Is Bariloche expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Bariloche is one of the pricier places in Argentina, because it is a resort town for both summer and ski season, but for most visitors from Europe or North America it is moderate rather than expensive. Expect about US$70 a day per person on a tight budget, about US$170 mid-range and US$400 or more for comfort. Rooms, boat trips, cable cars and tours to Tronador take most of the money; prices in pesos change quickly, so treat all figures as a guide.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | US$25 | US$60 | US$180 |
| Food & drink | US$25 | US$45 | US$90 |
| Sights & tickets | US$15 | US$40 | US$80 |
| Local transport | US$5 | US$25 | US$50 |
| Per person, per day | US$70 | US$170 | US$400 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Bariloche day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Empanada from a bakery or shop | roughly US$1.50–3.50 each |
| Hot chocolate in a chocolate shop on Calle Mitre | roughly US$3.50–6.50 |
| Pint of local craft beer | roughly US$4–7 |
| Parrilla dinner with wine | about US$25–45 per person |
| Cerro Campanario chairlift (return) | around US$15–20 |
| Cerro Otto cable car | roughly US$25–35 |
| Isla Victoria and Arrayanes boat trip | around US$40–60 plus the national park fee |
| Taxi or remis from the airport | roughly US$15–25 |
| Mid-range hotel double in town | US$80–160 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the biggest cost: hostels start around US$25–70, mid-range hotels in the centre are US$80–160 and lakeside cabins on Avenida Bustillo US$90–200, with the Llao Llao and other resorts far above that. The second big item is excursions: the Isla Victoria boat, the cable cars and chairlifts, and a full-day tour to Cerro Tronador (roughly US$70–100 plus the park fee) quickly add up. Eating is reasonable by international standards, but Patagonian lamb, trout and fondue in sit-down restaurants cost more than in Buenos Aires. Bariloche's prices follow Argentina's inflation and exchange rate, which can make the same trip much cheaper or dearer from one year to the next.
When it is cheaper
Autumn (April–May) and spring (October–November) are the quietest periods, and room rates are usually noticeably lower than in January or July. The ski season and the July winter school holidays are the most expensive weeks; check current rates, as prices in Argentina change quickly.
How to spend less
- Pay by foreign card where it gets a favourable rate, and check the current rules for cash before you exchange money; ask whether there is a cash discount.
- Get a SUBE card and use city bus 20 along Avenida Bustillo to Cerro Campanario and the Circuito Chico instead of taxis or tours.
- Walk up Cerro Campanario (about 30 minutes) instead of taking the chairlift if you are fit.
- Do the Circuito Chico by rented bike, picked up at km 18, rather than on a tour.
- Eat empanadas or a set lunch at midday and keep the parrilla dinner for one or two nights.
- Compare chocolate prices per kilo in several shops on Mitre and the side streets before buying gifts.
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Common questions
Is Bariloche expensive?
It is one of the pricier places in Argentina, but moderate by European or North American standards. Plan on about US$70 a day on a budget, US$170 mid-range and US$400 or more for comfort.
How much does a dinner cost in Bariloche?
A parrilla dinner with wine costs around US$25–45 per person; a simple lunch around US$12–20. Prices in pesos change quickly.
Should I pay by card or cash in Bariloche?
Foreign cards have often received a favourable exchange rate in recent years, but the rules change. Check the current situation with your bank and hotel, and ask whether there is a cash discount.