Teniente Luis Candelaria International Airport

Teniente Luis Candelaria International Airport (BRC) sits 13 kilometres east of San Carlos de Bariloche on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, along Route 237. It is the main air gateway to Argentina's Lake District and the northern Patagonian Andes. The airport handles domestic flights year-round, with seasonal international charters during winter and summer peaks. Its single runway and compact terminal see most traffic from Buenos Aires, with additional routes from Córdoba, Mendoza, and a handful of other South American cities. The building itself is functional rather than flashy: a low-slung concrete and glass structure that prioritises efficiency over architecture. Surrounding it are open fields, a glimpse of the lake, and the distant profile of Cerro Catedral.

Getting There

The airport lies about 13 kilometres from Bariloche's city centre, a drive that takes roughly 20 minutes without traffic. The most direct route is along Avenida de los Pioneros and then Route 237, which hugs the northern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi for much of the way. Taxis and remises (private hire cars) are available at the arrivals exit; the fare into town is fixed at around 800–1000 Argentine pesos (as of 2025) and should be settled before departure. For a cheaper option, the city bus line 70 runs from downtown Bariloche to the airport, stopping at several key points including the bus terminal and the Civic Centre. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs a fraction of a taxi. Rental cars are available from several agencies in the arrivals hall, but booking ahead is advisable during the ski season (June–August). During peak winter weeks, the road can be icy; snow tyres or chains are often required. If you are driving yourself, the airport parking lot charges by the hour or day, with a free waiting area for pickups.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single-storey building with departures on the left and arrivals on the right as you face it. The check-in hall is compact, with around a dozen counters. During the winter peak, queues can stretch to the door, so aim to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three for international. Security is efficient but thorough; laptops and liquids must be removed from bags. The departures area has a small café serving coffee, pastries, and sandwiches, plus a duty-free shop for last-minute souvenirs. There are vending machines near the boarding gates. The entire terminal is wheelchair-accessible, with designated parking, accessible toilets, and a changing table in the accessible toilet. Baggage storage is available near the main entrance; rates are by the day. The paid parking lot sits directly in front of the terminal, with a separate accessible parking area closer to the door. The arrivals hall is small – expect to wait outside if you are meeting passengers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, though it can be slow when the airport is busy. The airport is not open 24 hours; it generally operates from 5:30 a.m. to midnight, corresponding with the flight schedule. If you have an early departure, check the exact opening time with your airline.

Bariloche airport and San Carlos de Bariloche

San Carlos de Bariloche sits in the foothills of the Andes, on the southern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. It is the largest city in Argentina's Patagonian Lake District and a year-round tourist destination. The city's layout is defined by the lake and the surrounding mountains, with a mix of stone-and-timber architecture influenced by Swiss and German immigrants who settled in the early 20th century. Bariloche is best known for Cerro Catedral, the country's largest ski resort, which offers world-class slopes from June to September. In summer, the same mountains become hiking and mountain biking terrain, with trails that lead through lenga forests, past glacial lakes, and up to viewpoints like Cerro Campanario or the Tronador ice cap. The city itself is famous for its chocolate shops along Calle Mitre, where dozens of artisanal chocolatiers offer free samples. The nearby Circuito Chico is a scenic drive that loops around the Llao Llao Peninsula, passing the Llao Llao Hotel and resort, a classic of Argentine luxury tourism. Nahuel Huapi National Park surrounds the city, protecting 7,500 square kilometres of lakes, rivers, and forest. Wildlife includes guanacos, Andean condors, and the introduced beaver. Culturally, Bariloche blends indigenous Mapuche heritage with European settler traditions, visible in its cuisine – try the local lamb or trout – and its annual Snow Festival in August. The airport is the main entry point for this region, and its flight schedule reflects the seasons: frequencies double in winter and summer, with extra flights from Buenos Aires and direct charters from Brazil and Chile. The airport's modest size means everything is within walking distance, but it also lacks some international-standard amenities like multiple restaurants or lounges. For most travellers, this is a minor trade-off for the spectacular surroundings.

Practical Information

Hours of operation: The terminal is open daily from approximately 5:30 a.m. to midnight, but exact hours depend on the flight schedule. The airport is not open 24 hours; if your flight is delayed, be prepared to wait inside the terminal until the doors close after the last arrival. Contact: Website: https://www.aa2000.com.ar/bariloche; Phone: +54 294 440-5016 (customer service hours vary). Parking: Paid parking lot adjacent to terminal; rates start at 100 pesos per hour. Accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance. Baggage storage: Located in the main hall; open during terminal hours. Accessibility: Full wheelchair access, including toilets and changing tables. Wi-Fi: Free, but requires registration and has a time limit. Food and drink: Limited options inside the terminal. The café in departures offers basic snacks; there is no full-service restaurant. Transport: Bus line 70 runs from the Civic Centre to the airport every 30 minutes (check local schedules for exact times). Taxis and remises are available at the arrivals exit. One concrete tip: If you are flying out during winter, allow an extra 30 minutes for potential snow delays and icy roads. Book your parking online in advance during July and August, as the lot fills quickly.