Resort Life Series:
Bariloche, Argentina

Bariloche, Argentina

Bariloche, Argentina is known as the “Switzerland of South America,” and for good reason. It’s a beautiful city surrounded by mountains, lakes, and forests, making it a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding during the Southern Hemisphere winter months of June to September. It’s also important to keep in mind the low cost of living in Bariloche during the ski season as this makes things even more appealing!

WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?

Villa Huinid Resort with Bustillo Hotel and Cabañas is a 5* spa hotel complex with fabulous lakeside views from your room. Only a few minutes walk into the bustling city centre this is our base in Bariloche and the perfect location for your course!

Breakfast is included 7 days per week and evening meals included 5 days per week, giving you time to sample some of the world class restaurants on offer in the town. You can also relax and unwind in the heated pool and hot tub after a hard day on the slopes!

You have access to all of the amazing facilities including the Spa, Sauna & Swimming Pool area, Laundry Room, Games Room, Social Spaces, Restaurant, Bar, Gym.

For getting around, students have access to SIA’s fleet of hire cars to use free of charge! (min. age limit and drivers licence required).

COST OF LIVING IN ARGENTINA

Let’s start with the cost of food and drinks. A beer will cost you around ARS 150-200 (€0.65-0.90 EUR), while a glass of wine will be around ARS 250-300 (€1.10-1.35 EUR). An espresso is much cheaper, around ARS 70 (€0.30 EUR). As for food, a steak dinner will cost you around ARS 800-1000 (€3.50-4.40 EUR), while a burger and a salad will be around ARS 200-400 (€0.90-1.80 EUR) each.

While these prices are very reasonable, keep in mind that your breakfasts are included each day on our Argentina Courses as are your evening meals 5-days each week, meaning your cost of living is supplemented even further.

STUFF TO DO

Now, let’s talk about some awesome places to hang out and visit in Bariloche.

If you’re interested in learning about the history of the region, be sure to visit the Museo de la Patagonia. The museum features exhibits on the natural history, archaeology, and ethnography of the Patagonia region. You can also soak in the sights with horse back trekking, whale watching tours, lakeside BBQ nights, plus the famous Patagonia Train through the National Park is an absolute must and offer the most amazing scenery.

Feeling lucky… Punk? Head to the paintball arena and clan-up with your new pals against anyone who dares to stand in your way. Cat-skiing is a cheaper alternative to heli-skiing but a totally cool way to go full send!

There are tons of food, wine and brewery tours and experiences in Bariloche, so ‘pick your poison’ and enjoy the local produce.

APRES & NIGHTLIFE

Now, let’s talk about some awesome places to hang out and visit in Bariloche as it has banging nightlife, and if you intend to see it through to the end, then forget about making the first lifts the next day! The real action doesn’t get started until after midnight and peaks at about 3am so best save the big nights out for your days off. Bariloche has various clubs where you can get sweaty until the wee hours and includes a world famous Pacha Club.

If you’re a fan of craft beer, you’ll want to check out Cervecería Manush and Sede. They both have great selections of beers and cozy atmospheres, perfect for hanging out with friends. Ice Bariloche is VERY cool (it is an ice bar after all) and an #instamust when in town. Malta Bar, After 7, Nat Social Bar and Stradibar are all great for a night on the town. If you’re feeling lucky then head to the Casino, if you’re not, then avoid at all costs!

For après or early evening drinks and meals then Bariloche has lots of bars, pubs, microbreweries and restaurants. Thanks to the Swiss influence there are fondue restaurants such as La Alpina and some awesome chocolatiers. Rodeo is a fabulous bar and parrilla where meat lovers can pig out in a frenzied fashion. Bariloche has a full international vibe and there are flavours from every corner of the globe to be sampled, special mentions go out to Manush, Alto el Fuego, Blest, Maleza and Anima. If you’re looking for a meat-free option then head to Ren and if you’re looking to splash out a little then be sure to try Quiven, it is a little more expensive but truly exceptional!

If you’re just looking to keep it casual but for a fun night out, head to Wilkenny Irish Pub. They have live music, a great selection of drinks, and a lively atmosphere.

In conclusion, the cost of living in Bariloche during the ski season is very reasonable. It’s also a great place to visit with plenty of cool places to hang out and explore.

Explore our range of ski and snowboard courses in Argentina.