Welcome to Río Negro
Enjoy this land from the Andes Mountains to the sea
Here, landscapes merge with history and offer you the legacy of its native people: Tehuelches, Huarpes, Puelches, Pehuenches and Mapuches. Westbound, by the Andes Mountains, find the mythical city of Bariloche, its mountains and lakes, its typical dishes and options for adventure: kayaking and trekking, rafting and bike touring. Further south, you’ll be surprised by El Bolsón, a land of green forests and high mountains.
And from the Andes, to the sea. On the Atlantic coast, walk on beaches of fine sand. Visit Las Grutas and bathe in the warmest waters of our country. Tour Playas Doradas and Costa Dorada, El Cóndor and La Lobería, Bahía Creek and San Antonio Este. Feel adrenaline and excitement with wind sports. Land sailing and kitesurfing. Windsurfing and paragliding. The sea and the wind push you forward. And you are the star. Río Negro is waiting for you.
About Río Negro
Welcome to one of the most beautiful places in Argentina
About the Province
The fourth-largest province in the country lives up to southern Argentinian landscapes’ fame. San Carlos de Bariloche, El Bolsón, Las Grutas, Viedma, and Colonia Suiza are some of the most popular names. The rule is always the same: you can’t but enjoy some proper holidays in Río Negro. From adventures, animal watching, and hiking to gastronomy and, above all, relaxation —because there is no doubt that the Río Negro’s panoramic views transmit nothing but sheer peace.
Must-see Attractions
Adventure Tourism: Kayaking in Bariloche
Paddling has never been so amazing on the Nahuel Huapi and Moreno Lakes. Enjoy the Patagonian waters nestled by snow-capped peaks.
Ski Season at Cerro Catedral and Perito Moreno
Bariloche and El Bolsón: two destinations where the snow condition is strictly fulfilled. During the Argentinian winter (from June to September), ski resorts are brimming with tourists ready to ski, snowboard, and snowshoe across the woods.
The Route of the Seven Lakes: a Scenic Must
The most famous journey in the province. Walking, by car, or by bicycle, touring the different lakes on the route is the perfect plan. You can also sleep in the campsites!
The Best Hiking and Trekking Trails
Infinite possibilities. Infinite landscapes. Río Negro is the perfect place for exploring hiking and discovering a magical side. Mountain huts, national parks, and hills.
Bariloche and the Chocolate Phenomenon: a Gastronomic Circuit for Those Who Have a Sweet Tooth
The capital of chocolate is a crowd-pleaser with unique smells and flavours. Enjoy the best chocolate shops in the country on a tour perfect for lovers of cocoa-based goodies. The Chocolate Museum is a must to learn about its origins.
Patagonian Beaches: Sand, Sea, and Marine Animals
Cold and warm waters spread over thousands of kilometres: Las Grutas, Playas Doradas, and El Cóndor are some of the options. The biggest attraction? Marine fauna watching. The San Matías Gulf is the perfect place to see these animals, where you can also practice scuba diving.
What is the climate like in Río Negro?
Semi-arid, with little rain. In summer, the temperature goes from 14 ºC to 30 ºC. In winter, it is colder, from 14 ºC to -2 ºC.
What tourist places should I visit first?
The best-known city is, without a doubt, San Carlos de Bariloche. Its Andean architecture, regional gastronomy, and fascinating landscapes place it among the area’s favourites. Visiting the famous Hotel Llao Llao, making the Circuito Chico tour by car, climbing Cerro Otto, and visiting Colonia Suiza are some of the items you should tick off the list.
A beach resort city in summer: Las Grutas, a must. Located in the San Matías Gulf, this destination offers wide beaches surrounded by cliffs that form caves. Ideal for a summer holiday.
Another technical stop in Río Negro is the Nahuel Huapi National Park, which offers a wide variety of excursions, such as the Myrtle Forest, Los Alerces Waterfall, Mascardi Lake, the Enchanted Valley, Puerto Blest, Victoria Island, and Cerro Tronador.
If you want to feel the mountains up close, then the town of El Bolsón is the perfect base to further explore the area. The craftwork fair in the centre is iconic and, from any part of the village, you can see the Piltriquitrón Mountain.
How many days should I spend in Río Negro?
Ideally, from 2 to 5 days to be able to cover the best of the province: panoramic views, adventure, and walks. All the options would be suitable, but the recommended itinerary to fully enjoy Río Negro includes that number of days.
What clothes must I bring to the south of Argentina?
In winter, temperatures can be below zero, so it is always recommended to wear several layers of clothing and, if your goal is to climb mountains, wear thermal shirts. If you want to go skiing, you can rent proper equipment at the bases of the mountains.
In summer, the temperatures increase during the day, and the clothing has to match this time of the year. Yet, due to the thermal amplitude, you’d better have a jacket on hand!
Other must-haves for visiting Río Negro are: a sun hat and sunscreen for summer, gloves and scarves for winter. And, regardless of the time of year, good trekking shoes.
Activities