El Alto

El Alto is Bariloche's local residential side, useful for the bus terminal, shopping and cheaper meals. It is not an ideal base for evenings, so go during the day and take a taxi at night.

El Alto is the large residential part of Bariloche on the higher ground south and east of the Centro. It is where most locals live and shop, and it holds the long-distance bus terminal, supermarkets, hardware stores and everyday restaurants at much lower prices than the center. It is a good place to see daily life and to find cheaper food and lodging, but it has few attractions and little tourist infrastructure. Streets are quieter and less lit at night, and the bus terminal area is a known spot for pickpockets and for travelers arriving with luggage. Some outer barrios on the edges are informal settlements and are best avoided, especially after dark. Use taxis between El Alto and the center in the evening.