Circuito Chico, Bariloche - Image 1
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Circuito Chico Bariloche

4.6
·491k reviews·San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

A 60km scenic loop showcasing Bariloche's stunning Patagonian landscapes, from crystal lakes to majestic mountains.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Circuito Chico, Bariloche - Image 1

Circuito Chico Bariloche

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 60km scenic loop showcasing Bariloche's stunning Patagonian landscapes, from crystal lakes to majestic mountains.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The most traditional and unmissable tour in Bariloche, offering incredible views at every turn."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom

Driving offers the most flexibility to stop at viewpoints. Book in advance during peak season.

🚲 Bike the Scenic Route

Rent bikes for sections like the Llao Llao park. Be prepared for some challenging inclines!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cerro Campanario

Cerro Campanario

Kilometer 17.5

Ascend via chairlift for breathtaking panoramic views of lakes, islands, and mountains. A must-see for photographers!

Hotel Llao Llao & Parque Municipal Llao Llao

Hotel Llao Llao & Parque Municipal Llao Llao

Kilometer 25

Admire the iconic Llao Llao Hotel and explore the surrounding park's trails and stunning viewpoints.

TikTokInstagram
Villa Tacul

Villa Tacul

Near Hotel Llao Llao

Discover this picturesque beach on Lago Nahuel Huapi, perfect for a relaxing stop and enjoying the Patagonian landscape.

TikTokInstagram
Colonia Suiza

Colonia Suiza

Kilometer 23

Experience the charm of this historic Swiss settlement, known for its traditional cuisine and artisan shops.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Best Way to Explore Circuito Chico

Circuito Chico is a scenic 60km loop around Bariloche, best explored by car for flexibility. Renting a bike is also popular for shorter sections, but be prepared for hills. Public bus lines are an affordable option for reaching key points like Puerto Pañuelo. TikTok+2

Timing Your Visit for Views

While beautiful year-round, Circuito Chico truly shines during the warmer months for hiking and beach access. Winter offers a different charm with snow-capped peaks. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid larger crowds, especially during peak season. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#ente #arroyo Angostura #bariloche #club lago moreno #lago moreno #nahuel huapi
@larevistadeloestebari
43.5K likes • 448.6K views

🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom

Driving offers the most flexibility to stop at viewpoints. Book in advance during peak season. TikTok+1

🚲 Bike the Scenic Route

Rent bikes for sections like the Llao Llao park. Be prepared for some challenging inclines! TikTok+1

Sin palabras #lagoescondido #circuitochico #bariloche #barilocheargentina #inviernobariloche
@maynaveda
19K likes • 236.7K views
🚘 PARADAS IMPERDIBLES EN CIRCUITO CHICO 🏔️ Este es un recorrido que no te podés perder si vistas Bariloche. Es uno de los más tradicionales y permite disfrutar de paisajes soñados 🪧Nuestras paradas recomendadas son: Capilla San Eduardo Parque Municipal Llao Llao Villa Tacul Miradores Bahía López Puente Arroyo La Angostura Colonia Suiza Punto Panorámico ¿QUÉ OTRA PARADA NO PUEDE FALTAR EN EST...
recomiendoviajar
1.9K likes • 56.9K views

🚌 Affordable Bus Option

Bus lines 20 and 51 are budget-friendly ways to access key spots. Check schedules carefully. TikTok+1

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera! Miradors (viewpoints) offer stunning photo opportunities at every turn. TikTokInstagram

CIRCUITO CHICO - BARILOCHE🇦🇷 Agência: @argentinafunnytimes Esta é sua primeira vez em Bariloche? Porque não há melhor forma de conhecer a paisagem deslumbrante da região do que este passeio. O Circuito Chico é o city tour pelas paisagens de Bariloche. Por isso é considerado um dos passeios imperdíveis. Bora conhecer a magia de Bariloche? #bariloche #barilocheargentina #argentina #barilocheando...
voamrjohn
298 likes • 13.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom

Driving offers the most flexibility to stop at viewpoints. Book in advance during peak season. TikTok+1

🚲 Bike the Scenic Route

Rent bikes for sections like the Llao Llao park. Be prepared for some challenging inclines! TikTok+1

🚌 Affordable Bus Option

Bus lines 20 and 51 are budget-friendly ways to access key spots. Check schedules carefully. TikTok+1

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera! Miradors (viewpoints) offer stunning photo opportunities at every turn. TikTokInstagram

🥪 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a scenic lunch at one of the many viewpoints. Local shops offer supplies. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Circuito Chico for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse landscapes, making it a quintessential Bariloche experience. The accessibility via car, bus, or bike allows for flexible exploration. While generally well-loved, some find the organized tours can feel rushed, and certain popular spots can get crowded during peak times.

What People Like

Spectacular panoramic views
Diverse natural landscapes
Variety of exploration options

What People Dislike

Crowded popular spots
Rushed tour experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most popular way to explore Circuito Chico is by car, offering flexibility to stop at various viewpoints. You can rent a car in Bariloche. Alternatively, public bus lines 20 and 51 run along parts of the circuit, providing a more budget-friendly option. TikTok+3

Yes, you can use public buses like line 20 or 51 to access many key points of Circuito Chico. However, a car offers more freedom to stop at all the viewpoints and explore at your own pace. TikTok+1

Cycling the entire 60km Circuito Chico is possible and popular, especially during warmer months. Many visitors rent bikes for specific sections, like around Llao Llao. Be prepared for some challenging uphill climbs. TikTok+2

The Circuito Chico loop is approximately 60 kilometers. Driving it without significant stops can take around 2-3 hours, but most visitors spend a full day to enjoy the various viewpoints and attractions. TikTok+2

Yes, many agencies offer organized tours for Circuito Chico, which can be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive. These tours typically cover the main highlights and provide commentary. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Circuito Chico itself is a scenic route and generally does not have an entrance fee. However, some specific attractions within the circuit, like Cerro Campanario (for the chairlift), may have separate admission or activity fees. TikTok

Circuito Chico is an open road and can be accessed at any time. However, individual attractions like the chairlift at Cerro Campanario or restaurants will have their own operating hours, which vary by season. It's best to check these in advance. TikTok

For attractions like Cerro Campanario, it's generally best to purchase tickets upon arrival. Booking tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot. TikTok

Discounts are not typically available for the scenic route itself. However, tour operators may offer package deals, and some local businesses might have promotions. It's worth checking with your accommodation or local tourist information. TikTok

The cost of organized tours for Circuito Chico can vary. Regular tours might range from approximately USD 16, while private tours can be significantly more expensive, starting around USD 180 for smaller groups. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Cerro Campanario offers arguably the most spectacular panoramic views. Other excellent spots include the viewpoints near Llao Llao Hotel, Villa Tacul, and the Mirador Bahía López. TikTokInstagram+1

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful light for photography. However, midday can also be stunning with clear blue skies, especially for capturing the vibrant colors of the lakes. TikTok

A standard camera or even a good smartphone camera will suffice to capture the beauty of Circuito Chico. Wide-angle lenses are great for landscapes, but a versatile zoom lens is also useful for capturing details from afar. TikTok

Generally, there are no strict photography restrictions on Circuito Chico. However, always be respectful of private property and other visitors. Some indoor areas of attractions might have their own policies. TikTok

The view from Cerro Campanario, the architecture of Hotel Llao Llao, the serene beach of Villa Tacul, and the charming streets of Colonia Suiza are among the most iconic photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are several dining options along Circuito Chico, including restaurants with stunning views like Punto Panorámico. Colonia Suiza offers traditional Patagonian cuisine, and you can also find cafes and snack bars at popular stops. Instagram+1

Colonia Suiza is famous for its 'curanto,' a traditional Patagonian dish cooked in an underground oven. You can also find local artisan chocolates and regional specialties. Instagram

Absolutely! Many of the viewpoints and beaches along Circuito Chico are perfect for a picnic. Consider stopping at a local market in Bariloche to stock up on supplies. Reddit

Prices can vary. A meal at a restaurant with a view might cost around USD 27, while simpler snacks or picnic items will be more affordable. TikTok

While traditional Patagonian cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus in advance or inform your server of your dietary needs. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Circuito Chico is a fantastic family-friendly destination. The scenic drives offer plenty of opportunities for kids to enjoy the changing landscapes. Villa Tacul provides a safe and beautiful beach area for younger children to play, and the trails around Llao Llao Park are generally easy for family walks. TikTokInstagram

Consider renting bikes for shorter, flatter sections or utilizing the public bus for easy access to key points. Packing a picnic is a great way to keep kids happy and manage meal times. The chairlift ride at Cerro Campanario is also an exciting experience for children, offering incredible views without strenuous effort. TikTok+1

💰 Budget Travelers

For those on a budget, Circuito Chico is very accessible. Opting for public buses (lines 20 and 51) is significantly cheaper than organized tours or private car rentals. TikTok+1 Packing your own food and drinks for picnics is also a major cost-saver compared to dining at restaurants along the route. Reddit

While some attractions like Cerro Campanario have fees, many of the most beautiful viewpoints and natural areas are free to access. Walking or cycling parts of the circuit can also be a free and rewarding way to experience the scenery. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Circuito Chico is a photographer's paradise. The constantly changing vistas of lakes, mountains, and forests provide endless opportunities for stunning shots. Cerro Campanario is a must-visit for its 360-degree panoramic views, often cited as one of the world's best. Instagram+1

Plan your visit around the golden hours for the most dramatic lighting. Key spots like Villa Tacul, the Llao Llao Hotel, and the various 'miradores' (viewpoints) offer diverse photographic subjects. Don't forget to capture the unique architecture of the San Eduardo Church and the charming atmosphere of Colonia Suiza. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Circuito Chico by Car

Renting a car is often considered the most convenient way to experience Circuito Chico, offering the freedom to stop at any viewpoint or attraction at your own pace. The 60-kilometer loop begins and ends in Bariloche, winding along the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi and through Patagonian forests. Key stops include the iconic Cerro Campanario for its breathtaking views, the historic Hotel Llao Llao and its surrounding park, and the charming Villa Tacul beach. TikTok+2

When driving, be mindful of other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, especially during peak season. Road conditions are generally good, but some sections can be narrow. Parking is available at most major attractions, though it can fill up quickly during busy periods. Consider starting your drive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography. TikTok+1

Key driving tips: Plan your route in advance using a map or GPS. Keep your fuel tank topped up, as services can be sparse between major points. Enjoy the journey and don't rush; the beauty of Circuito Chico is in its many scenic stops. TikTok

Public Transport and Cycling Options

For budget-conscious travelers, public buses are a viable option for exploring parts of Circuito Chico. Bus lines 20 and 51 connect Bariloche with key points along the route, such as Puerto Pañuelo and the Llao Llao area. While this method is economical, it requires adherence to bus schedules and limits spontaneous stops. TikTok+1

Cycling is another popular way to experience Circuito Chico, particularly for those who enjoy an active adventure. Many visitors rent bicycles in Bariloche and cycle sections of the route, especially around the Llao Llao Municipal Park. Be prepared for some challenging inclines and ensure you have appropriate gear, including helmets. TikTok+1

Tips for public transport and cycling: Check the latest bus schedules before you go, as they can change seasonally. For cycling, consider renting a bike with gears suitable for hilly terrain. Always prioritize safety and be aware of traffic. TikTok+1

Culinary Delights of Circuito Chico

Circuito Chico offers a taste of Patagonian flavors, with Colonia Suiza being a culinary highlight. This historic settlement is renowned for its traditional 'curanto,' a unique cooking method where food is prepared in an underground oven. It's an experience that combines local history with delicious, hearty meals. Instagram

Beyond Colonia Suiza, various restaurants and cafes dot the circuit, offering everything from quick snacks to full dining experiences with breathtaking views. Restaurante Punto Panorámico is a popular choice for enjoying a meal while taking in the expansive landscapes. Instagram+1 Many visitors also opt for picnics, stocking up on local produce and artisanal goods from Bariloche to enjoy at scenic spots. Reddit

Foodie recommendations: Don't miss trying regional specialties like lamb, trout, and artisanal chocolates. For a memorable experience, consider booking a table at a restaurant with a view, especially for sunset. Instagram