Bariloche’s most iconic drive: 35 kilometers along the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi, ending at a summit with one of the most breathtaking views in all of Patagonia.
Circuito Chico and Cerro Campanario: the first stop that will leave you speechless
You leave downtown Bariloche and within minutes the landscape is already telling you everything. Avenida Bustillo winds along Lake Nahuel Huapi, the water shifting color with the time of day, snowy peaks rising in the background.
Cerro Campanario
About 17 kilometers from the center, the Cerro Campanario chairlift is waiting. You ride up without effort to 1,050 meters above sea level. Up top: Lake Nahuel Huapi, Laguna El Trébol, the Llao Llao peninsula, and mountains closing the horizon in every direction. Many travelers consider this one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the planet.
The circuit then continues to the Llao Llao Hotel, built from wood and stone on a peninsula between two lakes. Worth stopping, walking around, and having a coffee with a view of the water.
Practical information
Duration: Half a day if you only visit the viewpoint. Full day if you combine it with other stops along the route.
National park: The final stretch of the circuit, including the Llao Llao area, is inside Nahuel Huapi National Park. Entry fee applies.
Year-round: Yes, Circuito Chico can be done in any season. But the experience changes depending on the time of year:
Summer (Dec to Mar): Long days, calm lake. You can combine it with beaches and kayaking at the ports along the way. Campanario chairlift runs extended hours.
Autumn (Mar to May): The Patagonian forest turns stunning shades of red, yellow, and orange. One of the best times for photography.
Winter (Jun to Aug): The snow-covered landscape has its own magic. Chairlifts may be closed due to weather. Check ahead before heading out.
Spring (Sep to Nov): The forest blooms and there are fewer tourists. Great for those looking for peace and quiet.
Getting there: Local bus line 20 from downtown, by bike (the road has a bike lane on several stretches), or in a rental car. If you can, go early in the morning: the light is completely different and you’ll have the viewpoint almost to yourself.
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