Marcelo OliveiraCircuito Chico and Cerro Campanario fit into the same day and make up the most efficient introduction to Bariloche’s landscapes. The main decision is transport: a car gives you freedom, a tour handles the logistics, and the bus requires connections. Set aside anywhere from 4 hours to a full day, depending on how many trails and stops you want.
Hotels in Barilochefree cancellation options onlySee hotels ›Booking.com partner (advertising): we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
| Verdict | car to explore; tour to simplify |
|---|---|
| Distance | roughly 60 km from downtown |
| Time | 3h30–4h on a tour; up to a full day on your own |
| Access | paved road; chairlift sold separately |
| Limitation | the bus doesn’t reach every stop |
How to combine Circuito Chico with Cerro Campanario
Start early at Cerro Campanario, at km 17, then head toward Llao Llao, Puerto Pañuelo, Bahía López and Punto Panorámico. Bariloche’s official tourism site estimates roughly 60 km from downtown. This order lowers the risk of reaching the chairlift after the weather has already closed in.
The top of Campanario gives you the geographic lay of the land: lakes Nahuel Huapi and Moreno, peninsulas and mountains all appear in the same field of view. The chairlift takes about 7 minutes, but add the line, time at the viewpoint and a possible stop at the tearoom. If you’d rather hike, save your energy and check trail conditions on the day.
Car, tour or bus: which to choose
A rental car wins for anyone who wants to hike in Parque Llao Llao and stop without watching the clock; a tour suits those with half a day; public transport works for Campanario and specific stretches, but not for easily covering every curve of the circuit.
| Option | Freedom | Typical time | Weak point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | high | 6–9 hours | parking and driving |
| Tour | low | 3h30–4h | short stops |
| Bus | medium | 5–8 hours | connections and waiting |
If you want to photograph at a relaxed pace, treat Circuito Chico as a full-day outing. Bring water, a windbreaker and a power bank. Restaurants and tea houses exist along the way, but depending on them raises costs and reduces your control over the schedule.
How to do it without a car
Take the urban line that runs along Avenida Bustillo to reach Cerro Campanario and Puerto Pañuelo; for the inner branches, confirm schedules in the local app on the day itself. Without a car, pick two bases — Campanario and Llao Llao — instead of trying to replicate the full 60 km.
Logistics improve when you combine the bus with a stretch on foot and head back before peak hours. Recent reports point to packed vehicles on the return; the concrete mistake is waiting for the last possible departure at an isolated stop. Have a taxi or remís plan ready and keep a balance on whatever payment method you use for transport.
How much time to set aside
According to the official site, the reference is 3h30 to 4h with an agency, while the independent route can take up the whole day. Add 60–90 minutes for Campanario, 45 minutes for lunch and at least an hour if you go into the trails of Parque Llao Llao.
In winter, snow, ice and short daylight make the schedule less predictable. In summer, the long afternoon favors beaches and hikes. Set a return time and cut the last stop if the circuit runs late.
What it actually costs
According to official tourism, the chairlift takes about 7 minutes. As of August 2026, add transport, chairlift, food and parking: budget between US$ 45 and US$ 100 per adult, plus the car rental when applicable.
Agency tours usually don’t include the ascent to Campanario. That’s the most common budgeting mistake: comparing only the transport price. For two people, add the tour or the daily car rate, fuel, chairlift and a meal before deciding.
Check the validated activity from Civitatis in Bariloche; confirm inclusions and cancellation policy before paying.
Confirm road, chairlift and wind conditions on the morning you leave.
Mistakes that ruin the day
- Buying a tour assuming the chairlift is included.
- Trying to make every bus stop without checking the return schedule.
- Reaching Campanario after clouds cover the viewpoint.
- Parking on an unsuitable shoulder to take a photo.
- Underestimating cold and wind even in summer.
Verdict by traveler profile
Choose a tour if you only have one morning; a car if you want trails, beaches and a leisurely lunch; the bus if budget matters and you accept a shorter circuit. Pair this plan with the 5-day Bariloche itinerary, the Patagonia itinerary and ideas for adventure in South America.
HotelAs soon as you have datesCompare neighbourhoods and guest ratings.Booking ›
ActivitiesBefore you travelBook ahead the ones with limited spots.Civitatis ›
More activitiesTo compareTickets, day trips and tours with flexible cancellation.GetYourGuide ›
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cerro Campanario chairlift included?
Usually not. Land tours typically charge only for transport and guide; the ascent is paid separately. Read the inclusions in your booking.
Can you hike up Cerro Campanario?
Yes, there’s trail access. Set aside at least 90 minutes for the climb and descent, wear grippy footwear and avoid ice.
What’s the best order of stops?
Campanario early, then Llao Llao, Puerto Pañuelo, Bahía López and Punto Panorámico form an efficient sequence for anyone leaving downtown.
Does Circuito Chico work in winter?
Yes, the route runs year-round. Leave before 9am, account for snow or ice and bring a windbreaker layer.
Where is Cerro Campanario?
The access is on Avenida Bustillo, around km 17, integrated into the traditional Circuito Chico route.
Circuit sorted
Choose your transport based on the stops you want, not just the price. On Voyage Voyage, keep planning Patagonia with testable routes and verifiable costs.