Hotel in RÃo Negro, Argentina
Hostel Penguins
Clean, well-run Bariloche hostel near downtown with mountain views. Great for budget travelers and hikers with gear storage and tour information.
Hostel Penguins is a budget hostel located on Morales 555 in San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro province, a short walk from the town's main Centro Cívico civic square and the lakeside pedestrian area along Nahuel Huapi Lake. The location makes it a practical base for budget travellers combining city sightseeing with outdoor activities in the surrounding Patagonian lake district. Cerro Catedral ski resort is approximately 18 kilometres from the hostel, and the Bariloche bus terminal is within walking distance for regional connections.
The hostel emphasises clean facilities, reliable heating (essential in Bariloche's cold winters), and value for money over design. Accommodation comprises mixed-gender dormitory rooms of various sizes and a small number of private double rooms. All rooms are fitted with individual reading lights and power sockets. Shared bathrooms are maintained with daily cleaning and supply hot water 24 hours. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
A communal kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, including hobs, refrigerator storage, and cooking utensils — a significant cost-saving option in a town where restaurants tend to be expensive for budget travellers. Free breakfast is included in all room rates and served in the communal dining area. The common room serves as a meeting point for guests comparing trekking routes and ski plans. A dedicated gear-storage area accommodates skis, snowboards, backpacks, and hiking equipment, making the hostel convenient for activity-focused travellers.
The tour desk at reception covers day hikes in Nahuel Huapi National Park, rafting on the Río Limay, guided cycling along the Circuito Chico, and ski shuttle arrangements to Cerro Catedral. Locally printed trail maps are kept at reception for independent hikers heading into the surrounding national park.
Amenities
- free breakfast
- free WiFi
- kitchen
- common room
- laundry
- tour desk
- heating
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +54 294 442-2564
Location
Morales 555, R8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, RÃo Negro
-41.1333, -71.3000 — View on map
Highlights
- Central Bariloche location on Morales 555, walking distance from the Centro Cívico and Nahuel Huapi lakefront
- Free breakfast and fully equipped communal kitchen for significant cost savings in a resort-town setting
- Dedicated gear storage for skis, snowboards, and trekking backpacks
- Tour desk covering Nahuel Huapi hikes, Río Limay rafting, Circuito Chico cycling, and Cerro Catedral ski shuttles
- Reliable heating and clean shared facilities suited to Bariloche's cold winter and shoulder seasons
Tips
- Bariloche is one of Argentina's more expensive towns; using the communal kitchen for at least one meal per day reduces costs noticeably.
- Book ski-season dates (July–August) at least one to two months ahead — budget accommodation in Bariloche fills very quickly.
- The Cerro Campanario cable car is an easy half-day excursion from central Bariloche; reception staff can advise on public bus connections.
- Trail maps at reception are reliable for day hikes in Nahuel Huapi National Park; longer overnight routes should be confirmed with the park ranger office.
- Pack warm layers regardless of the season; Bariloche's lakeside weather changes quickly and temperatures drop sharply after sunset.
FAQ
Where is Hostel Penguins located in Bariloche?
The hostel is on Morales 555 in central Bariloche, a short walk from the Centro Cívico civic square and the Nahuel Huapi lakefront. Most town-centre restaurants, bus services, and tour operators are within 10 minutes on foot.
Does the hostel have storage for ski and trekking gear?
Yes, a dedicated gear-storage area accommodates skis, snowboards, hiking packs, and other large equipment.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, free breakfast is included in all room rates and served in the communal dining area each morning.
How do guests get to Cerro Catedral ski resort from the hostel?
The reception desk can arrange ski shuttles to Cerro Catedral. Public buses also serve the route; check current schedules with staff as frequency varies by season.
Accessibility
The hostel building has multiple floors reached by internal stairs; lift access is not available. Guests with mobility impairments should contact the property before booking as ground-floor accommodation options are very limited.