Circuito Chico (Small Circuit Loop) – Bariloche Scenic Drive Guide

There’s something almost unfair about how easy the Circuito Chico makes it to fall in love with Bariloche. We rolled out of town on a Tuesday morning, coffee still warm in the cupholder, and within twenty minutes the city had vanished behind a curtain of lenga beech forest. What replaced it was the kind of lake-and-mountain scenery that Patagonia is famous for—except we weren’t exhausted from a multi-day trek. We were just driving.

I’ve done this loop three times now, and it never gets old. The first time, I made the mistake of rushing straight to Cerro Campanario. Beautiful as it is, I missed the quieter moments along the shoreline. Now I know: this circuit rewards the unhurried. Pull over when you see a clearing. Stop when the light hits the water just right. That’s the real point of the Circuito Chico.

Route Overview

Total driving time: 2–4 hours behind the wheel, or 4–6 hours if you’re actually taking your time (which you should).

Total distance: Approximately 120 km (75 miles) of mostly paved roads that loop around the western shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi.

Best season to drive: October through April, when the roads are clear and the lakeside cafes are open. Winter (June–August) can bring snow on higher sections—check conditions before you head out.

Route sequence and why this order works:

We typically start by heading south from Bariloche center, climbing toward Cerro Campanario first. It’s the highest vantage point on the loop, and getting there early means you might have the summit viewpoint to yourself before the tour buses arrive. From there, we drop back down to the lake shore and work our way through Bahía López, a gorgeous forested stretch with pull-offs perfect for a first photo stop. Next comes Punto Panorámico—basically a roadside balcony over the lake—and then the quintessential postcard shot at Llao Llao Hotel & Chapel. We finish at Puerto Pañuelo, where the road curves away from the water and heads back toward town.

Recommended vehicle: A compact or midsize sedan handles this route fine. All the roads are paved, but some viewpoints require short gravel pull-offs. If you’re visiting in winter or want extra confidence on potentially icy sections, an SUV with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is worth considering.

If you’re renting a car in Bariloche, I’d suggest picking it up the day before and doing the Circuito Chico as your first real outing. It gives you a feel for Argentine driving customs—passing zones, the occasional unmarked speed bump—without tackling anything technical. Compare rental options and prices for Bariloche here.

Local tip: Gas stations are fewer on the western side of the loop. Fill up before you leave Bariloche, even if your tank is only half-empty. The station near the Llao Llao turn-off is convenient, but it’s small and sometimes crowded.

Watch Out for These Pitfalls

Road conditions: The main loop roads are well-maintained, but Argentine drivers tend to take curves fast. Keep your eyes on the road and don’t get too distracted by the scenery. The speed limits are often lower than they feel.

Wildlife: We once had a guanaco wander onto the road just past Punto Panorámico. Dawn and dusk are when animals are most active. Drive cautiously on the forested sections between km 20 and km 45.

Weather changes fast: In Patagonia, you can experience four seasons in a single afternoon. We got caught in a hailstorm near Cerro Campanario in November. The roads stayed clear, but visibility dropped to near zero for ten minutes. Check the forecast before you go, and bring a light layers—even in summer.

Parking at viewpoints: Most pull-offs are small and fill up quickly during peak hours (10 am–2 pm). If you want space to breathe at Cerro Campanario or the Llao Llao chapel, arrive before 9:30 am or plan to visit later in the afternoon.

The “no image found” trap: Puerto Pañuelo is genuinely one of the quieter spots on the loop, but it doesn’t have the dramatic infrastructure of the other stops. There’s no large parking lot or viewpoint platform—just a small harbor area and a sandy shore. That’s partly why it’s my favorite. But manage your expectations if you’re picturing an obvious photo op.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Documents: Your driver’s license (valid), passport, and if you’re renting, the rental agreement and credit card used for the booking. International driving permits are recommended if your license isn’t in Spanish.

Clothing: Layers, always. A sun hat, sunglasses, and a light windbreaker are essentials even in summer. Comfortable walking shoes for the short trails near viewpoints.

Vehicle checklist:

• Phone mount and car charger (the drive takes 4–6 hours with stops, and your GPS will be running the whole time)
• 离线地图下载 (download offline maps)—cell signal is spotty on parts of the western shore
• Reusable water bottle and snacks
• Sun protection: the altitude + lake reflection = intense UV
• Basic emergency kit: flashlight, first aid basics, phone charger for the car

FAQ

Is the Circuito Chico suitable for first-time drivers in Argentina?

Yes, this is honestly one of the most beginner-friendly drives in the Bariloche area. The roads are paved, well-marked, and not overly technical. The main challenges are the occasional fast drivers and winding sections—but nothing that should unsettle someone comfortable with mountain roads. If you’re new to Argentine driving, start here before tackling the more remote routes.

Can I do this loop without a car?

Technically yes, using the #20 bus to Llao Llao and local taxis between stops, but it’s significantly harder to enjoy the spontaneity. Many of the best viewpoints are short walks from roadside pull-offs with no bus service. Renting a car gives you control over timing and the ability to stop whenever something catches your eye. Browse car rental options for Bariloche to find what fits your budget.

Are the roads toll-free?

Yes. The Circuito Chico uses public roads with no toll booths. The only costs are gas and your rental car.

How crowded does it get during peak season?

January and February are the busiest months. Cerro Campanario can feel like a photoshoot runway around noon. We’d suggest starting the loop by 8:30 am in summer, or after 3:30 pm for a more relaxed afternoon drive. The shoulder seasons (November and March) offer a better balance of smaller crowds and full services.

What should I budget for this half-day drive?

For a full-day rental, expect to pay roughly $45–$80 USD per day depending on vehicle class and season. Gas for the loop costs around $10–$15 USD. Food and coffee at Llao Llao or the lakeside cafes adds another $15–$30 USD per person. Factor in small entrance fees at Cerro Campanario if you take the chairlift.

Is it safe to drive at night in Bariloche?

The Circuito Chico itself is not a 24-hour road—the area around Llao Llao and the western shore doesn’t have much nighttime traffic, but some drivers use high beams excessively and wildlife is unpredictable. We always plan to be off the loop by dusk, especially in unfamiliar vehicles.

Final Thoughts

The Circuito Chico isn’t trying to be the most dramatic drive in Patagonia—it’s something better. It’s accessible, beautiful, and completable in a single morning or afternoon. You don’t need a full tank of bravado, a 4WD, or weeks of planning. Just good directions, a working GPS, and the willingness to pull over when the light hits the water.

We’ve done this loop in sunshine, in rain, and once in a spectacular Patagonian snowstorm that turned the whole experience into something out of a film. Each time, we noticed something new. That’s the thing about scenic loops: they meet you where you are. If you take this drive, let me know which viewpoint stopped you first. For us, it was always Punto Panorámico—but that might just be us.

Last updated: May 2026