Travel Budget for San Carlos de Bariloche Visit San Carlos de Bariloche on a Budget or Travel in Style

San Carlos de Bariloche, Provincia de Rio Negro, Argentina

San Carlos de Bariloche is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to San Carlos de Bariloche?

You should plan to spend around $121 (AR$127,193) per day on your vacation in San Carlos de Bariloche. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $8.57 (AR$9,026) on meals
  • $3.89 (AR$4,092) on local transportation
  • $198 (AR$207,954) on hotels

A one week trip to San Carlos de Bariloche for two people costs, on average, $1,692 (AR$1,780,702). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

In recent years, the Argentine Peso has been very unstable. Therefore, travel cost estimates can sometimes be inaccurate for this country.
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $121
    AR$127,193
  • One Week Per person
    $846
    AR$890,351
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,692
    AR$1,780,702
  • One Month Per person
    $3,625
    AR$3,815,790
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,692
    AR$1,780,702
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,383
    AR$3,561,404
  • One Month For a couple
    $7,250
    AR$7,631,580
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to San Carlos de Bariloche cost?

A one week trip to San Carlos de Bariloche usually costs around $846 (AR$890,351) for one person and $1,692 (AR$1,780,702) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to San Carlos de Bariloche on average costs around $1,692 (AR$1,780,702) for one person and $3,383 (AR$3,561,404) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in San Carlos de Bariloche will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to San Carlos de Bariloche on average costs around $3,625 (AR$3,815,790) for one person and $7,250 (AR$7,631,580) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is San Carlos de Bariloche expensive to visit?

San Carlos de Bariloche is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

San Carlos de Bariloche can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $51 (AR$52,488) per day, mid-range travelers spend $123 (AR$127,193) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $279 (AR$289,052) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to San Carlos de Bariloche.

Within South America, San Carlos de Bariloche is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in South America for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, San Carlos de Bariloche is generally more expensive than most.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is San Carlos de Bariloche Expensive?

Refugio Frey, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina Refugio Frey, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

How much money do I need for a trip to San Carlos de Bariloche?

The average San Carlos de Bariloche trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these San Carlos de Bariloche travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to San Carlos de Bariloche cost?

San Carlos de Bariloche on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$40
(AR$42,497)
$99
(AR$103,977)
$230
(AR$242,286)
Local Transportation 1 $2
(AR$1,780)
$4
(AR$4,092)
$8
(AR$7,961)
Food 2 $4
(AR$3,917)
$9
(AR$9,026)
$17
(AR$17,713)
Entertainment 1 $20
(AR$20,740)
$46
(AR$48,577)
$95
(AR$100,291)
Alcohol 2 $2-7
(AR$2,606-7,817)
$6-18
(AR$6,473-19,419)
$15-45
(AR$15,663-46,988)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit San Carlos de Bariloche on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $51 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Most visitors to San Carlos de Bariloche will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $123 per person, per day.

There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in San Carlos de Bariloche. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Peninsula Petit is a great choice for kids, and Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa is another wonderful option. If you're a couple visiting San Carlos de Bariloche, consider Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa for a romantic getaway. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our San Carlos de Bariloche hotel costs guide.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $279 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Half a day of kayaking on the Nahuel Huapi lake in private service - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in San Carlos de Bariloche

The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in San Carlos de Bariloche can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in San Carlos de Bariloche in the off-season is $126, but in the peak travel season it will average around $235. In general, you can expect hotel prices in San Carlos de Bariloche to range from $73 to $457. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in San Carlos de Bariloche for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $198 (AR$207,954). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $99 (AR$103,977) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $99
    AR$103,977
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $198
    AR$207,954

Hotels in San Carlos de Bariloche

Looking for a hotel in San Carlos de Bariloche? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in San Carlos de Bariloche

The average hotel room price in San Carlos de Bariloche based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $126 in the low season and $235 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in San Carlos de Bariloche include:

  • Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa starting at $172
  • Lirolay Suites starting at $165
  • Cacique Inacayal Lake Hotel & Spa starting at $209
  • Aldebaran Hotel & Spa starting at $131
  • Boutique Hotel & Spa Bosque del Nahuel starting at $130
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in San Carlos de Bariloche

Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of ) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in San Carlos de Bariloche

In San Carlos de Bariloche, the public transit system is not very good.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $3.89 (AR$4,092) per person, per day, on local transportation in San Carlos de Bariloche. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in San Carlos de Bariloche is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $3.89
    AR$4,092

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Private Transfer from Bariloche (BRC) Airport to Bahia López for $70 details
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Bariloche Center for $47 details
  • Transfer from the Airport to Bariloche for $26 details

Recommended Services


Flights to San Carlos de Bariloche
How much does it cost to go to San Carlos de Bariloche? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in San Carlos de Bariloche
The price of renting a car in San Carlos de Bariloche will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in San Carlos de Bariloche

Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in San Carlos de Bariloche can vary significantly, the average cost of food in San Carlos de Bariloche is $8.57 (AR$9,026) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $8.57
    AR$9,026

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in San Carlos de Bariloche is around $9 (AR$9026) per person, with previous travelers spending from $4 to $17. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in San Carlos de Bariloche are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $1 to $3
  • Lunch: $1 to $3
  • Dinner: $3 to $6
  • Coffee: $1
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $1

Regional Bariloche specialties feature Patagonian lamb, wild boar, deer, and trout, but Bariloche cuisine also has strong Swiss and German influence, so don't be surprised if you find goulash or fondue on the menu. Familia Weiss Restaurant offers all of the above at reasonable prices, but be warned that the service is not known to be quick, so don't dine here in a hurry.

The moderately-priced La Salamandra Pulperia is an intimate steakhouse owned by a husband and wife team, which often gets rave reviews for its ribeye, fry bread and mushroom bruschetta. For lighter fare, the quaint Bellevue Salon de Ta & Queso Pan y Vino serves tea, sandwiches, salads, and lovely views of the lake. Be sure to make a reservation, as the cafe is small and fills up quickly, especially during high season.

Bariloche also has plenty of breweries to enjoy craft beers, which are usually served with a charcuterie plate of smoked meats and cheeses. Cerveceria Manush is popular for its beer tasting flights as well as its cazuela, or beef stew, and trout dishes. Antares is an even more affordable option known for burgers, imperial stouts and happy hour for 2-for-1 beers. La Cerveceria Kunstman offers typical pub food and is frequented for its burgers, sandwiches, and desserts along with a beer museum upstairs. Diners rave about its excellent service, beers and beautiful location near the lake.

Bariloche is also known as Argentina's famous capital of chocolate, as the European immigrants who moved there after World War II brought their recipes with them.

Calle Mitre, located near the civic center, is a chocoholic's dream, where many of the chocolatiers are situated. Mamuschka is the perfect place for those with a sweet tooth, boasting extensive varieties of chocolates and pastries at middle-of-the-line prices. Chocolates Rapanui, famous since 1939, is well-known for its chocolate-covered raspberries and ice cream.

Food & Dining Tips

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in San Carlos de Bariloche

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in San Carlos de Bariloche typically cost an average of $46 (AR$48,577) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $46
    AR$48,577

Centro Civico, the tourist information center is located in Downtown Bariloche right on the waterfront of Lake Nahuel Huapi, where the library, Museum of Patagonia, and municipal buildings were all built in Alpine-style architecture.

A half-day is plenty of time to take a boat to Isla Victoria to explore beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters and a variety of trails through a forest of giant centennial Sequoias trees. Visit the Arrayanes woods on a nearby island for even more unusual trees, which started as seedlings from foreign lands. Guides are available for hire if you want to hear the island's interesting history, but be sure to book a guide who speaks your language.

Cerro Otto is ideal for a self-guided trek and easy walk for incredible panoramic views of Bariloche. Easily accessible by car or cable car, the lodge on top has a revolving restaurant and a free art gallery. There is also a free bus to take visitors to and from the town center.

Take a public bus to Parque Municipal Llao Llao for a quiet walk and amazing vistas and while you're in the area, take a break at the Gilbert Brewery for a stout beer with goulash or trout.



Cerro Catedral is the most popular resort for skiing and snowboarding, offering more than just activities in the snow, with plenty of bars, restaurants, concerts, polo and rugby games, and even a small shopping center. Ski lifts are also operational during summer months for beautiful views of the mountains. Hiking and picnicking are also popular activities for the warmer seasons.

Explore the lakes and islands by boat in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Take a boat ride from Puerto Pañuelo across Lago Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Blest, a hub and takeoff point for many activities like the Lago Frias excursion. A hike through the forest and an ascent of 700 steps will bring you to stunning views of waterfalls, Cascada de los Cantaros. All kinds of watersports, from paddleboarding to rafting to kayaking can be organized with tour companies like EXtremo Sur. Check the website for discounts: http://www.extremosur.com/. Lanin Tours also books year-round tours, expeditions and excursions.

Outfitters Patagonia runs excellent guided fishing tours with customizable trips for trout and flyfishing in the Limay, Chimehuin and Caleufu Rivers, among other waters.

Even beginners can ride horses through the hills of Bariloche with Cabalgatas & Aventura Ariane Patagonia. For those who prefer a tamer ride, bike rentals are available through Circuito Chico Bikes and Cordillera Bike Rentals and Tours, both of which will help you plan your route. Circuito Chico is a popular driving and bike-riding excursion that begins on Avenida Bustillo, goes through Cerro Campanario to one of the country's most famous hotels and resorts, Llao Llao, to Colonia Suiza, a small Swiss village in a beautifully wooded area. Curantos, which means "hot rocks," are best described as underground barbecues and draw in many visitors to the Swiss colony on Sundays. Be sure to try some locally made sweets and beers before you leave for Cerro López for hiking and finally returning back to Bariloche.

Take a day trip to see the rare Black Glacier, starting with a 3-hour bus tour through the mountains with stops on the way. Enjoy lunch at Pampa Linda and arrive in Cerro Tronador, the highest extinct volcano in the region where you can view and listen to the Ventisquero Negro avalanches.

A nice way to explore destinations in San Carlos de Bariloche is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Kayak paddling adventure around Bariloche for $160 details
  • Private Winter Trekking Experience in Bariloche for $140 details
  • President Peron in Bariloche - Historic Tour for $90 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in San Carlos de Bariloche

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $12 (AR$12,946) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in San Carlos de Bariloche per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $12
    AR$12,946
Nightlife Tips

Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in San Carlos de Bariloche. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Bariloche: Patagonian Experience wine tasting for $80 details
  • Bariloche: Wine Tasting Winehouse Experience for $100 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Dec 19, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for San Carlos de Bariloche

  • The peak season of typically means higher prices and more tourists. For those looking to save money and enjoy a more peaceful experience, the shoulder or low seasons are ideal.
  • Traveling at a more relaxed pace can save you money while you take in the stunning beauty around you. When you fill each day with activities, your expenses can soar. But by slowing down and enjoying the journey, you usually spend less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • San Carlos de Bariloche offers limited public transit options. Having a pre-arranged ride, such as a private driver or tour, could be a wise choice. Just remember, this might take a toll on your budget in other areas.
  • San Carlos de Bariloche isn't a major hub for hostels, so if you're expecting to stay in a cheap dorm, you might need to rethink your plans. Opting for a budget hotel or an apartment rental could be a smarter choice.
Traveling in San Carlos de Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche Bariloche, Argentina

Set in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Argentina, San Carlos de Bariloche is the biggest city in the Lake District. Bariloche is popular for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and trekking, swimming, fishing and horseback riding in the summertime.

No matter the time of year, there is something for everyone in Bariloche. Skiing season begins from June to October while fishing season is from November to April. Summer is from December to March, but visiting during low seasons (Spring in October to December and Autumn in late-April to mid-June) also has its benefits when it comes to saving cash and avoiding crowds.

Check out our ultimate guide to Hiking in Patagonia.



We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.