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Cascada de los Duendes

4.6
·8k reviews·San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

A charming, easily accessible waterfall and forest trail near Bariloche, perfect for families and nature lovers seeking a gentle outdoor escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Beautiful year-round

CrowdMedium
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Cascada

Cascada de los Duendes

Best Time

Anytime

Beautiful year-round

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, easily accessible waterfall and forest trail near Bariloche, perfect for families and nature lovers seeking a gentle outdoor escape.

4.6
(8k reviews)

"An easily accessible walk that can be enjoyed as a family, at any time of the year and is of very low difficulty."

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TIP

🚗 Parking Advice

If driving, avoid leaving valuables in your car. Consider bus #50 for a stress-free arrival.

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Essential for the 400m forest path. Even in winter, good grip is key.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cascada de los Duendes

Cascada de los Duendes

Bariloche, Argentina

A charming, easily accessible waterfall nestled in a native forest. Perfect for families and nature lovers.

Lake Gutierrez Viewpoint

Lake Gutierrez Viewpoint

Near Cascada de los Duendes trail split

Offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Gutierrez, a rewarding detour for hikers.

Native Forest Trail

Native Forest Trail

Path to the waterfall

A gentle 400m walk through ancient coihue trees and local flora, filled with birdsong.

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Planning Your Visit

Getting There: Bus vs. Car

While driving is convenient, parking can be a concern. The #50 bus is a great alternative, dropping you near Villa Los Coihues for a pleasant walk to the trailhead. Reddit

Best Footwear & Season

Comfortable shoes are a must for the 400m forest trail. The waterfall is beautiful year-round, even with snow in winter, but be prepared for cold. Reddit

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Beautiful year-round
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter
Why
Snowy trails, full falls
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 Parking Advice

If driving, avoid leaving valuables in your car. Consider bus #50 for a stress-free arrival. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Essential for the 400m forest path. Even in winter, good grip is key. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Friendly

This easy walk is perfect for all ages, offering a delightful nature experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Trail Split

Don't miss the turn-off for the Lake Gutierrez viewpoint for spectacular scenery! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Advice

If driving, avoid leaving valuables in your car. Consider bus #50 for a stress-free arrival. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Essential for the 400m forest path. Even in winter, good grip is key. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Friendly

This easy walk is perfect for all ages, offering a delightful nature experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Trail Split

Don't miss the turn-off for the Lake Gutierrez viewpoint for spectacular scenery! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Cascada de los Duendes is a charming and easily accessible waterfall, praised for its family-friendly nature and gentle forest trail. While not a dramatic spectacle, it offers a pleasant natural escape, especially when combined with the scenic walk from the bus stop or the rewarding viewpoint of Lake Gutierrez. Some visitors note it can get crowded, suggesting off-peak times for a more solitary experience.

"Most people drive to the trailhead bu it is a pleasant 2.1k walk from the #50 bus stop along a dusty but shaded road then a short hike to the falls."

William Angel

"Nice easy walk by the lake and in the wood, and a lovely, not amazing, cascade. If you have 3-4 hours (including the time to get there) and want to spend them pleasantly - it might be a good idea. Get there by bus (forgot the number... Fifty something...)"

Shirley Kantor

"“Idioma español más abajo”
The Cascada de los Duendes is an easily accessible walk that can be enjoyed as a family, at any time of the year and is of very low difficulty.
Where is the Los Duendes Waterfall located?
To get from the city center, you have to take the number 50 bus that ends your tour in Villa Los Coihues, which is approximately 14 km from the city of Bariloche. You have to get off at Lake Gutierrez just after the bridge at the access to the Villa los Coihues neighborhood, from here you have to continue 1 km of walking along the street that borders the lake between forests and private homes and lodges. At the end of this road is the park guard house, and 100 meters later the path begins. You can also access this point by car or with bicycles and leave them parked there (we recommend not leaving valuable items in cars). The path through the forest has a total length of 400 meters with a minimum difficulty, in which one can observe centenary coihues, native flora of the place, the murmur of the stream, and if we stop, the sound of the birds that sing In the treetops
In a moment the path is divided in two, the one that goes to the waterfall and the path that takes you to the viewpoint of the Gutierrez Lake at 1 km (it is also super recommended although with a greater demand since it has 100 meters of unevenness), to Muñoz Beach 7,5 km away and to the top of the Frey Refuge 10 km away, which are other highly recommended walks that require all day.
This walk is ideal to do as a family, and enjoy the natural environment just minutes from Bariloche.

En español
La Cascada de los duendes es un paseo de fácil acceso que se puede disfrutar en familia, en cualquier época del año y es de muy baja dificultad.
¿Dónde se encuentra ubicada la Cascada de Los Duendes?
Para llegar desde el centro de la ciudad, hay que tomarse el colectivo numero 50 que termina su recorrido en Villa Los Coihues, que se encuentra aproximadamente a 14 km de la ciudad de Bariloche. Hay que bajarse en el Lago Gutierrez justo después del puente en el acceso al barrio Villa los Coihues, desde aquí hay que seguir 1 km de caminata por la calle que bordea el lago entre bosques y casas particulares y hosterías. En el final de este camino se encuentra la casa del guarda parques, y 100 metros mas adelante comienza el sendero. También se puede acceder a este punto en auto o con bicicletas y dejarlas estacionadas allí (recomendamos no dejar elementos de valor en los autos). El sendero por el bosque tiene una longitud total de 400 metros con una dificultad mínima, en el que se puede observar de coihues centenarios, flora autóctona del lugar, el murmullo del arroyo, y el si nos detenemos, el sonido de los pájaros que cantan en la copa de los arboles.
En un momento el sendero se divide en dos, el que va hacia la cascada y el sendero que te lleva hacia el mirador del Lago Gutierrez a 1 km (también es super recomendado aunque con una mayor exigencia ya que tiene 100 metros de desnivel), a Playa Muñoz a 7,5 km y a la cima del Refugio Frey a 10 km, que son otros paseos muy recomendados pero que requieren de todo el día.
Este paseo es ideal para hacer en familia, y disfrutar del entorno natural a pocos minutos de Bariloche."

Ariel Gutierrez

What People Like

Easy family-friendly trail
Beautiful native forest
Scenic lake walk

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take the #50 bus which ends in Villa Los Coihues. Get off at Lake Gutierrez, near the bridge to Villa Los Coihues. From there, it's a 1 km walk along the lake road to the park guard house, where the trail begins. Reddit

Yes, you can drive to the trailhead and park your car. However, it's recommended not to leave valuables unattended in the vehicle. Reddit

Yes, the #50 bus stops near Villa Los Coihues, which is about a 1 km walk from the trailhead. Reddit

The walk from the #50 bus stop to the trailhead is approximately 1 km along a road bordering Lake Gutierrez. Reddit

Yes, you can cycle to the trailhead and park your bicycle there. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of ticket requirements for Cascada de los Duendes in traveler reviews, suggesting it's likely free to access. Reddit

The waterfall is accessible year-round, and there are no specific opening hours mentioned, implying it's open during daylight hours. Reddit

Traveler accounts do not mention any entrance fees for the trail leading to Cascada de los Duendes. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, the ease of access suggests tours might be available, but it's also a popular spot for independent visitors. Reddit

A park guard house is mentioned at the start of the trail, which might serve as an information point. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The hike is described as very low difficulty, with a 400-meter forest trail that is minimally challenging. Reddit

The forest trail to Cascada de los Duendes is approximately 400 meters long. Reddit

You can observe centenary coihue trees, native flora, and hear the sounds of birds in the treetops. Reddit

Yes, it's ideal for families and can be enjoyed at any time of the year due to its low difficulty. Reddit

Yes, the trail splits, with one path leading to a viewpoint of Lake Gutierrez (1 km away) and others towards Muñoz Beach and Frey Refuge. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The waterfall itself is a primary subject. The surrounding native forest and the viewpoint of Lake Gutierrez also offer excellent photographic opportunities. Reddit

Yes, winter can be beautiful with snow on the trails, and the waterfall is full of water, creating a picturesque scene. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the waterfall and forest without harsh shadows. Reddit

There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drones, but it's always advisable to check local park rules before flying. Reddit

The area can get crowded with tourists, so visiting during off-peak hours might be better for unobstructed photos. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cascada de los Duendes is an excellent choice for families. The easy 400-meter forest trail is perfect for little legs, and the waterfall provides a delightful natural wonder to explore. The entire experience is low-difficulty and can be enjoyed year-round, making it a reliable option for a family outing. Reddit

Consider taking the #50 bus to avoid parking hassles and enjoy a scenic walk along Lake Gutierrez. Pack some snacks and water, and be prepared for a short but rewarding adventure that will keep children engaged with the sights and sounds of the native forest. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

This destination is very budget-friendly. The #50 bus is an inexpensive way to reach the area from Bariloche, and the walk to the trailhead is free. Reddit

The trail to Cascada de los Duendes itself is also free to access, making it a perfect activity for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Bariloche without significant expense. Pack your own food and drinks to save on costs during your visit. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating to Cascada de los Duendes

Reaching Cascada de los Duendes is straightforward, with options for both public transport and private vehicles. The #50 bus is a popular choice for visitors coming from Bariloche city center. It terminates in Villa Los Coihues, requiring a short, pleasant 1 km walk along the shores of Lake Gutierrez to reach the trailhead. This walk is described as shaded and easy, making it a relaxing start to the visit. Reddit

For those who prefer to drive, there is parking available at the trailhead. However, travelers advise caution and recommend not leaving valuable items in parked cars. The road leading to the trailhead is also accessible for bicycles, offering another eco-friendly way to reach the starting point of the hike. Reddit

Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, the final approach involves a well-maintained, 400-meter forest trail of minimal difficulty. This path winds through native flora, offering a gentle introduction to the natural beauty of the area before you reach the waterfall itself. Reddit

The Enchanting Trail and Waterfall

The journey to Cascada de los Duendes is as much a part of the experience as the waterfall itself. The 400-meter forest trail is characterized by its low difficulty, making it accessible for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. As you walk, you'll be surrounded by centenary coihue trees and a variety of native flora, creating a serene and immersive natural environment. The gentle murmur of the nearby stream and the songs of birds in the treetops add to the tranquil atmosphere. Reddit

At a certain point, the trail divides into two paths. One leads directly to the Cascada de los Duendes, while the other offers a detour to a viewpoint of Lake Gutierrez, approximately 1 km away. This viewpoint is highly recommended, though it involves a slight increase in elevation. Other longer trails also branch off from this junction, leading to Muñoz Beach and the Frey Refuge, but these require a full day. Reddit

The Cascada de los Duendes itself is described as a lovely cascade, not necessarily grand but certainly charming. It's a rewarding destination after a short, pleasant walk, perfect for a family outing or a peaceful moment in nature just a short distance from Bariloche. Reddit