Officially called San Carlos de Bariloche but almost always referred to just as “Bariloche,” this mountain city near the Chilean border is very popular as a tourist destination for both locals and foreigners. Not unlike Queenstown, New Zealand, this city is a ski resort in winter (June through August) and a crowded outdoor and water sports center in summer.
Bariloche was a German settlement in the late 1800s, and that influence is still alive today in the surprising number of chocolate shops all around town. Since this is a popular tourist destination pretty much year round, it’s understandable that prices here are similar to those in Buenos Aires and other larger cities.
Hotel and hostel prices tend to be reasonable here for how nice the place is, but you might expect them to be cheaper based on the struggles that the Argentine economy continues to have. Food and drinks can be good bargains by most standards, especially for those who take the time to seek out the happy hours and deals. Adventure activities tend to be pricey though, so don’t expect a glamorous ski holiday on a tight budget.
