Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, and San Martín de los Andes in One Trip

8 May 2025

Among the many winter activities available in Argentina, one standout itinerary is perfect for travelers and families dreaming of experiencing the snow in the Argentine Patagonia.

This winter circuit combines awe-inspiring nature, the best ski resorts, regional cuisine, and activities adapted for both adults and children. With high-quality tourism services, cozy accommodations, and experiences designed for all ages, traveling through Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, and San Martín de los Andes in winter is an unforgettable adventure.


Why choose this circuit in winter

  • There is guaranteed snow between June and September.


  • It offers a connection between destinations along scenic routes such as the Route of the 7 Lakes.


  • Infrastructure designed for individual, group, and family tourism: equipment rentals, ski lessons, and local gastronomy adapted to all tastes.


  • It features a wide range of excursions for both skiers and non-skiers.


An Ideal Itinerary: 9 Days Through Snowy Patagonia

Days 1–3: Bariloche – Snow, Chocolate, and Panoramic Views

How to get there: direct flights to Bariloche International Airport (BRC), with connections from Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and international destinations such as São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Montevideo, and Santiago de Chile.


Recommended accommodation for families: cabins with kitchens and lake views (Circuito Chico or Playa Bonita area), or centrally located apart-hotels.


Suggested activities:

  • Cerro Catedral: over 30 lifts and more than 100 km of trails. It has a children's ski school and a snow garden for kids. Equipment rentals available at the base. This ski center is the largest and most developed in South America, and one of the top nine in Argentina. In addition to its infrastructure, it offers special areas for beginners, FIS-certified competition slopes, and a wide range of dining options both at the base and on the mountain. Approximate daily pass cost (June 2025): Adults: ARS 45,000 / Children: ARS 35,000.



  • Cerro Otto: cable car with 360° views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. At the summit: rotating café, guided walks, and sledding.


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Days 4–5: Villa La Angostura – Forests, Relaxation, and Alpine Charm

Transfer: 85 km from Bariloche along Route 40 (approx. 1.5 hours).

Ideal accommodation: boutique lodges or cabins on Avenida Arrayanes, close to the town center.


Suggested activities:

  • Cerro Bayo: boutique ski resort with family-friendly slopes, lake views, and a ski school for beginners. Chairlift ride up to a panoramic viewpoint. This center stands out for its family-oriented profile, exclusive setting, and privileged views of Nahuel Huapi. It offers over 200 skiable hectares with areas for beginners, intermediates, and experts.


  • Los Arrayanes National Park: gentle 12 km walk (also accessible by e-bike or boat from the Angostura port). Well-marked trail suitable for children.


  • Belvedere Viewpoint and Inacayal Waterfall: short and easy hike with views of Lake Correntoso.


  • Costanera and Bahía Mansa: ideal walk for sunset and lakeside picnics.


Recommended dining spots:

  • Tinto Bistró: contemporary regional cuisine made with local ingredients.


  • La Encantada: homemade cooking perfect for families, with a kids' menu.


  • El Mercado: grill and Patagonian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

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Days 6–9: San Martín de los Andes – Skiing, Mapuche Culture, and the Lanín Volcano

Recommended route: travel the 110 km from Villa La Angostura via the Seven Lakes Route, stopping at lakes Correntoso, Espejo, Falkner, and Machónico.

Where to stay: cabins overlooking Lake Lácar or central aparthotels with kitchen facilities.


Suggested activities:

  • Cerro Chapelco: one of the top-rated ski resorts for families. Private and group lessons, snow garden, snow tubing, snowmobile rides, and snowshoe hiking. Located at 1,980 meters above sea level, this resort offers views of Lanín Volcano, lenga forests, and wide slopes. It features over 140 skiable hectares and was awarded “Best Ski Resort in Argentina” at the World Ski Awards. It’s also ranked among the top 9 ski resorts in the country.


  • Lago Hermoso Ski Center: located inside Lanín National Park, ideal for travelers seeking a more peaceful experience in nature. It offers alpine skiing, snowboarding, and beginner-friendly zones, with stunning views of the lake and the Andean-Patagonian forest. Its boutique infrastructure and serene setting make it an attractive alternative to busier resorts.


  • Lanín Volcano excursion (viewpoint or base): half-day tour by 4x4 vehicle or with a guide, offering panoramic views of the mountain massif.


  • Lake Lácar navigation: catamaran ride to Quila Quina, with a beach and native forest.


Some recommended places to eat:


  • Paraje Lolog: perfect for enjoying delicious dishes in a cozy lakeside setting on Lake Lolog.



  • La Bernardita: an industrial-style gourmet fusion restaurant with veggie and gluten-free options.

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If you have more days… add these unmissable experiences in Patagonia

For those with extra time or looking to complement the classic itinerary through Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, and San Martín de los Andes, Argentine Patagonia offers a wide variety of destinations and activities that combine adventure, nature, and culture. Here are some of the top-recommended destinations for travelers looking to extend their journey through the region:


Esquel and La Hoya Ski Resort

Located in the Chubut mountain range, Esquel is another strategic destination for winter tourism. Its ski resort, La Hoya, is known for offering the best spring snow quality in the country thanks to its south-facing orientation.


It’s an ideal resort for families or those seeking to avoid crowds. It features affordable rates, slopes for all skill levels, and is an excellent choice to combine with a visit to Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

El Bolsón and the Artisan Route

Located on the border between Río Negro and Chubut, El Bolsón is a perfect destination for slow tourism, ideal for those traveling with children or seeking direct contact with local producers and nature. In addition to its mountainous surroundings, its main attractions include the Regional Artisan Fair (Wednesdays and Saturdays), Cerro Piltriquitrón with its Carved Forest, and hikes to Cajón del Azul. The town is also famous for its production of craft beer, jams, cheeses, and fine fruits.


Just a few kilometers from the town center, Cerro Perito Moreno offers a skiing experience in a stunning natural setting. This expanding snow resort features modern infrastructure, slopes for all levels, and a season that runs from June to September. Ideal for families and skiers looking to avoid crowds, it also offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and panoramic views of the valley.


Argentine Patagonia is not just a destination—it’s an experience lived with all the senses. This guide presents an ideal journey for those seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, culture, and gastronomy. And for those with extra time, the region holds even more secrets to uncover. The invitation is open: winter in the southern hemisphere can be as warm as it is unforgettable.

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Recommendations for Travelers and Families


  • Pack thermal clothing, waterproof boots, and sunscreen (snow reflects UV rays even on cloudy days).


  • Make advance bookings (before July, which is the winter vacation period in Argentina).


  • Get travel insurance with coverage for winter sports.


  • There are excursions suitable for all ages, including seniors and small children.