When considering traveling to the Patagonian city of Bariloche, renting a car can make the trip much more enjoyable. There are a few reasons for this.
- Despite there being a bus system that is pretty proficient, the buses do not go to many different trail heads and areas off the beaten path (and there are a lot of them). This forces you to travel amongst the mainstream sights, not seeing the true beauty of Patagonia - the quiet, pristine splendor of mother nature. The buses are also, usually, very crowded with locals. It is possible the bus may pass you because the driver doesn’t feel like stopping for another passenger.
- Another reason that a car rental offers options for a better trip is that it allows you to more easily go outside the city center. Bariloche city center is not the most beautiful township and is definitely not the reason that people travel to this gorgeous area of the world. Bariloche does offer some fun out-on-the-town adventures. But the night life alone is not reason enough to stay in an ugly, crowded city when you can stay in beautiful accommodations with world class views outside of town. A car rental gives you the ease ability to stay where you want, when you want, without any hassle.
Here are a few different car rental companies that offer a good product at reasonable prices:
- 4×4 Rental Patagonia: this is a good company for 4×4 car rentals, something that is difficult to find in this part of the world. Located on Calle San Martin, city center Telephone: (cell) 15-515294/95/95
- Andina Rent-a-Car: basic service, well priced. Located on Calle John O’Connor 596 Telephone: 43-9138 or cell 15-418467
- Dollar Rent-a-Car: Internationally known company with known sevice. Located on Calle Palacios 191, piso 1 Telephone: 43-9078 or 0800-555-dollar
- Max Rent-a-Car: this is a local company, located in the kilometers of Bustillo. Bustillo KM 11.400 Telephone: 44-8876 or cell 15-585722
- Patagonia Rent-a-Car: another local company, based out of the center of town. Located at Avenida Belgrano 165 PB E Telephone: 45-6766
- Thrifty Rent-a-Car: another Internationally known company. Located in center of town on Villegas 355 Telephone: 42-7904
Rental agencies are able to, often times, have your car where you need it at a predetermined time. You can also discuss where you want to drop the car off. Be sure to ask them about paperwork to travel into Chile and insurance (which should be supplied with the car).
Buen Viaje!