What to Do on Your First Day in Bariloche with a Rental Car
Picture this: you’ve just landed in Bariloche, picked up your rental car at the airport, and you have the whole day ahead of you. What do you do? Where do you go? You don’t want to waste a minute, but you also don’t want to make the mistake of improvising. In this article, we give you a clear guide to make the most of your first day in Bariloche with a rental car, taking full advantage of the freedom to move around.
Why Rent a Car at the Bariloche Airport?
Arriving in Bariloche and having a car ready completely elevates the experience. The Teniente Luis Candelaria International Airport is just 14 km from downtown, but you can start enjoying the trip long before you get there. If you rent a car from the get-go, you get immediate access to spectacular landscapes, lakeside restaurants, and some of the best viewpoints in the region.
Scenic Route 1: Dining with a View
Hungry after the flight? Just 10 minutes from the airport, you have three dining options worth the stop:
- La Alpina Restaurante: located at Francisco Pascasio Moreno 98, perfect if you want regional food with good Patagonian wine.
- El Mallín: a spot by Lake Nahuel Huapi with beautiful views and classic Argentine dishes.
- Bodegón del Lago: rustic atmosphere, ideal for trying empanadas, river fish, and southern-style meats.
These stops don’t just feed you — they set the mood for what’s ahead: unforgettable scenic drives.
Scenic Route 2: Cerro Otto and the Rotating Restaurant
Less than 15 minutes from the airport (and also near downtown), the Cerro Otto Cable Car is an amazing plan. You ride up the mountain in a cabin and in about 12 minutes arrive at a rotating restaurant that looks straight out of a movie.
At the top, there’s also a suspension bridge, perfect for photos. This spot is ideal for those who rent a car and want to take advantage of mobility to discover unique landscapes from day one.
Circuito Chico: The Must-See Route for Car Renters
After eating and enjoying the first viewpoint, you can continue the day by doing the famous Circuito Chico, a circular route of about 60 km. It’s perfect if you have a car because you can stop at every viewpoint at your own pace.
What will you see?
- Lake Moreno
- Punto Panorámico
- The famous San Eduardo Chapel
- The Hotel Llao Llao area
This circuit is perfect for those wondering how to make the most of a rental car in Bariloche. You’re not tied to schedules, you avoid crowded tours, and you can stop wherever you like most.
And Cerro Campanario? You Can’t Skip It!
From the airport, you can reach Cerro Campanario in about 25 minutes. You go up on a chairlift and once you reach the top, you’ll have one of the most breathtaking views in southern Argentina. You literally see lakes, mountains, and valleys all around.
If you were wondering how to get to Cerro Campanario from the airport, the answer is: simply and directly with your rental car — no need to depend on anyone!
Useful Services for Your First Day
It’s not all about the scenery. There are also services that can be very useful as soon as you leave the airport:
- Tourist Information Bariloche: maps, suggested routes, weather alerts, and more.
- Traslados Bariloche: if you’re traveling in a group and need to organize something special.
- Bariloche by AMAE Lounge: a space inside the airport to rest, have a coffee, and plan your route with Wi-Fi.
Extra Tip: Plan Your Itinerary Before You Arrive
While your first day in Bariloche can be somewhat improvised, if you already have a rental car, it’s worth making the most of that freedom. Our advice is to plan a small route with 3 to 4 stops: a meal, a viewpoint, a short walk, and an afternoon snack.
Only have half a day? Go for Cerro Otto + Bodegón del Lago.
Have the whole day? Add Cerro Campanario and Circuito Chico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do on my first day in Bariloche with a rental car?
You can combine regional dining, natural viewpoints like Cerro Otto and Campanario, and scenic routes like Circuito Chico — all just minutes from the airport.
Where are there scenic routes near the Bariloche airport?
You have direct access to places like Cerro Otto, Circuito Chico, and the surroundings of Lake Nahuel Huapi. In 10 to 20 minutes, you’re already in nature.
How do I get to Cerro Campanario from the airport?
Take Route 237 and then Exequiel Bustillo Avenue. It’s about 25 minutes by car.
Want one more?
If you have another question about what to see on your first day or which route to take, write to us directly. At Invernalia Rent a Car, we’re here to help you.