Circuito Chico
A classic lake-district loop of about 60 km, linking Llao Llao Hotel, a panoramic viewpoint and a lakeside chapel. It is beautiful whether you drive or cycle.
The Circuito Chico is Bariloche's most classic day-trip route. From the city centre, it heads west along Avenida Bustillo by the lake, covering about 60–65 km in total.
Main stops:
- Km 17.5: the Cerro Campanario chairlift.
- Around Km 25: the Llao Llao peninsula. The Llao Llao Hotel, designed by architect Bustillo and completed in 1938, sits on a hill between two lakes. It is Argentina's most famous resort hotel. Nearby are the San Eduardo chapel and Puerto Pañuelo.
- The loop then enters the forest, crossing a wooden bridge over Lake Perito Moreno, and reaches the Punto Panorámico. This is the best spot for photographing the Llao Llao peninsula and the bays.
- Finally, you can detour to Colonia Suiza (Swiss Colony). On Sundays and Wednesdays, it hosts a market and traditional curanto, food cooked in an earth pit.
Ways to do it:
(1) Self-drive, about half a day.
(2) Cycling, which is the most recommended. Take bus 20 to a rental shop near Km 18.3, then ride the core section of about 27 km. The road is hilly, so allow 3–4 hours.
(3) Join a half-day Circuito Chico tour.
Along the way, craft breweries such as Cerveza Patagonia make good stops for lake views. The coordinates are at the Punto Panorámico.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Llao Llao Hotel & Capilla San Eduardo
- Colonia Suiza
- Llao Llao Municipal Park
- Cerro Campanario
- Cerro López
- Cerro Catedral
- Refugio Frey
- Playa Bonita