You can reach the top of Cerro Campanario (1,050 meters high) via a 7-minute scenic chairlift ride. Tickets cost around $10-$15 USD at the base. At the summit, you'll find terraced viewpoints and a cafe offering 360-degree views of the Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes.
- ✓ By bus: Take public bus Line 20 from downtown Bariloche and get off at Km 17.5 on Bustillo Avenue.
- ✓ Duration: Plan for 1 to 2 hours to ride up, take photos, grab a coffee, and come down.
- ✓ Hiking option: There is a free, steep trail through the forest taking about 45 minutes to the top.
Once named by National Geographic as having one of the top views in the world, Cerro Campanario is an absolute must-do in Bariloche. At 1,050 meters above sea level, the summit unveils the true scale and beauty of the Argentine Lake District.
Reaching the Summit
- The Chairlift (Aerosilla): The most popular and effortless way up. This open-air chairlift glides over the forest canopy, reaching the top in just 7 minutes. You purchase tickets directly at the base.
- Hiking the Trail: For the physically fit and budget-conscious, a free hiking trail begins to the right of the ticket booth. It's a short but very steep 45-minute trek through beautiful cypress woods.
What to Expect at the Top
360-Degree Terraces
Once you disembark, you can walk around multi-level viewing platforms. The panorama is breathtaking: you can easily spot Nahuel Huapi Lake, Moreno Lake, El Trébol Lagoon, San Pedro Peninsula, Victoria Island, and the jagged peaks of Cerro Catedral and Cerro López.
The Summit Cafe
A glass-enclosed Confitería (cafe) sits at the highest point. It's the perfect refuge to escape the biting mountain wind. Grab a window seat, order an Argentine alfajor and a hot chocolate, and soak in the views.
How to Get There
The chairlift base is located at Km 17.5 of Bustillo Avenue. If relying on public transit, take Bus Line 20 from downtown using a SUBE card. The easiest approach, however, is to book a standard Circuito Chico guided tour, as almost every itinerary includes a generous stop here specifically for passengers to ride the chairlift.
Circuito Chico Tour with Cerro Campanario Stop
The perfect half-day tour: guided transport along the scenic Circuito Chico route with dedicated free time to ride the chairlift.
Standard rate
Frequently Asked Questions sobre Viewpoints & Mountains
❓ Does the chairlift operate when it snows?
Yes, it operates during snowfall, which makes the landscape look like a winter wonderland. It only closes during severe high winds or thunderstorms.
❓ Is the chairlift safe for seniors or toddlers?
Yes, the chairlift slows down at the boarding and disembarking zones, and operators assist passengers, making it safe for all ages.