Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Argentina’s Patagonia, Bariloche is a digital nomad’s dream come to life. Picture yourself typing away on your laptop, with a view of snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes as your office backdrop. After spending a blissful month here, I’m eager to share every nook and cranny of our experience!
Our goal is to assemble a curated guide for fellow digital nomads seeking not just places to stay, but a slice of what slow travel life entails in each destination. We plan on making these guides for each place we stay for a month or longer so we’ll eventually have a ranking of our favourite places to share with you.
From the food and navigating the intricate transport network to how easy it is to communicate as English speakers. The aim here isn’t just to share anecdotes—it’s to equip you with firsthand experiences, insights, and honest appraisals that transcend the glossy travel brochures.
So, how do the ratings work? Essentially, it’s very simple. Both myself and my partner Manu have given each criteria a score out of 10, which I’ve taken the average of and used here to make this guide.
My Travel Must-Haves for Bariloche
As digital nomads, our travel essentials are geared towards ensuring productivity and comfort, especially in a destination like Bariloche. Here’s a list of must-haves that made our stay both efficient and enjoyable:
eSIM for Mobile Connectivity
Connectivity is the lifeline of a digital nomad. While Bariloche offers ample Wi-Fi in accommodations and cafes, a reliable mobile data connection is non-negotiable for work and navigation. An eSIM is a game-changer, ensuring you’re always connected, whether you’re exploring the mountains or need to make a quick call from a remote lakeside. It’s a hassle-free way to stay online without relying solely on public Wi-Fi.
Read more on my guide to eSIMs here
Power Bank
Our gadgets are our offices, making a high-capacity power bank a non-negotiable part of our digital nomad kit. Whether you’re capturing the breathtaking landscapes of Bariloche for your blog or relying on your phone for maps and translations, a power bank ensures your devices stay charged. I recommend packing two, so you’re never caught off-guard by a dead battery during your explorations.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Bariloche is a haven of tranquillity, yet there are moments, especially in the bustling town centre or during local festivities when noise-cancelling headphones become a sanctuary. They help carve out a personal workspace bubble, allowing you to concentrate and work efficiently, irrespective of the backdrop.
International Travel Adapter
Argentina uses the Type I plug, which might differ from what you’re used to. Don’t let something as small as a plug type interrupt your workflow or gadget use. An international travel adapter is a small but mighty ally, ensuring you can charge and use all your devices seamlessly.
Spanish Phrasebook or Language App
As you’ll learn below, generally, English is not widely spoken in Bariloche (or Argentina in general). Even in situations where English is spoken, it’s always better to try and speak the local language! Having a Spanish phrasebook or language app can significantly enrich your Bariloche experience. It aids in daily interactions, from ordering food to asking for directions, and shows respect for the local culture. Here are a few Spanish phrases to get you started:
Hello/Goodbye: “Hola” / “Adiós”
Please/Thank you: “Por favor” / “Gracias”
Yes/No: “Sí” / “No”
Excuse me/Sorry: “Perdón” / “Lo siento”
How much is this?: “¿Cuánto cuesta esto?”
Do you speak English?: “¿Hablas inglés?”
Where is the bathroom?: “¿Dónde está el baño?”
Help!: “¡Ayuda!”
Water: “Agua”
Food: “Comida”
Beer/Wine: “Cerveza” / “Vino”
Travel Insurance
Last on the list, but perhaps most important, is comprehensive travel insurance. It’s your safety net, covering everything from medical emergencies to travel mishaps and lost devices. Opting for a provider like SafetyWing, which caters specifically to digital nomads, means you’re covered worldwide on a continuous monthly basis without a fixed contract. This peace of mind is invaluable as you navigate Bariloche’s beautiful landscapes and remote working lifestyle.
These essentials didn’t just make our stay in Bariloche manageable; they made it a pleasure. From staying connected to blending in with the local culture, each item on this list plays a crucial role in crafting a fulfilling digital nomad experience in the heart of Patagonia.
Overall Score: 7.2
It’s always interesting to see how personal preferences shape one’s travel experience. Our review reflects our own tastes and might differ from others – and that’s the beauty of travel, isn’t it? Here’s a little context about our adventure in Bariloche to give you a fuller picture of our review:
Time of Year
Our journey took us to Bariloche in December, which is smack in the middle of the summer season. Unlike the colder, introspective winter months, December is vibrant, with longer days perfect for exploring. However, it’s also peak season, meaning the town buzzes with activity, slightly influencing our “quietness” rating – although to be honest we still thought it was lovely and quiet as you’ll see.
Accommodation
Our preference is Airbnb for a more personal, homey feel during our stays. We found a quaint apartment on the outskirts of Bariloche, about a 20-minute hilly walk into town. The location offered the best of both worlds: proximity to nature and the city’s heartbeat. However, accommodation in Bariloche isn’t on the cheap side – our apartment cost us £1400 for the month.
Our Likes/Dislikes
We’re not the kind to seek out bustling nightlife or crowded events; in fact, crowded and loud environments can be overwhelming for us. Our inclinations lean more towards the great outdoors – think hiking, enjoying nature, and soaking in the tranquil beauty of lakes and mountains. Bariloche, with its stunning natural landscapes, was a match made in heaven for our interests. So, if you’re looking for recommendations on clubs or bars, we might not be your best source. However, for those who cherish nature and serenity as much as we do, Bariloche is a treasure trove of experiences.
Food: 7
Being in Argentina, Bariloche is a paradise for meat lovers. While you’ll find a delightful array of traditional Argentine dishes, there’s a sprinkle of international cuisine for those days you’re craving something different. The variety and quality are great, though you might find yourself wishing for more vegetarian and vegan options.
Did you know Bariloche is also famous for its chocolate? The first chocolate factories were built in Bariloche more than 50 years ago, founded by Italian immigrants who wanted to hone their chocolate making craft – inventing the famous chocolate branches (or Rama) that you can find in every chocolate shop here today. The town’s love affair with chocolate is celebrated annually in a grand chocolate festival that happens during the Easter season.
Top foodie spots include:
- Empanadas from Punto Empanada
- Steak from El Boliche de Alberto
- Pizza from Santa Muzza
Check out more of our favourite foodies spots in my complete guide to Bariloche
Prices: 7.5
Living in Bariloche won’t break the bank. We found the costs of dining, tours etc to balance out the more expensive accommodation cost. Transport is super affordable if you use public transport to get around (more on that below!).
It’s definitely more affordable than in Europe (see our Paros nomad guide for reference). However, it’s important to note that of everywhere we travelled in South America, Bariloche was definitely the most expensive. While not too busy, it’s a touristic place and most people you meet will be Argentinians or other South Americans visiting on holiday.
Fun Activities: 9
If you’re someone who gets itchy feet easily, Bariloche will keep you on your toes. From thrilling outdoor adventures in the surrounding Nahuel Huapi National Park to the cultural beats of the city itself, there’s never a dull moment. Whether it’s hiking, skiing, or just meandering through town, Bariloche has a knack for turning leisure time into an adventure.
For a month-long stay, we had plenty to do and lots to explore. Here are a few things I’d recommend:
- Circuito Chico cycling circuit
- Refugio Frey Hike
- Cerro Llao Llao
For more information, check out my complete guide to visiting Bariloche.
Beauty: 8.5
Words barely do justice to Bariloche’s stunning landscapes. At every turn, you’re greeted by scenes straight out of a travel magazine, from majestic mountains to serene lakes. This natural beauty, coupled with the charming urban landscape, makes Bariloche a picturesque haven for nomads.
Honestly, it’s a place that has it all – there’s mountains for climbing and lakes for swimming, hence our almost perfect score. I think the only thing that’d make it a 10 would be access to the sea, but that’s of course pretty difficult to find (perfect scores shouldn’t be easy to attain anyways!).
Safety: 8
Feeling safe is paramount, especially when you’re far from home. Fortunately, Bariloche feels secure. While it’s always wise to keep your wits about you, I found the city to be welcoming and relatively safe for both tourists and expats. I personally would feel safe going around by myself which can’t be said for a lot of South America.
Public Transport: 7
Getting around Bariloche can be a mixed bag. The bus service covers most areas but isn’t always as reliable or frequent as one might hope. We didn’t rent a car however and did find we were able to do everything we wanted to do using public transport and it’s a very affordable way to get around (added bonus: google maps knows about the buses!).
The lower score here mainly due to the SUBE card system: essentially to get a bus in Bariloche (and a few other cities like Buenos Aires) you need to get your hands on a reusable SUBE card. For tourists only visiting for a short time period this can be a little confusing but once you’ve got your hands on one its a breeze. You can check out my guide to buses in Argentina here which will give you the full run down!
English Spoken: 4
Navigating the language barrier in Bariloche can be tricky, as English isn’t widely spoken at all. International tourism is really something that’s only just starting to pick up in Argentina and so English generally isn’t needed.
Picking up a few phrases in Spanish makes your life easier and the locals will definitely appreciate you trying to communicate in their language (even if your Spanish is as bad as mine!). If you’ve got the time there’s a few language schools you can attend in Bariloche – otherwise learning through the usual apps like duolingo or babbel will help massively!
Weather: 8.5
One word: delightful. Bariloche boasts a climate that caters to every taste, with mild summers perfect for lakeside lounging and snowy winters ideal for hitting the slopes.
As we visited the summer months (and unusually hot summer months at that) the weather was a DREAM and sometimes, honestly, maybe even too hot for hiking. One thing to be aware of is that the UV here is crazy and goes up to 12 on a daily basis. Wear a hat, cover yourself in sun cream, drink lots of water. I’d say on average the weather was mid to high 20s during our visit across December and January.
Quietness: 9
For those craving peace and productivity, Bariloche is a sanctuary. The city offers countless serene spots where you can unwind and focus. It’s not very touristic outside of South America and on the whole it’s super easy to find yourself a hidden sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle. If you’re looking for coworking spaces there’s a Selina and we found WiFi in our Airbnb to be really great and reliable.
On most of the hikes we did, we hardly saw anyone! On those days we just wanted to chill at a lakeside beach, there was plenty of space for everyone.
Supermarkets: 7.5
Whether you’re a cook-at-home kind of nomad or need to grab essentials, Bariloche has you covered with a good selection of supermarkets and local markets. There’s plenty of options depending on which area of the city you’re staying in and they range from small local shops to large supermarkets.
We were able to find almost everything we needed, although we did wish for better veggie options – the couple of brands I tried were god awful, but the rest of the selection of foods available was great!
Bariloche stands out as an idyllic destination for digital nomads, blending natural beauty with a vibrant local scene. While it has its quirks, like any city, the overall experience is enriching and fulfilling. From the stunning landscapes to the warm community vibe, Bariloche offers a balanced lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s a place where work meets play in the most beautiful way imaginable.
