Flights from Quebec City (YQB) and Montreal (YUL) to San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Here is what to know before booking a flight to San Carlos de Bariloche from Quebec City and Montreal.
From Quebec City, the best fare spotted recently to San Carlos de Bariloche is $2001 (about 4% below the typical price).
Tucked against the Andes in Argentina's lake district, San Carlos de Bariloche looks like a slice of the Swiss Alps dropped beside a glacier-blue lake. Chalets and chocolate shops line the streets, while Nahuel Huapi National Park spreads out in forests, peaks and mirror-still water. Ski Cerro Catedral in winter, kayak or hike in summer, and always make time to taste the town's famous artisan chocolate. Drive the Circuito Chico for one jaw-dropping viewpoint after another. Patagonia starts here!
When to go
Seasons are flipped from Canada. Ski season runs June to September, when Cerro Catedral fills with snow and visitors. Summer, December to February, brings long warm days ideal for hiking, kayaking and scenic drives, but also the biggest crowds and higher prices. For fewer people and mild weather, aim for the shoulder months of March and April or October and November, when the lakes are calm and autumn colours or spring blooms show off.
Getting there from Quebec City and Montreal
This is a long haul from eastern Canada. From YQB or YUL you'll connect through a US hub, then fly to Buenos Aires, usually landing at the international airport (EZE) and transferring to the domestic airport (AEP). From there, Aerolineas Argentinas and other carriers run several daily flights to Bariloche (BRC), about two and a half hours. Plan on at least two connections and give yourself buffer time to change airports in Buenos Aires.
What to see and do
- Skiing and views at Cerro Catedral
- The scenic Circuito Chico drive around Nahuel Huapi
- Artisan chocolate shops along Calle Mitre
- Kayaking the deep-blue Nahuel Huapi lake
Good to know before you go
Get around town on the local Mi Bus network, which reaches most viewpoints and trailheads with a rechargeable SUBE card; taxis and remise (booked private cars) are reliable, while Uber and Cabify are limited here, so don't count on them. The compact centre is walkable. Argentina uses the peso (ARS), and inflation means prices shift fast; bring US dollars in cash to exchange, and note some spots offer a better 'blue' rate. Cards work, but cash is king for buses and small shops. Spanish is the language, and tap water is safe to drink.
Travel information is provided as a guide and can change. Always confirm fares, schedules and entry requirements before booking.