2 Worth-It Day Hikes in Bariloche, Argentina

San Carlos de Bariloche, nicknamed “The Gateway to Patagonia,” is situated in Southwest Argentina near the Chile border.

Its bright blue water lakes and rigged Andes mountains are spectacular to witness, and there are plenty of hiking and outdoor activities to do!

I spent three nights in Bariloche after spending over a week in Buenos Aires (which I loved). Three nights helped me get a nice “taste” of the Patagonia region and allowed enough time to take advantage of the day hiking opportunities!

Cerro Campanario

This is probably the most popular hike and viewpoint in Bariloche, and for good reason! At first glance at the top, I felt like it might be the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen a lot of beautiful views! Photos don’t do it justice.

With Cerro Campanario, you can either hike (about 20-30 minutes up) or take a cable car (it goes up or down). The cable car line was really long when we went in early February (it was summer and high season) so we felt we’d save time and get some exercise by doing the hike.

The hike wasn’t too challenging, but it did get our heart rates up! The hike itself doesn’t show any views of the lake throughout; it’s all dirt and trees until you get to the top.

If you want some exercise and/or to skip the cable car line, it’s a good move. If you don’t want the exercise and the cable car line isn’t too long, then you might as well take the cable car to save time. It’s up to you!

At the top, you can enjoy the views from an expansive viewing deck, and also grab a coffee or light meal from the restaurant. If you eat inside the restaurant, there are plenty of tables next to large windows with views of the landscapes.

On the way down, we took the cable car for 1200 Argentinian pesos in cash. The line was shorter to go back down.

Getting to Cerro Campanario

To get to Cerro Campanario, we took a local bus. It was bus #20 going west and leaves every 15-20 minutes or so. (Make sure you are on the right side of the street to catch the correct bus, otherwise, you might go the wrong direction!) You will need to go to a “Kiosko” to get a bus card and add credit to it beforehand, so plan time accordingly! Bus fare was super cheap.

I’m glad we took a bus versus a taxi, because on the way back we didn’t see any taxis going by. However, you might be able to ask a taxi driver if you can text them on Whatsapp and see if they are willing to pick you up for a ride back.

Another option is to rent a car in Bariloche and drive to Cerro Campanario.

Llao Llao

I didn’t think the views could get any better after Cerro Campanario, and I was wrong. Llao Llao was absolutely gorgeous and worth the longer time (estimate a few hours to get there and go up and back) to get there!

Llao Llao, which you may read in Spanish as “Yow Yow” (double Ls), is actually pronounced “Shao Shao” by most locals (as most Argentinians, at least everyone we talked to, make more of an Sh sound for double Ls.)

This hike felt more like we were “out in nature,” as it is a little farther northwest along the lake and slightly more remote. It’s still a popular hike, though, and you’ll see other hikers throughout your journey!

Unlike Cerro Campanrio, Llao Llao is more open and previews incredible views along the way. Every time we paused, we would take in the landscape. And each time, we would get surprised by how the views got even better as we made our way to the top!

Getting to Llao Llao

Llao Llao is further northwest of Cerro Campanario, so you can take the same bus going west to get there. Since it’s farther than Cerro Campanario, an option is to go to Llao Llao first earlier in the day, grab a bite to eat, and then go east to Cerro Campanario for the afternoon.

One of our friends rented a car so we drove to Llao Llao. There is a dirt road you turn onto from the main road, and we all lost cell service. At the end of the dirt road, there was a parking lot area and a trail sign with a map of the possible trails you can try.

A Few Quick Tips For Planning Your Visit To Bariloche

It’s fastest to get to Bariloche from Buenos Aires by air. A flight will get you there in about two hours if you fly nonstop.
As a small town with German influence, Bariloche feels like a blend of Germany and Argentina. You’ll experience fresh air, mountain landscapes, and a large amount of breweries. You’ll find wine of course, but beer takes center stage here!
Downtown Bariloche is a little hilly, keep that in mind!
Downtown Bariloche typically has more hostels; you will find some more hotels going a little west on the lake. You can also stay at Llao Llao Resort - a gorgeous, high-end resort with breathtaking views (we drove past it! We also met a local girl whose mom works there)!