Bariloche Small Circuit & Cerro Campanario: Chairlift Views over Nahuel Huapi
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; includes short easy walks and one chairlift ascent.
Overview
Drive, stop, climb: the Bariloche Small Circuit pairs short shoreline walks with a chairlift ascent to Cerro Campanario, delivering compact panoramas of Nahuel Huapi in about four hours. Ideal for first-time visitors who want a brisk, scenic introduction to the region.
Bariloche Small Circuit & Cerro Campanario: Chairlift Views over Nahuel Huapi
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A late-afternoon wind lifts the surface of Nahuel Huapi into a scatter of silver, and the chairlift at Cerro Campanario hums like a slow-moving clock. From the base, the road unfurls along Lake Moreno and the larger Nahuel Huapi, passing the art deco outline of Hotel Llao Llao and the tiny white chapel of San Eduardo. The Circuito Chico is less a single trail than a stitched route of viewpoints, touching beaches, granite bluffs and forested promontories where lenga and coihue trees shade short, honest walks.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for sudden weather shifts
Bring a windproof outer layer and a light insulating mid-layer—the lakeshore can be warm in sun but windy and cold at viewpoints.
Time the chairlift
If you want English commentary, book the 3 PM English departure; Spanish departures also run in the morning—confirm pickup times one week before.
Footwear for short walks
Sturdy walking shoes with good grip are useful for rocky lookout paths and short stair sections around viewpoints.
Bring small cash
While the chairlift is included on this tour, small purchases at souvenir stands or cafés may be cash-only.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor (occasional overhead sightings)
- Southern coati and small forest birds around the lenga woods
History
The route developed from access roads to estancias and early 20th-century tourism tied to European settlers and the arrival of alpine culture.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails and avoid trampling sensitive peatlands; local guides support Leave No Trace principles.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Carlos de Bariloche
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Protects against sudden cross-lake winds at viewpoints.
Sunglasses & sunscreen
High UV exposure near reflective lake surfaces makes sun protection essential.
summer specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Grip and ankle support help on rocky outlook paths and stairs.
Compact camera or phone with extra battery
The summit and shoreline offer strong photographic opportunities; batteries drain fast in cold.