With its lakeside location, ample hiking opportunities and all-round stunning natural scenery, Bariloche is a high-altitude retreat for any active traveller or nature-loving adventurer currently (or thinking of) making their way across Argentina. Officially San Carlos de Bariloche, this town is oddly Swiss. With Swiss-style chalets all over the place, there’s even good chocolate to be had here!
This town in the wild Patagonia region is the perfect little basecamp for everything you could want out of an outdoors-y trip. Skiing, hiking, exploring the Lake District, actual mountaineering – you name it, it’s here.
Once you’ve got your itinerary down, the next thing is… booking a hostel. This isn’t always an easy task, since you often can’t tell the vibe or sanity of a place until it’s too late and you’re bored to death or eaten by bed bugs.
Fear not! We’ve got you covered with a detailed guide to the very best hostels in Bariloche so you can find the place that’s perfect for you, your itinerary and your budget.
If you’re ready, let’s delve into Bariloche’s top hostels and see what works for you!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Bariloche
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Best Hostels in Bariloche
If you’re backpacking Argentina, staying in Bariloche for a while will be a real treat. You’ll be left speechless by amazing nature, kind and friendly people and probably the best accommodations in the country. If you’re traveling on a budget, even better – you don’t have to dig too deep into your pockets for a night at Bariloch’s hostels.
However, deciding where to stay in Bariloche can be quite a struggle. Make sure you inform yourself before you start your travels and have a list of what you want to explore. You don’t want to end up miles away from your chosen hotspots, simply because you didn’t do your research!
Hospedaje Penthouse 1004 – Best Overall Hostel in Bariloche
Hospedaje Penthouse 1004 is SUPER cool. In fact, it’s one of the coolest hostels in Argentina. Aside from its design credentials though there is literally so much going for this place that it is – without a shadow of a doubt – the best overall hostel in Bariloche.
You’re going to feel comfortable and right at home as soon as you arrive. It ticks pretty much every single box that you’d expect of a best-of-the-best hostel: great location, good heating, good free breakfast, great social vibe… It’s so good, in fact, that you’re probably going to feel sad to leave it.
Berkana y Bar de Playa – Best Party Hostel in Bariloche
Berkana y Bar de Playa has one thing that we absolutely love in pretty much ANY accommodation, let alone a Bariloche backpackers hostel: a view. And what a view it is. We can definitely think of worse places in the world to have a drink (or two), that’s for sure!
Though Bariloche isn’t exactly what we’d class as a “party town”, we’re giving it the accolade of best party hostel in Bariloche because of two things. Firstly, the location is good for getting to Bariloch’s nightlife, shops and restaurants in the area. Secondly, it’s got its very own bar, which really helps to create a nicely buzzing atmosphere. It’s a fun place to be.
Hopa Home Hostel Patagonia – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Bariloche
Clean, contemporary, colourful and really well looked after, Hope Home Hostel Patagonia is where you’ll want to be staying in Bariloche if you want to meet other people. There’s a good vibe going on here, just the sort of thing that makes this place the best hostel in Bariloche for solo travellers.
A lot of that is down to the pretty chic and vibey bar that they have here. But then again a lot of the atmosphere comes from the super friendly staff, who make everyone feel welcome as soon as they arrive – just what you want when you arrive in a new city by yourself.
Hostel Achalay – Best Cheap Hostel in Bariloche
A great place to stay if you’re travelling on a budget, Hostel Achalay has a relaxed atmosphere that’s great for a few nights’ stay. The beds here are comfortable, the whole place is set in what looks like a Swiss style Alpine lodge, and there are even a load of power sockets here. We all know a lack of power sockets can be an absolute nightmare, don’t kid yourself.
It’s the best cheap hostel in Bariloche. Not just for the whole power sockets thing, but it’s also got an awesome central location – close to the bus stop (very convenient for day trips and onward travel). We love it.
Refugio Aku – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Bariloche
What a great hostel. The vibe, the treehouse aesthetics throughout, the general setup of this place is sweet.
Breakfast included, which is always welcome. Loads of tables to set up your mobile desk and dig into work.
There’s a well equipped shared kitchen to keep costs low, and games to play once work is done. Good location and beds are comfy. Private and dorm rooms available.
Definitely one the best hostel for digital nomads in Bariloche.
Hostel Los Troncos – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Bariloche
Being the best hostel with a private room in Bariloche, naturally you can expect that the private rooms here are immense. Well, they are. They’re all about simple but stylish design, minimalist but with a few colour pops, and big windows that offer up lake views as you lie there in bed.
Of course, this Bariloche backpackers hostel (honestly so nice that it’s more like a boutique hotel) isn’t JUST about the private rooms. There’s a delicious free breakfast on offer every morning, the price is reasonable, there’s a super nice garden, and the location is good for exploring the city and its bars and restaurants.
Green House Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in Bariloche
Possibly one of the best lake views amongst ALL the lake views offered by the Bariloche backpackers hostels on this list, Green House Hostel is our TOP pick for the best hostel in Bariloche for couples. Just to be clear this is a Green House: a house that is green, not a greenhouse.
The owner here is one of the things that makes this hostel one of the very best. Helpful, friendly and with plenty of knowledge about the local area. Nature-loving couples will love the out of the way location, hiking opportunities on the doorstep, and (possibly) the brewery that’s just next-door!
More Best Hostels in Bariloche
Periko’s Youth Hostel
Periko’s Youth Hostel has a great location. It’s basically right in the middle of everything. If you like the idea of being close to cafes, restuarants and anything else you can think of in the centre of a city, then this Bariloche backpackers hostel is the one for you.
It feels very cosy and rustic here – especially in winter. It’s not super lively, there’s no on site bar, but if you’re not that sort of person and you want a warm, welcoming base to stay at as you explore the surrounding nature, it’s your best bet. If you’re a budget you’ll like the reasonable prices here, too.
Hostel Pudu
With an insane location overlooking the lake and those awesome, awesome mountains, one of the best things about Hostel Pudu is the outdoor terrace where you can soak up this stunning vista as much as you like. Top marks for the setting.
Inside the hostel there’s a bunch of stuff that makes it one of the best hostels in Bariloche, obviously. The kitchen is well equipped, there’s cosy communal spaces, the staff know just about everything there is to know about the local area (and the best hike trails). It’s a great option for anybody.
Fortaleza Hostel Bariloche
Probably one of the coolest hostels on our list of top hostels in Bariloche, staying at Fortaleza kind of feels like staying in a treehouse… Well, almost. And if you like the idea of almost staying in a treehouse, with plenty of greenery surrounding you as you tuck into a free breakfast, then this place is definitely for you. All in all a unique place for nature-lovers.
It doesn’t stop at the natural surroundings though: the whole place is all wooden and rustic and homely, very like an giant alpine cabin. It’s easy to get the bus around Bariloche from this place, but it’s also in walking distance to the lake itself.
Travel Safety Tips for Bariloche
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Conclusion
That’s that. The very best hostels in Bariloche – done and dusted.
There are some gems of hostels in this Patagonian paradise. From Swiss-style alpine lodges, to high-rise hostels with great views, it’s safe to say you’re going to find something that’s perfect for you.
Our guide to the best Bariloche backpackers hostels is all about making sure that all the bases are covered and that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re on a budget or want a swish private room for you and your partner.
But if it comes to crunch time and you can’t choose between them all, don’t worry. Go for our choice for the best overall hostel in Bariloche, Hospedaje Penthouse 1004 – this place is cool beyond belief and has just about everything you could want from a hostel!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Argentina for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Bariloche before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate South America backpacking guide.
