The Best Hostels in Bariloche, Argentina
Budget-friendly bases, retro hideaways and A-framed alpine lodges gather around the shores of lakeside Bariloche – all bookable on Culture Trip.
The worlds of nature and city life collide in Bariloche – the gateway to Argentine Patagonia and centerpiece of the country’s Lake District. Surrounded by stunning lakes and set around the glacial waters of Lago Nahuel Huapi, with Andes mountains rising to the back, this fun city is a hub if you want to visit natural attractions and enjoy the great outdoors via trekking trips, water sports, mountain biking or skiing. Best of all, you can keep costs down by staying at one of these budget-friendly hostels – in and around Bariloche.
La Justina Hostel
Hostel
With a convenient downtown Bariloche location, La Justina sits just five blocks from the center and the city’s main square. A simple, cozy hostel where you’ll easily feel at home – shared spaces include an airy living-cum-dining room and a well-equipped kitchen – a great place to make new friends next to the roaring fireplace. All rooms come equipped with individual lockers for extra safety.
Green House Hostel
Hostel
Located on the Circuito Chico cycling route that runs alongside Lago Nahuel Huapi, Green House is just a 20-minute walk from downtown Bariloche and 30 minutes by bus to Cerro Catedral. With six attractive double rooms kitted out in white wooden beams, the hostel offers some shared bathrooms while certain rooms come with amazing lake vistas. The well-kept lawned garden blooms with buds in spring and summer overlooking the lake – as does the cozy wide-windowed living room.
Hostel Los Troncos
Hostel
With an unbeatable location in downtown Bariloche – just three blocks from the Centro – boasting stunning lake views, Los Troncos has the air of a B&B; despite its hostel-ready mix of dorms and private rooms. Sleeping quarters are well-illuminated while shared spaces include a well-equipped kitchen for all your catering needs. Try your hand at the art of Argentine asado (barbecue) on the grill, and enjoy eating your steaks in the interior courtyard.
Periko’s Youth Hostel
Hostel
Just three blocks from the main square in downtown Bariloche, Periko’s offers a mix of private rooms and dorms for up to six people. Inside the rustic lodge of exposed brick and beamed timber walls, beds are crafted from tree trunks. Communal spaces include a tidy compact kitchen – or have a go at cooking up some Argentinian-style feasts on the grill. Spend the afternoon working it off by renting a mountain bike from reception and enjoy the city on wheels.
Alaska Hostel
Hostel
Located just outside the city at 4.6mi (7.5km) away from the centre on Avenida Bustillo – the main drag out of the city – Alaska hostel is close to Playa Bonita, one of the best beaches on Lago Nahuel Huapi. It’s designed in an alpine style with plenty of timber, and you can book a private double or share a cozy dorm for four or six – all of which are ensuite. Shared spaces include an open-plan kitchen and dining room and the breakfast repertoire includes freshly baked bread for all to enjoy.
Moving Hostel Travel Bar
Hostel
Located three blocks from the main square in downtown Bariloche, Moving Hostel is a high-energy place to stay. The buzzing balcony overlooking Lago Nahuel Huapi is a magnet for travelers to hang out while sipping on local craft beer; other shared spaces include a common room where you can shoot some pool. Rooms and dorms are spic and span, if ever so slightly on the compact side.
Tierra Gaucha Hostels
Hostel
Located in the heart of downtown Bariloche, four blocks from Plaza Ciudades Hermanas, Tierra Gaucha boasts a comfortable location to access many sights and activities. Well-illuminated rooms accommodate two, three or four guests – where some boast lake panoramas. Comfy common areas include a snug living room and a vibrantly colored breakfast room.
Sun Hostel Bariloche
Hostel
Located just off the main drag, Avenida Bustillo, the chalet-style Sun Hostel is a short walk from Playa Melipal in El Prado, and close to a bus stop that will take you to downtown Bariloche. Its elevated location means fabulous lake views all round. Rooms accommodate two, three or four guests – with shared spaces include an attractive tree-trunk-paneled dining room and kitchen. A resident mountain dog keeps things homey and secure.
Hostel Hormiga Negra
Hostel
Located a short walk from Playa Centenario and 10 blocks from the main square in downtown Bariloche, Hormiga Negra offers a mix of airy private rooms and mixed dorms for up to five – with most overlooking the lake and all shared bathrooms. A compact yet colorful kitchen is well-equipped for cooking in and breakfast comes with a view of Lago Nahuel Huapi. Come evening, grab a seat next to the fire pit and watch the sunset on Patagonia.
Vintage Bariloche Hostel Boutique
Hostel
As its name suggests, Vintage’s design is a lesson in old-school, retro style, with mid-century furniture, textiles and telephones dotted about the place. Tucked into the heart of downtown Bariloche, four blocks from Plaza Ciudades Hermanas and a short walk from the Nahuel Huapi Lookout, Vintage also boasts wonderful lake vistas. The kitchen is bright and functional; other shared spaces include the parrilla grill. From ensuite doubles to mixed four-person dorms, there are snappily-dressed rooms to suit all budgets.
Hosteria La Pastorella
Hostel
A traditional hostel oozing Alpine style, La Pastorella has been housing guests for more than 50 years. Conveniently located three blocks from Plaza Ciudades Hermanas and the lakeshore, you’ll feel at home in no time at this welcoming lodge. En-suite rooms can accommodate up to four people comfortably – enjoy a deep sink into an armchair in the communal living room after a long day in the great outdoors.
Sorcha O’Higgins has contributed additional reporting to this article.