Cerro Otto | Bariloche

Cerro Otto – A Panoramic Paradise in Bariloche

Cerro Otto is one of the most iconic mountains near San Carlos de Bariloche, offering spectacular panoramic views, outdoor activities, and the famous Rotating Restaurant at its summit. It is a must-visit destination in Patagonia for both adventure seekers and those looking for a scenic escape.

General Information

• Location: 5 km from San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina.
• Elevation: 1,405 meters (4,610 feet) above sea level.
• Famous For: Breathtaking views, hiking, skiing, and the Rotating Restaurant.
• Best Visit Seasons:
  • Summer (December – March) → Hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing.
  • Winter (June – September) → Snow activities, including sledding and skiing.

Key Attractions & Activities

1. Cerro Otto Cable Car (Teleférico Cerro Otto)

• A gondola ride takes visitors from the base station to the summit in about 12 minutes.
• Offers spectacular views of Bariloche, Lago Nahuel Huapi, and the Andes Mountains.
• Base Station Facilities: Shops, a café, and an art gallery featuring replicas of Michelangelo sculptures.

2. Rotating Restaurant (Confitería Giratoria)

• Argentina’s only rotating restaurant, making a full 360-degree turn every 20 minutes.
• Enjoy traditional Patagonian cuisine while admiring stunning panoramic views of lakes, forests, and mountains.
• Menu Highlights:
  • Hot chocolate with homemade pastries.
  • Patagonian lamb and trout dishes.

3. Hiking and Trekking Trails

• Several scenic trails start from the summit and base of Cerro Otto:
  • Summit Trail → A short 1-hour walk around the peak with stunning viewpoints.
  • Cerro Otto to Bariloche Trail → A longer downhill hike through forests, leading back to the city.
  • Refugio Berghof Trail → Leads to the historic mountain hut of Otto Meiling, a legendary Patagonian mountaineer.

4. Winter Activities (June – September)

• Sledding (Tobogganing) → One of the most popular activities for families.
• Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing → Well-marked trails for cross-country skiing and snow hikes.
• Snow Tubing → Ride down snowy slopes on inflatable tubes for an adrenaline-filled experience.

5. Paragliding from Cerro Otto

• One of the best paragliding spots in Patagonia.
• Take off from scenic cliffs and enjoy a thrilling aerial view of Bariloche, the lakes, and the mountains.

6. Mountain Biking

• Summer biking trails take riders through forests and scenic viewpoints.
• Bike rentals are available in Bariloche.

7. Scenic Viewpoints

• Mirador del Cerro Otto → Offers one of the best 360-degree views of Patagonia.
• View of Lago Nahuel Huapi → A perfect spot for photography.
• Sunset Views → Watching the sun set behind the Andes is a breathtaking experience.

Wildlife and Nature

• The mountain is covered in Patagonian forests, home to:
  • Native birds: Condors, woodpeckers, and eagles.
  • Mammals: Foxes, deer, and wild hares.
  • Flora: Lenga and coihue trees, along with vibrant wildflowers in spring and summer.

How to Get to Cerro Otto?

• By Cable Car → The Teleférico Cerro Otto departs from the base station, 5 km from Bariloche.
• By Car → A scenic gravel road leads to the summit.
• By Hiking → Several trails start from Bariloche and lead to the top.
• By Shuttle Bus → Free shuttle buses depart from downtown Bariloche to the cable car station.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (December – March) → For hiking, biking, and paragliding.
• Winter (June – September) → For snow sports and sledding.
• Autumn (April – May) → Offers stunning fall foliage colors.

Conclusion

Cerro Otto is one of Bariloche’s top attractions, offering year-round outdoor adventures and spectacular panoramic views. Whether you’re enjoying a meal in the rotating restaurant, hiking through Patagonian forests, or sledding down snowy slopes, Cerro Otto provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of Patagonia.