Information
Landmark: Cerro CampanarioCity: Bariloche
Country: Argentina
Continent: South America
Cerro Campanario, Bariloche, Argentina, South America
Overview
Cerro Campanario, perched in Nahuel Huapi National Park in Patagonia, Argentina, is one of San Carlos de Bariloche’s best-known viewpoints, where you can see deep-blue lakes stretching to the horizon.From the top of this little hill, the Andean peaks stretch for miles, with blue lakes glinting below and dark forests spilling to the horizon.Many travelers rank Cerro Campanario among Bariloche’s top natural sights, where you can ride up and take in the sweep of blue lakes and snow-dusted peaks from high above.The elevation here is 1,050 meters-about 3,445 feet-above sea level, where the air feels just a touch cooler.It’s about 17 km, or just over 10 miles, from the heart of San Carlos de Bariloche, where the streets smell faintly of fresh coffee in the morning.The hill sits along the Circuito Chico route, so visitors can reach it easily, maybe pausing to snap a photo of the lake glittering below.The best time to go is in summer, from December to March, when the sky stays bright and blue and the air feels pleasantly warm.Still, it’s a great spot to visit in fall or spring, when the trails are quieter and maples blaze red or wildflowers spill across the hills.Main takeaway number one, the part that stands out first.The real draw of Cerro Campanario is the sweeping view from its summit, where snow-capped peaks stretch across the horizon.Visitors can take in sweeping views of the lakes-Lago Nahuel Huapi, Lago Moreno-shimmering under the sun, with the jagged Andean peaks rising beyond.From the summit, you can spot several striking landmarks-Cerro López, the snow-capped Cerro Tronador, and the jagged peaks of Cerro Catedral.Lago Nahuel Huapi and Lago Moreno shimmer with clear blue water, like glass catching the afternoon sun.The Llao Llao Peninsula, crowned by the iconic Llao Llao Hotel with its red-tiled roof, stands as one of Bariloche’s most famous landmarks.From the summit, you can see one of Patagonia’s most breathtaking sights-jagged peaks rising above a sweep of glacier-blue lakes, just begging to be captured in a photo.Number two.One of the simplest ways to reach Cerro Campanario’s summit is to hop on the chairlift, letting it whisk you upward as the scent of pine drifts past.The chairlift carries you up in about ten minutes, gliding smoothly over pine-covered slopes and opening up sweeping views of the mountains as you climb.The chairlift runs all year, carrying visitors who’d rather skip the steep climb and still take in the sweep of mountains dusted with snow.Number three.If you’re up for a more active adventure, you can take the hiking trail that winds up to the summit of Cerro Campanario, where the scent of pine lingers in the cool air.The hike doesn’t take long, but some stretches climb sharply, making it great for anyone who wants a quick workout and a chance to take in the pine-scented air and sweeping views.The trail climbs gently, winding through tall pines and thick green undergrowth.Along the way, you can pull over at a few lookout spots, where the land drops away to reveal rolling hills and a ribbon of river below.Number four.At the summit of Cerro Campanario, you can sip a steaming cup of coffee at the café and nibble on a pastry while gazing out over the sweeping mountain views.At the very top, the observation deck opens wide, giving visitors room to stretch out, snap a few photos, and take in the sweep of hills fading into the horizon.The café opens for the summer season, just when the air smells of fresh grass, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the quiet scenery.Number five stood out in bold, like a red mark on the page.Around Cerro Campanario, you might spot bright-feathered birds flitting through the trees and catch glimpses of other wildlife moving quietly in the underbrush.You might spot condors gliding overhead, eagles perched in the pines, gulls wheeling over the surf, and waterfowl paddling in the shallows.Visit in the quieter months, and you might catch sight of deer stepping softly through the pines, along with squirrels and other small forest creatures.You can reach Cerro Campanario by car in just a short drive from San Carlos de Bariloche, winding past pine-covered hills along the way.You’ll find it along the Circuito Chico, a well-loved scenic drive that winds past lakes and forests in the Bariloche area.At the foot of the hill, a small parking lot waits for visitors, who can leave their cars there before riding the chairlift or hiking up to the summit.By bus, you can join regular routes or guided tours that swing by Cerro Campanario, often as a highlight of the Circuito Chico trip.It’s a solid choice if you’d rather skip the hassle of driving-no fighting traffic or hunting for a parking spot.Some visitors hop on a bike and pedal to Cerro Campanario, weaving it into their ride along the Circuito Chico.You can reach the hill along a bike-friendly path, and riding up lets you take in the sweep of green fields and open sky in a way you don’t get from a car.Summer (December–March) is the busiest time to see Cerro Campanario, when the air feels warm on your skin, the skies stay clear, and every activity-from hiking to riding the chairlift-is running at full tilt.It’s the perfect moment to hit the trail and soak in the wide, sunlit views.Autumn (April–May): In fall, the hills around Cerro Campanario glow with rich reds and golds, like leaves catching the last warm light.It’s also a calmer time to go, when the streets aren’t crowded and you can hear your footsteps on the cobblestones.Winter (June–September) may chill the air, but it also offers a kind of magic-crisp mornings, snow-dusted peaks, and blissfully quiet trails.Still, a few trails could be tricky to navigate, with patches of snow crunching underfoot.Spring (October–November) offers mild days and a quiet charm, with fewer tourists on the trails and hillsides dotted with bright wildflowers-perfect for anyone who wants the beauty without the bustle.Cerro Campanario ranks among the most popular spots in San Carlos de Bariloche, easy to reach and famous for sweeping views of sapphire lakes and rugged mountains.Take the chairlift or hike your way up-either path leads to a rare chance to see Patagonia’s beauty spread out below, with jagged peaks and glittering lakes stretching to the horizon.Cerro Campanario offers sweeping mountain views, lush forests, and a cozy summit café where the scent of fresh coffee drifts on the breeze-making it a must-visit for anyone in Bariloche.
