Is Bariloche safe?
Safe overall. Mountain weather, lake cold and winter ice are the real hazards; petty theft happens in the center and at trailheads.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-07-09.
- Homicide rate in Argentina: 4.5 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Argentina: 14.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 107 · Fire 100.
Safety in Bariloche at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Bag theft from parked cars at trailheads, pickpocketing in the busy center in high season, and occasional bike theft. |
| At night | Centro is safe and lively on weekends. Use a radio taxi after dark for outer areas, as buses thin out and roads are dark. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women, including on busy trails. Tell someone your hiking plan and take normal care with drinks at night. |
| Other risks | Sudden weather changes and snow on trails; Cold lake water; swim only where permitted; Volcanic ash or wildfire smoke in some summers |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Tour sellers overpricing excursions on Mitre street; compare shops first
- Timeshare touts offering free dinners or gifts
- Short-term rental deposit scams on social media
Take care
- Leaving valuables in cars at trailheads
- Hiking alone without telling someone, especially in shoulder season
- Dark, empty roads late at night on the outskirts
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Driving with any alcohol in your blood is illegal nationwide.
- Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, including bars and restaurants.
How Bariloche compares in Argentina
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| El Calafate | 5/5 · Very safe |
| El Chaltén | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Mendoza | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bariloche | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ushuaia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Salta | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Iguazú | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Madryn | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mar del Plata | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Quebrada de Humahuaca | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cafayate | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Buenos Aires | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Córdoba | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Rosario | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Bariloche safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women, including on busy trails. Tell someone your hiking plan and take normal care with drinks at night.
Is Bariloche safe at night?
Centro is safe and lively on weekends. Use a radio taxi after dark for outer areas, as buses thin out and roads are dark.
What is the crime rate in Bariloche?
Bag theft from parked cars at trailheads, pickpocketing in the busy center in high season, and occasional bike theft. Nationally, Argentina records 4.5 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Bariloche?
Police 911 · Ambulance 107 · Fire 100.
More about Bariloche
Going to Bariloche solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- San Carlos de Bariloche Tourism
- Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi
- Aeropuertos Argentina
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.