in South America, so surely it snows a lot and it is cold there. Summers however can also be chilly at times. I went there just before Christmas and got spoiled by a few hot and sunny moments, but also harshly treated by rain and wind. As you can guess, there is no bad moment to take delight from hot chocolate, especially as good as the one that is served in the region of Bariloche.

Step 2

Buy hand-made chocolates and eat too many

Since Bariloche is known for making a wonderful chocolate, there are many shops that offer a countless number of flavours and shapes of chocolate that you can by per weigh. I tried so many! I never stopped eating chocolate there, which I should probably keep a secret to avoid too much judgment from my family. But honestly I was quite impossible to strangle the temptation. With the first bite of dark chocolate with a rum-bathed raisins I knew that I am in big trouble. If you are a chocolate lover, you just have to try the chocolate from Bariloche. In my humble opinion the best chocolates are sold in a shop called Benroth in Villa La Angostura. Be prepared though and well informed about the risks you are taking when you take the first bite.

Step 3

Eat chocolate fondue for dinner

This is a treat that I will not forget any time soon. Chocolate fondue for lunch is not something that is served daily. A tray full of fruit pieces and a brass pot with a little flame arrived to the table. The chocolate smell from far away was making me salivate.

See also: 

Wine, sun and art. Visiting Mendoza, Argentina.

Salta la Linda. A city in the north of Argentina you should visit.

Charming excursion from Buenos Aires to Lujan. Argentina off the beaten path.

An ultimate guide to Iguazu Falls

Step 4

Go to a chocolate museum

In town of Bariloche there is a chocolate museum with guided visits organized by Havana, probably the most famous and loved chocolate brand in Argentina (at least that’s what Argentinians say). I am sure that some of information given by a guide is biased in favour of the brand, but it is still a nice thing to do. Through a glass window you can peak into the chocolate factory and observe how tons of chocolate are produced, learn a little bit about the process of producing chocolate and see the chocolate sculptures.

Where to stay in Bariloche

San Carlos de Bariloche is an amazing place in Argentina for relaxing holidays, but at the same time full of adventures. One of the most popular hotels (mainly because is extremely picturesque and Istagrammable) is Llao Llao Spa & Golf Hotel. It’s truly beautiful, but for me the rooms that were available were kind of small. Estancia Peuma Hue gives a real Patagonian vibe with horse riding options and lake view. If you fancy a little bit of luxury in the middle of Patagonia, have a look at Charming Luxury Lodge and Private Spa hotel with over 2k of 5-star reviews.

How to get to Bariloche

Fly to Bariloche

The most convenient way to reach Bariloche is by flying into San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC), also known as Teniente Luis Candelaria International Airport. The airport is well-connected to major cities in Argentina, including Buenos Aires, as well as other South American destinations. Several airlines offer regular flights to Bariloche, making it easily accessible for travelers from around the world.

Look for best flights to Bariloche through SkyScanner

By Bus

For those seeking a scenic journey through Argentina’s picturesque landscapes, traveling to Bariloche by bus is a popular option. Long-distance buses operate regularly from major cities like Buenos Aires, Neuquén, and El Calafate, offering comfortable and affordable transportation to Bariloche. The journey by bus allows travelers to enjoy panoramic views of the Andes mountains, lakes, and forests along the way.

Book the bus here

By Car

Driving yourself gives you so much flexibility. That’s what we did. In fact, we drive around most of Argentina and Chile. The distances are huge, you need to consider that, but driving though this part of Argentina is very easy.  The journey by car offers stunning vistas of Patagonia’s rugged terrain, with the iconic Route 40 providing a scenic route from north to south through the heart of Argentina. Rental car options are available at major airports and cities, allowing travelers to embark on a road trip to Bariloche.

By Train

While train travel to Bariloche is not as common as air or bus transportation, the historic Tren Patagónico offers a unique and leisurely way to experience the region’s landscapes. The Tren Patagónico operates a scenic railway journey known as La Trochita, which runs from Esquel to El Maitén and offers breathtaking views of the Andes mountains, valleys, and forests along the way. Travelers can then continue their journey to Bariloche by connecting bus or private transportation.

Tips for Traveling to Bariloche

• Book your transportation tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred travel dates and avoid last-minute hassles.
• Pack appropriately for the weather, as temperatures in Bariloche can vary throughout the year, with mild summers and cold winters.
• Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected circumstances such as flight delays, cancellations, or medical emergencies.

Some great tours in Bariloche:

Thank you for visiting. Tell me, what are your weaknesses or interests during your travels? My attention usually goes to local food, cute doors and balconies and animals.

P.S. I am salivating while writing this post. I will say that again: I ate the best chocolate in my life!

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