Three-day Bariloche adventure: Circuito Chico, Seven Lakes & Manso rafting
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days (full-day activities)
Fitness Level
Moderate — able to walk short trails, board rafts, and handle multiple full days in a row.
Overview
A focused three-day loop through Bariloche that pairs the panoramic Circuito Chico and Cerro Campanario with the scenic Seven Lakes drive to San Martín de los Andes—and a half-day family-friendly rafting trip on the Manso/Villegas rivers. Expect full days, bilingual guides, and classic Patagonian scenery.
Three-day Bariloche adventure: Circuito Chico, Seven Lakes & Manso rafting
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You step off the van on the shore of Nahuel Huapi and the wind rearranges the day: lake water slaps the rocks, condors circle the ridgelines, and the smell of wood smoke drifts down from cabins. Day one moves in easy arcs—short hikes and chairlift rides—each viewpoint opening like a map that redraws itself as you walk. Cerro Campanario’s chairlift lifts you through pine-scented air to a shelf of rock where the lake network spills below in turquoise veins; on clear days the vista feels as wide as Patagonia itself.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for light and parking
Depart at first light for Circuito Chico and the Seven Lakes to avoid tour-bus crowds and secure easy parking at key miradores.
Layer for rapidly changing weather
Temperatures can swing from warm sun to windy drizzle; carry a lightweight waterproof shell and insulating mid-layer.
Water and snacks for the road
Long stretches between services on the Seven Lakes road mean you should pack at least 1–2 liters of water and snacks for each person.
Follow guide safety briefings for rafting
Rafting on the Manso/Villegas includes class II–III sections—listen to instructions, wear your PFD, and speak up about mobility or health issues.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor
- Huemul deer (rare — keep distance)
History
The region sits within Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina’s oldest national park, and many place names derive from Mapuche-Aonikenk languages reflecting indigenous ties to these waters.
Conservation
Visitors should respect park rules: carry out all waste, avoid fires outside designated areas, and stick to marked trails to protect fragile shoreline vegetation.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Carlos de Bariloche
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell jacket
Protects against Patagonian wind and sudden rain during drives and viewpoint stops.
Quick-dry layers
Light baselayers and an insulating mid-layer keep you comfortable across temperature swings.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Grip and ankle support for uneven mirador paths and riverbanks after rafting.
River shoes or sandals with straps
Useful for rafting sessions and walking on wet, rocky shores.
summer specific