Bariloche is the main city in Argentina’s Lake District and a launchpad for exploring the stunning landscapes of Nahuel Huapi National Park. However, located in the remote Patagonia region, it can be an expensive place to travel. We’ve compiled the best hostels in Bariloche to help you find your perfect budget accommodation.
This article contains booking links for our recommended hostels, from which we may make commission at no extra cost to you.
Prices below are shown in US dollars. You can find the latest exchange rates at xe.com. To browse all accommodation options for Bariloche, see booking.com.
Looking for self-catered accommodation? These are some of the best sites like Airbnb to use.
Bariloche in brief
San Carlos de Bariloche, typically known as just Bariloche, is a remote city in Argentine Patagonia. Built on the shores of the huge Nahuel Huapi Lake and surrounded by snow-capped Andean mountains, it’s the ideal base for getting outdoors and exploring one of South America’s greatest regions of natural beauty.
Bariloche has developed into one of the continent’s top destinations for adventure tourism. It is home to the largest ski centre in the southern hemisphere, as well as an array of outstanding trekking and climbing spots.
The city itself has a chilled-out vibe and the feel of an alpine mountain town. The hill that slopes up from the lake’s edge is scattered with wooden log-cabin buildings, broad streets and plenty of green space. While you’re visiting, make sure you try out the delicious local craft beer, the famous handmade chocolates and stop to catch a sunset over the lake.
For ideas on how to spend your time in the area, check out our articles on things to do in Bariloche and our guide to the Cerro Llao Llao day hike. If you’re thinking of heading deeper into the region, see our Patagonia itinerary for tips on planning.
Bariloche hostels: quick comparison
Below you will find detailed profiles of each top hostel in Bariloche, but first here’s a quick comparison:
| Hostel | Quick info | Prices | Book now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospedaje Penthouse 1004 | 10th-floor penthouse hostel with stunning lake views | Dorms from $35, privates from $100 | booking.com | hostelworld |
| Periko's Youth Hostel | Clean, comfortable hostel in convenient central location | Dorms from $35, privates from $85 | booking.com | hostelworld |
| Hostel Los Troncos | Budget hostel in central location with a friendly vibe | Dorms from $40, privates from $80 | hostelworld |
| Hostel Berkana | Social hostel on lakefront with stunning views and on-site bar | Dorms from $45, privates from $115 | booking.com | hostelworld |
| Hopa Home Hostel | Excellent all-round hostel with bar and spacious common areas | Dorms from $22, privates from $100 | booking.com | hostelworld |
| Hostel Achalay | Homely hostel in rustic wooden house, superb free breakfast | Dorms from $30, privates from $43 | hostelworld |
| Bonita Lake House | Stunning and spacious lakeside chalet located 7km outside downtown | Dorms from $40, privates from $85 | booking.com | hostelworld |
Best hostels in Bariloche: the details
These are the top-rated hostels in Bariloche, each with a slightly different vibe, all providing top facilities and great customer service.
Hospedaje Penthouse 1004
Very few hostels come with a view as spectacular as Hospedaje Penthouse 1004. Set inside the 10th floor at the top of a tower block, from its outdoor balcony you can gaze across Nahuel Huapi Lake to the mountains on the horizon. The vista is particularly impressive at sunrise and sunset (bring a camera!).
Every now and then we stay in a hostel that has something extra special about it, and Hospedaje Penthouse 1004 is one of those places. We spent three nights here during our first visit to Bariloche, and it still ranks among the very best hostels we’ve experienced. Not only for the view, but the facilities are great too – it has one of the best-equipped kitchens we’ve seen in a hostel. There’s also a super-relaxed common area with games and books.
- Cost: dorms from $35 / privates from $100
- Facilities include: free breakfast, free wifi, 24-hour security, luggage storage, laundry, common room, book exchange
Periko’s Youth Hostel
Periko’s Youth Hostel is a favourite among backpackers, located conveniently a short walking distance away from Bariloche’s main square. It’s clean, friendly and has very good facilities including a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, oven and freezer for self-catering.
The hostel has a tour-booking and information facility to help arrange activities for your stay. A good choice for a comfortable, sociable and convenient base for exploring the wonders of Nahuel Huapi National Park.
- Cost: dorms from $35 / privates from $85
- Facilities include: free breakfast, free wifi, tour bookings, bicycle hire, 24-hour security, luggage storage, laundry, common room, book exchange
Hostel Los Troncos
Hostel Los Troncos is one of the best-value hostels in Bariloche with the lowest prices in town for dorm rooms. It’s in a convenient central location close to restaurants, bars and the city’s main attractions.
The hostel has a sociable atmosphere with a spacious living room, which is equipped with an LCD TV. When the weather is good you can relax outside in the garden area. A free tasty daily breakfast is included in the price of your stay.
- Cost: dorms from $40 / privates from $80
- Facilities include: free breakfast, free wifi, 24-hour reception, security lockers, common room with widescreen TV, garden with BBQ, self-catering facilities
Berkana Hostel Y Bar De Playa
A ten-minute walk from Bariloche’s main square, Berkana Hostel has a spectacular location right on the waterfront with views over the lake. It even has its own private beach section, as well as an on-site bar serving craft beer. It’s a great spot to enjoy Bariloche’s beautiful setting and meet other travellers.
The friendly staff at the hostel will help you to book tours or assist with practical information about getting around the area. Free breakfast is served daily.
- Cost: dorms from $45 / privates from $115
- Facilities include: free breakfast, free wifi, bar, common room, board games, self-catering facilities, tour bookings
Hopa Home Hostel
Hopa Home is an excellent all-round hostel with a range of facilities, located close to the lake beach and the main downtown area of Bariloche. It’s designed for a good sociable atmosphere, with a bar, spacious common area, comfy furniture and guitars.
The facilities at Hopa Home are well maintained and provide all you need for a comfortable stay. It’s got an awesome large kitchen, and with a supermarket just across the road there’s no better place for self-catering. These guys know how to run a hostel.
- Cost: dorms from $22 / privates from $100
- Facilities include: free breakfast, free wifi, 24-hour reception, bar and café, common room, laundry, bicycle hire, self-catering facilities, security lockers, currency exchange
Hostel Achalay
Hostel Achalay is a hostel with character, set in a wooden chalet-style house a short walk uphill from downtown Bariloche. Here you will find a welcoming atmosphere and one of the most comfortable beds in town.
A highlight of staying at Hostel Achalay is one of the best free hostel breakfasts around. The traditional Argentina spread includes chocolate, dulce de leche and homemade raspberry and rose-hip jam. Mmmm.
- Cost: dorms from $30 / privates from $43
- Facilities include: free breakfast, free wifi, 24-hour reception, self-catering facilities, security lockers, common room, bicycle hire, airport transfers, luggage storage, tour bookings
Bonita Lake House
Bonita Lake House is a lakefront hostel with gorgeous views, located 7 kilometres west of downtown Bariloche. It is set in a spacious German-style wooden chalet typical of the city’s alpine character, and located close to a bus stop, therefore easy to reach from the city centre.
Although Bonita Lake House is a little more expensive than some of the downtown hostels, it’s worth spending the extra for the beautiful location and pristine facilities. Dorm rooms are kept to a maximum of four beds, so you won’t feel cramped, and there’s always a good social atmosphere. A great spot if you like to stay away from the beaten path.
- Cost: dorms from $40 / privates from $85
- Facilities include: free breakfast, free wifi, self-catering facilities, common room, outdoor terrace, airport transfers, currency exchange, tour bookings
Map of Bariloche hostels
You can see the locations of the Bariloche hostels featured in this article on the map below:
How to get to Bariloche
The distances between destinations in Argentina can be huge, and Bariloche is one such place that requires a long journey to reach.
The quickest and easiest way – but also the most expensive – is to fly. Bariloche’s international airport receives daily flights from Buenos Aires, Mendoza, El Calafate and Cordoba. Book well in advance for the best fares. You can find the best deals on Skyscanner.
An alternative (and our preferred) way to reach Bariloche is by bus. Although the journey from Buenos Aires takes 24 hours, the buses are comfortable (we travelled with Via Bariloche) and it’s usually easy to get a good night’s sleep. You also save a night’s accommodation in the process! There’s a direct bus from Mendoza too, which takes 18 hours. See Busbud to compare the best prices.
For further information, see our article on how to get around Patagonia by bus.
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