Circuito Chico (Small Circuit Loop)
If you have only a half-day free in Bariloche and want to feel the soul of Argentine Patagonia without racking up hours behind the wheel, Circuito Chico is the loop I always recommend. Weaving along the eastern shoreline of Lago Nahuel Huapi, this compact circuit delivers sweeping lake vistas, dense Andean forest, and some of the most photographed landmarks in the region—all within a manageable few hours of driving. The air here carries the scent of lengas and the lake below shifts from cobalt blue to slate grey depending on the clouds rolling in from the Andes. There is something deeply satisfying about this particular circuit: you do not have to choose between viewpoint and viewpoint, because they just keep coming.
Route Overview
Total driving time: Approximately 2–4 hours (allow 4–6 hours with stops)
Approximate distance: Around 60–80 km depending on your exact route and detours
Best season: October through April, when the roads are clear and the lake shimmers most beautifully
Route type: Scenic half-day loop
Recommended vehicle: A compact to mid-size car copes well with the winding sections; an SUV is useful if you plan to explore any unsealed side tracks
The loop departs from Bariloche centre and follows the lakeshore eastward. The natural order of stops flows geographically, saving the most spectacular viewpoints for the second half and ensuring you are never doubling back unnecessarily. We found it works best to tackle Cerro Campanario first, when the morning light catches the water at its clearest, then work your way around via López and the panoramic points before ending in Colonia Suiza for a late lunch. Build in at least 20–30 minutes of buffer at each main stop for photos and a stretch, plus time for a proper sit-down meal in the Swiss colony.
Key stops in order:
- Cerro Campanario: The ascent chairlift climbs to a breezy summit where you can take in a 360-degree sweep of the lake district. We spent a good half hour up there just watching the light move across the water.
- Bahía López: A sheltered cove with calm waters and a sense of stillness that contrasts sharply with the open lake. The forested hillside behind drops almost straight into the water.
- Punto Panorámico: As the name suggests, this is where the vista really opens up. Pull in and stretch your legs; the view of the lake framed by snow-tipped peaks is the postcard shot.
- Hotel Llao Llao: The Art Nouveau grande dame of Bariloche sits on its own peninsula, surrounded by forest and water. Even if you are not staying here, the grounds are worth a wander and the terrace is a pleasant spot for a coffee.
- Colonia Suiza: The route terminates in this quirky little settlement with Alpine roots. Do not leave without trying the trout or the homemade preserves at one of the roadside stalls.
If you are driving from outside the city, picking up a hire car in Bariloche makes real sense for this kind of loop. The freedom to pause whenever the view demands it, and to detour down side roads on impulse, transforms a scenic drive into something closer to an actual adventure. Browse available cars in Bariloche to find something suited to mountain roads if you have not already booked.
This Circuit Has a Few Traps Worth Knowing About
Road conditions: The main loop road is generally well-maintained, but some sections closest to Cerro Campanario involve steep inclines and tight curves. Drive cautiously in wet weather; the forest road surfaces can become slippery. Watch for loose gravel on the hairpins near the summit approach.
Weather variability: Patagonian weather changes fast. We set off under blue sky and found ourselves in cloud by the time we reached Punto Panorámico. Layer up, and do not assume a cloudy morning means a lost day—the afternoon can clear remarkably quickly.
Chairlift queues: Cerro Campanario is the most popular stop on the loop. In peak summer months (December to February), the chairlift queue can stretch to 45 minutes or more. Arrive early in the day to beat the tour groups, or factor the wait into your timing.
Limited fuel options: There are no fuel stations directly on the circuit. Make sure you leave Bariloche with a full tank; the return leg loops back through less populated areas.
Closing time considerations: Some of the stops, including the chairlift and certain lookouts, operate on seasonal schedules. In shoulder season (April or October), verify opening hours before setting out, as some facilities may be closed or running reduced hours.
Practical Tips Before You Set Off
Documents: Carry your passport, driving licence, and if you are hiring a car, the rental agreement and insurance confirmation. An International Driving Permit is recommended if your licence is not in Spanish.
Clothing: Layers are essential. Even in summer, the summit of Cerro Campanario can be cold and gusty. Bring a windproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses—the lake reflection is bright on clear days.
Vehicle extras: A phone mount and car charger are useful for navigation. Download offline maps as a backup; some sections of the loop have patchy mobile signal. A small first-aid kit and a bottle of water are sensible always.
Food and cash: Colonia Suiza has a handful of small cafes and stalls, but options are limited elsewhere on the circuit. Bring snacks and water, especially if you are travelling with children or intend to linger at the viewpoints. Some roadside stalls only accept cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Circuito Chico suitable for first-time visitors to Bariloche?
Absolutely. It is one of the most approachable scenic routes in the region, with well-signed stops and roads that are navigable for drivers of any experience level. The distances between stops are short, so it never feels overwhelming. If you want a taste of what Bariloche has to offer without committing to a full day, this is the ideal introduction.
Can I complete the circuit without a car?
It is possible by public bus or organised tour, but you lose the flexibility to stop whenever you want and to set your own pace. Some sections of the route are not served by frequent buses, which can make timing awkward. Hiring a car genuinely transforms the experience on this particular loop.
What is the best time of day to start?
Setting off in the morning, around 8:30 or 9:00, gives you the best chance of clear visibility at the viewpoints and helps you avoid the worst of the afternoon winds. Starting early also means you are more likely to beat the queue at Cerro Campanario and secure a table at Colonia Suiza before the lunch rush.
Are there entry fees for the stops?
Cerro Campanario charges a small fee for the chairlift ride to the summit. The other stops along the circuit—viewpoints, Hotel Llao Llao grounds, and Colonia Suiza—are free to access. Exact prices shift with inflation and season, so it is worth checking locally before you go.
Is the circuit suitable for night driving?
The circuit is best enjoyed in daylight. Some sections lack street lighting, and wildlife—including foxes and occasionally larger animals—can be unpredictable near the forest edges after dark. Plan to complete the loop by sunset, typically around 6:30 to 7:30 pm depending on the time of year.
Should I book accommodation in Colonia Suiza if I want to linger longer?
If the idea of lingering over a long lunch and wandering the little colony appeals to you, it is worth considering an overnight stay. However, for a half-day circuit, Bariloche makes a perfectly workable base and the return drive is short. For the circuit described here, a single visit is sufficient to get a genuine feel for the area.
Final Thoughts
Circuito Chico is not trying to be the most dramatic or the most challenging route in Patagonia. What it does, it does with quiet confidence: it wraps some of the finest scenery in the Bariloche lakes district into a tight, civilized loop that almost anyone can enjoy in a single afternoon. We came away with photographs that still make our friends pause, and a genuine sense that we had seen something characteristic of this corner of Argentina. Adapt the stops to your own pace, allow extra time for the views that catch your eye, and do not skip Colonia Suiza—those preserves are genuinely rather good.
Last updated: May 2026