Bariloche Small Circuit: Llao Llao, Cerro Campanario & Panoramic Point
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; walking segments are short and low-intensity but involve some uneven ground.
Overview
A half-day loop that stitches lakefront drives with short walks to iconic viewpoints—Playa Bonita, Cerro Campanario and Llao Llao—offering big panoramas with minimal effort. Perfect for morning light and photographers who want maximum views in limited time.
Bariloche Small Circuit: Llao Llao, Cerro Campanario & Panoramic Point
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A wind from Nahuel Huapi sweeps across the road before the town wakes; the lake throws back a clean, hard light and the bus pulls up to the edge of E. Bustillo Avenue. You step out and the first view arrests you—sheets of water folding into distant tree-lined peninsulas, Huemul Island a dark dot offshore. The morning on the Small Circuit is part drive, part short, deliberate walks: a series of frames that reveal why Bariloche’s lakeshore is a favorite for quick, high-reward outings.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring cash for the chairlift
The ascent to Cerro Campanario is optional and paid on-site; carry small Argentine pesos for quicker boarding.
Layer for shifting lake wind
Temperatures drop quickly near the shore—wear a windproof layer even on sunny days.
Timing matters for photos
Start early or late afternoon to avoid mid-day glare and tour-bus crowds at the main viewpoints.
Comfortable shoes for short hikes
Sturdy walking shoes handle muddy stretches on the Arrayanes trail and the steeper approach if you choose to hike Cerro Campanario.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor (soaring thermals)
- Magellanic woodpecker and local songbirds
History
The Llao Llao peninsula and surrounding shores became tourism anchors in the early 20th century; the Llao Llao Hotel opened in the 1930s and helped shape Bariloche’s alpine-style development.
Conservation
The Llao Llao Municipal Reserve protects native coihue forest and protects fragile trail corridors; visitors are asked to stick to paths and pack out waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Carlos de Bariloche
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Grips wet boardwalks and dirt paths on short trail sections.
Windproof jacket
Blocks sudden lake winds and the afternoon chill.
Reusable water bottle
Hydration during walks—there are limited refill points on the circuit.
summer specific
Sunscreen & sunglasses
High-altitude sun and lake reflection increase UV exposure even on cool days.
summer specific