
Circuito Chico Bariloche
A breathtaking 60km scenic loop in Bariloche, offering stunning Patagonian vistas, iconic landmarks, and diverse exploration options.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Circuito Chico Bariloche
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 60km scenic loop in Bariloche, offering stunning Patagonian vistas, iconic landmarks, and diverse exploration options.
"Excellent way to spend the day, we did the circuit on ebikes which made everything easier."

🚗 Secure Your Car!
Be extremely cautious of car theft. Never leave valuables visible and park where you can see your vehicle.
🚲 E-bike for Ease
E-bikes make navigating the hills effortless and allow you to focus on the scenery.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 1,366 reviews
Type
Wildlife Park
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cerro Campanario
Mid-point of Circuito Chico
Panoramic 360° views of lakes, mountains, and forests. A must-see mirador!

Llao Llao Hotel & Gardens
Near the start/end of the circuit
Iconic historic hotel with stunning architecture and beautiful surrounding gardens.

Punto Panorámico
Along the circuit
Offers breathtaking viewpoints of the Nahuel Huapi Lake and surrounding mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Ride & Belongings
Best Time for Views & Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Circuito Chico, San Carlos De Bariloche, Argentina [2048x1366] [OC]
If anyone is interested in reading about our trip to the Circuito Chico near San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina, it's here: http://thedesinomads.com/2016/12/24/argentina-day-8-short-circuit-drive-bariloche/
🚗 Secure Your Car!
Be extremely cautious of car theft. Never leave valuables visible and park where you can see your vehicle.
🚲 E-bike for Ease
E-bikes make navigating the hills effortless and allow you to focus on the scenery.
Recommendations around Bariloche
We have a few days to spare and driving from Chico Chile to Bariloche. Are there any recommendations on activities to do or plaxes to visit on our way or around Bariloche OTHER THAN HIKES (nothing against hikes, just we have done so many of them and still have a huge…
Bariloche
Hi all! Hoping to visit Bariloche (amongst other places in Patagonia) in January. Just wondering what people would recommend as the best things to do whilst there? Looks like there may be some good trails but do people have any recommendations in terms of specific hikes /…
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Even if driving, wear comfortable shoes for short walks and exploring viewpoints.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The miradors offer incredible photo opportunities of the Patagonian landscape.
Looking for suggestions for first time going to Patagonia in Argentina
Hello! My husband and I are going to Argentina for a friend's wedding in BA at the end of February and are going to take a couple of days to check out Patagonia. We have been looking into Bariloche, El Calafate, El Chalten and Ushuaia but are having a hard time deciding and only…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Secure Your Car!
Be extremely cautious of car theft. Never leave valuables visible and park where you can see your vehicle.
🚲 E-bike for Ease
E-bikes make navigating the hills effortless and allow you to focus on the scenery.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Even if driving, wear comfortable shoes for short walks and exploring viewpoints.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The miradors offer incredible photo opportunities of the Patagonian landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery and accessibility of Circuito Chico, with many recommending e-bikes for an enjoyable exploration. However, a significant concern is car security, with multiple reports of theft targeting rental vehicles. Despite this, the stunning viewpoints and natural beauty make it a highly recommended experience.
"Excellent way to spend the day, we did the circuit on ebikes which made everything easier. Parking, hills and taking in the sights. So easy. Multiple policía at the parking areas, plenty of restaurants, cervecerias, playas and miradors. Highly recommend."
Robert Quinn
"Really beautiful places to see!"
Patrícia Shibuya
"Do not leave your car out of sight! We got robbed while we stepped out of our rental car. The robbers don't break the glass, just disengage the alarm and open the trunk. They specifically target foreigners with rental cars and are very fast. They don't look suspicious, seem to work in pairs. If you will stop for the view or take a picture, better to park somewhere where you can see your car anytime. Even if there are people around, do not trust. No one does anything even if they see robbery. Apparently there are many cases like this but local people do not want to share not to impact tourism."
Neslihan SASMAZER
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Circuito Chico is a scenic route near Bariloche. You can drive your own car, rent one, or take a bus. Many visitors opt for e-bikes or guided tours for a more immersive experience. The route is well-marked and starts from the city center.
Driving offers flexibility, but e-bikes are highly recommended by visitors for ease of navigating hills and enjoying the scenery without the stress of parking.
For families, consider a guided tour or renting a car. E-bikes can be an option if your children are comfortable cycling, but ensure you have appropriate safety gear. The numerous stops for views and snacks make it engaging for all ages.
Yes, local buses operate along parts of the Circuito Chico route, offering a budget-friendly way to see some of the main attractions. However, a car or bike provides more freedom to stop at all the viewpoints.
The Circuito Chico itself is about 60 km (37 miles) long. Driving the entire circuit, including stops at viewpoints and for photos, typically takes 3-5 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Circuito Chico is a scenic route, not a ticketed attraction. There are no entry fees for the circuit itself. However, some specific attractions along the route, like chairlifts at Cerro Campanario, may have separate charges.
Generally, the viewpoints (miradores) along Circuito Chico are free to access. You can stop and enjoy the scenery without any cost.
Circuito Chico is an open road, accessible 24/7. However, most businesses and attractions along the route operate during daylight hours, typically from morning until early evening.
To avoid the largest crowds, aim for weekday mornings, especially outside of peak holiday seasons. Late afternoons can also be less crowded than midday.
Yes, booking tours for Circuito Chico in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially get better rates. Many local tour operators offer various options.
📸 📸 Photography
The absolute best photo spots include Cerro Campanario for its 360° panorama, Punto Panorámico for lake and mountain vistas, and the Llao Llao Hotel area for its iconic architecture. Don't miss the smaller, unnamed miradores for unique perspectives.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for your photos. Midday can be harsh, but still offers stunning scenery.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty of Circuito Chico. However, if you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens, you can capture even more expansive landscapes.
Generally, there are no photography restrictions on the public viewpoints along Circuito Chico. You are free to take photos of the natural scenery. Some private establishments might have their own policies.
At Cerro Campanario, aim for wide panoramic shots to capture the vastness of the lakes and mountains. Also, try to get shots of the different islands and the distant peaks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and cervecerias (breweries) along Circuito Chico, offering everything from quick snacks to full meals with stunning views. Many are located near popular viewpoints.
Yes, many restaurants offer lunch options. Consider stopping at places near Llao Llao or Cerro Campanario for a meal with a view. Some offer local Patagonian specialties.
You'll find a variety of options, including traditional Argentine parrilla (grill), pasta, sandwiches, and local trout. Many places also serve craft beer and pastries.
While some restaurants offer fine dining with views, you can also find more casual cafes and parrillas that are more budget-friendly. Packing some snacks and water can also help save money.
Options can vary, but many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian dishes. It's advisable to check menus beforehand or ask staff about vegetarian or vegan choices.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit