Bariloche isn\u2019t meant to be explored on foot. At least not if you want to experience its true essence. Did you know that some of Patagonia\u2019s most beautiful landscapes are off<\/em> the tourist trail? In this article, I\u2019ll share what I learned after three trips to Bariloche (yes, I love going back), and how having a car was the key to discovering routes that felt like another planet.<\/p>\n Today I\u2019ll show you some must-see scenic drives<\/strong> you can enjoy by car. And I\u2019ll also share a few real-life tips\u2014the kind you won\u2019t find in guidebooks. If you\u2019re wondering what to see in Bariloche by car, I promise that by the end of this post you\u2019ll want to hit the road right away.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s start with the easiest\u2014and most beautiful\u2014option. The Circuito Chico is a 65-kilometre loop that brings together the best of the south: lakes, mountains, forests, photo ops, hiking trails, delicious food, and peaceful silence. All in one route.<\/p>\n You start from downtown, take Bustillo Avenue and begin following the shoreline of Lake Nahuel Huapi. You won\u2019t need a GPS\u2014there are signs and plenty of other cars doing the same loop.<\/p>\n What not to miss?<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommended time:<\/strong> at least 3 hours. If you want to take it slow, set aside half a day.<\/p>\n This park connects with the Circuito Chico, but it\u2019s a different vibe. Here there\u2019s less traffic and fewer tourists with cameras. Just you, your car, and nature.<\/p>\n You can park in designated areas and take easy walking trails. The Arrayanes trail is short and beautiful. In autumn, the colours are breathtaking.<\/p>\n Nearby is the iconic Llao Llao Hotel. I love stopping there just for a coffee. There\u2019s something about that view that always makes me feel like a kid again.<\/p>\n Access:<\/strong> only by car or private tours.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a full day and feel like driving, this is the<\/em> road trip. The Seven Lakes Route is a parade of landscapes: shimmering lakes, snowy mountains, endless forests. And the best part: the road is in excellent condition.<\/p>\n In just 85 km you\u2019ll reach Villa La Angostura, a charming mountain town. Be sure to stop at the scenic viewpoints:<\/p>\n Personal tip:<\/strong> Grab a homemade meal in town and head back around sunset. The sky turns pink and the road takes on a whole new magic.<\/p>\n I got this combo from a guy at the car rental office when I picked up my vehicle. Thanks to him, I found out Cerro Catedral isn\u2019t just for skiing. Off-season, you can go hiking, biking, or simply take the lift and enjoy the view.<\/p>\n On the way back, take the road down to Lake Guti\u00e9rrez. It\u2019s easy to find, with a beach and shady spots. Perfect for a picnic by the car or dipping your toes in the water if you’re not up for a swim.<\/p>\n The answer is simple: because Bariloche isn\u2019t meant to be explored through organised tours. Having your own car gives you time, freedom, and access to places no tour will take you.<\/p>\n I was lucky to rent with Invernalia Rent a Car<\/strong>, and they made everything easy. They delivered the car directly at the airport, with insurance and snow chains included (I travelled in August). And most importantly: it wasn\u2019t an old vehicle. Invernalia\u2019s fleet is modern\u2014and that really matters when driving on gravel or icy roads.<\/p>\n And although it sounds obvious: always carry water, a phone charger, and snacks. Distances can be deceiving.<\/p>\n When someone asks me what to see in Bariloche by car, I always say the same: everything<\/strong>. Because it\u2019s not just a place\u2014it\u2019s an experience. And if you get the chance to rent a car, go for it. You\u2019ll discover places that aren\u2019t on Instagram or TikTok. Places that feel like they\u2019re just for you.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got time, explore. If not, explore anyway. And if you\u2019re unsure, just call Invernalia Rent a Car<\/strong>. They know every corner and are always happy to help. I wouldn\u2019t rent with anyone else.<\/p>\n Since 2015, Invernalia has offered new, reliable cars at the best market rates. We operate in Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Pilar, Chapelco, and since 2024, also in Puerto Montt (Chile). Our fleet ranges from economy vehicles to fully-equipped 4x4s.<\/p>\n Need help choosing your perfect car?<\/strong> Contact us and clear all your doubts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Explore Bariloche by car with scenic routes like the Circuito Chico, Llao Llao Park, and the Seven Lakes. Discover unique spots, real tips, and the freedom that only Invernalia Rent a Car can offer. Your journey starts behind the wheel!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3659,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3679","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/invernaliarentacar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3679","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/invernaliarentacar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/invernaliarentacar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invernaliarentacar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invernaliarentacar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3679"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/invernaliarentacar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3679\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3705,"href":"https:\/\/invernaliarentacar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3679\/revisions\/3705"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invernaliarentacar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3659"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/invernaliarentacar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3679"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invernaliarentacar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3679"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invernaliarentacar.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3679"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}1. Circuito Chico: The Route Everyone Recommends (For Good Reason!)<\/h2>\n
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2. Llao Llao Park: Get Lost in the Forest (and Find Yourself Again)<\/h2>\n
3. Seven Lakes Road: From Bariloche to Villa La Angostura (and Beyond)<\/h2>\n
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4. Bonus: Cerro Catedral + Lake Guti\u00e9rrez = Perfect Day<\/h2>\n
Why Rent a Car in Bariloche?<\/h2>\n
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Real Tips (Not from a Brochure)<\/h2>\n
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Conclusion: The Magic is in the Journey<\/h2>\n
\nInvernalia Rent a Car<\/h3>\n