Circuito Chico is a 60km (37 miles) scenic loop along the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Must-see stops include the chairlift ride up Cerro Campanario (360° views), the historic Llao Llao Hotel, Punto Panorámico, and the charming village of Colonia Suiza.
- ✓ Duration: Half-day (guided tour) or a full day if driving or biking.
- ✓ Cerro Campanario: Rated by National Geographic as one of the best views in the world.
- ✓ Tip: This is the perfect day 1 activity to get your bearings and understand Bariloche's geography.
Circuito Chico is the most famous and traditional half-day tour in San Carlos de Bariloche. This 60km (37-mile) route packs the very best of Patagonia's scenery into a short drive, featuring snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and dense cypress forests.
How to Explore Circuito Chico
- Guided Tour (Van/Bus): The easiest option, lasting about 4 hours with photo stops and an English/Spanish-speaking guide.
- Rental Car: Gives you total freedom to stay longer at viewpoints and take a detour to Colonia Suiza for lunch.
- Cycling: Very popular in the summer. You can take bus line 20 to km 18, rent a mountain bike, and pedal the most scenic parts of the loop.
The Best Stops on the Route
1. Cerro Campanario
At km 17.5, you'll find the chairlift base for Cerro Campanario. The 7-minute ride takes you to 1,050 meters above sea level for a breathtaking 360-degree view that National Geographic once ranked among the top views globally.
2. Llao Llao Hotel and San Eduardo Chapel
This majestic wood-and-stone hotel is Bariloche's most iconic building, designed in 1938 by architect Alejandro Bustillo. Right across the road is Puerto Pañuelo (the port for boat tours) and the wooden San Eduardo Chapel on a small hill.
3. Punto Panorámico and Colonia Suiza
As the road winds back towards the city, you'll hit Punto Panorámico, offering the most famous postcard view of Lake Moreno and the Llao Llao peninsula. A short dirt road detour from here brings you to Colonia Suiza, an early European settlement famous for craft beer and curanto (a traditional hot-stone cooking method).
Classic Circuito Chico & Cerro Campanario Tour
The perfect introduction to Bariloche: panoramic lookouts, deep blue lakes, and the iconic Llao Llao Hotel.
Standard rate
Frequently Asked Questions sobre Classic Excursions
❓ Can I do Circuito Chico by public bus?
Yes, bus line 20 goes all the way to Llao Llao Hotel and Cerro Campanario. However, it does not complete the entire scenic loop past Punto Panorámico.
❓ Is the chairlift included in the tour price?
Usually, the chairlift ticket for Cerro Campanario is not included in the basic tour price and must be purchased separately at the base (around $10-$15 USD).