Information
Landmark: Circuito ChicoCity: Bariloche
Country: Argentina
Continent: South America
Circuito Chico, Bariloche, Argentina, South America
Overview
The Circuito Chico, a favorite scenic drive near San Carlos de Bariloche in Patagonia, Argentina, winds past sparkling lakes and forested hills.This quick yet breathtaking route lets visitors wander through Nahuel Huapi National Park’s most iconic landscapes-sparkling blue lakes, quiet pine forests, rugged mountains-and dive into a variety of outdoor adventures.The route winds past sweeping cliffs and open skies, offering views that stop you in your tracks.It’s a must for anyone exploring the region.The route stretches about 65 kilometers-roughly 40 miles-winding past fields and quiet lanes.The Circuito Chico drive usually takes three to four hours, though it can run longer if you linger at viewpoints or stop for coffee.You can visit the Circuito Chico any time of year, but summer-December through March-draws the biggest crowds for hiking and lake trips, while winter, from June to September, turns the trails white and perfect for skiing.You’ll set out from San Carlos de Bariloche, winding past Llao Llao toward the shimmering blue of Nahuel Huapi Lake.Top sights and must‑stop spots along Circuito Chico, from quiet bays to windswept lookouts.Cerro Campanario rises 1,050 meters-about 3,445 feet-above sea level, high enough to feel the crisp bite of the mountain air.If you’re exploring the Circuito Chico, don’t miss Cerro Campanario-it rewards you with sweeping Bariloche views, from snow-dusted peaks to the deep blue of Lake Nahuel Huapi.From the summit, the view sweeps over glittering Lago Nahuel Huapi, the deep blue of Lago Moreno, Cerro López, and a ring of rugged mountains.Ride the chairlift to the top, or lace up your boots and hike to the summit, where the wind brushes your face and the whole valley stretches out below.From up here, you can see why people call it one of Patagonia’s finest views-the jagged peaks cut sharp against a sky so clear it almost hums.Number two.The Llao Llao area is home to the renowned Llao Llao Hotel, a luxury retreat tucked between the deep blue waters of Lago Nahuel Huapi and the calm shores of Lago Moreno.With its striking design and a backdrop of rugged mountains, the hotel draws visitors eager to snap photos or simply take in the view.Visitors can wander the Llao Llao Peninsula, where pine-scented trails wind through lush forests and lead to quiet beaches along the lake’s edge.Three.Just a short walk from the Llao Llao Hotel, Playa Llao Llao stretches along the lake’s edge, where soft sand meets clear, cold water.At the beach, you can stretch out in the quiet and watch sunlight catch on the clear blue water, with mountains rising in the distance.It’s a perfect spot to swim, paddle a kayak across the calm water, or spread out a blanket for a picnic in the sun.Number four.Puerto Pañuelo is the dock where visitors hop aboard boats to explore the deep blue waters of Lago Nahuel Huapi.From this port, you can set off for places like Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest, where pale, smooth-barked Arrayán trees glow against the green.You can rent a boat here, whether you’re in the mood for wakeboarding or just drifting across the lake under the afternoon sun.Number five presses into the page like a small, dark footprint.Colonia Suiza is a charming little Swiss-style village tucked along the Circuito Chico, where wooden chalets peek out from behind tall pines.The village lets you step back into the region’s history and culture, with wooden chalets trimmed in bright red shutters and an air so still you can hear the church bell echo down the street.Famous for its local flavors, the town invites visitors to try curanto-a hearty Patagonian feast steamed with hot stones-along with creamy fondue and rich, handmade chocolates.Number six.Lago Moreno is a highlight of the Circuito Chico, where you can take in sweeping views of Cerro López and the sharp, snow-dusted peaks around it.It’s a quiet place where you can swim, cast a line into the still water, or take a boat out, and the views of the hills around you are worth every moment.Scattered around the lake are several lookout spots, each giving you a sweeping view of the glassy blue water and the rugged Andean peaks.Seven.Though it’s a bit farther along the Cerro Campanario route, the Sendero de los Arrayanes-where cinnamon-barked trees glow in the sun-stands out as one of the area’s most distinctive sights.The forest is filled with Arrayán trees, their smooth white bark catching the light and giving the whole place a dreamlike beauty.You can reach the forest by boat or with a quick hike from Puerto Pañuelo, where the air smells faintly of pine.It’s a great place to wander under tall trees and snap photos of sunlight spilling through the leaves.Eight.Playa Bonita sits on the edge of Lago Nahuel Huapi, where clear blue water laps the shore and snow-dusted mountains rise in the distance.It’s the perfect spot to unwind, take a dip in the cool water, or spread out a blanket for a picnic under the trees.You’ll find restaurants and cafés by the beach where you can savor local dishes as waves break gently against the shore.Number nine, sharp and simple, stood alone like a black mark on white paper.All along the Circuito Chico, you’ll find spots to stop and take in the view-maybe a quiet bend where the lake flashes silver in the sun.From these spots, visitors can pause to take in the sweep of forests, glittering lakes, and rugged mountains, each view shifting as they move.From many lookout points, you can take in fresh, shifting views of Nahuel Huapi Lake and the jagged peaks that frame it.Getting there by car’s simple-just follow the road out to the Circuito Chico, a self-guided route that winds past lakes and pine-scented hills.From San Carlos de Bariloche, follow Route 77 and it’ll lead you along the scenic circuit, past blue lakes and tall pines.By bus, you can hop on a tour in Bariloche that takes you along the Circuito Chico, complete with a guide pointing out hidden beaches and mountain views-perfect if you’d rather skip the driving.By bike, some visitors rent a set of wheels and pedal the winding roads of Circuito Chico, catching the scent of pine as they go.It’s a wonderful way to take in the scenery, letting your eyes wander over rolling hills and quiet streams while you move at an easy pace.Summer, from December to March, is the prime time to explore the Circuito Chico, when warm sunshine and clear skies make it perfect for hiking, biking, or paddling across the lake.This route gets crowded around now, and on weekends you might even hear the steady hum of passing cars.Autumn, from April to May, is ideal if you’d rather skip the summer crowds and soak in the park’s rich fall colors, like fiery red leaves glowing in the crisp afternoon light.Winter (June–September): Snow may block access to some higher-altitude spots, but the season wraps the route in a hush, like fresh powder muffling every sound.Winter’s the ideal time for anyone who loves strapping on snowshoes and wandering through quiet hills blanketed in fresh, powdery snow.Spring (October to November) brings mild days and quiet trails, the air carrying a hint of wildflowers-perfect for hiking and soaking in the area’s beauty before summer crowds arrive.If you’re in San Carlos de Bariloche, don’t skip the Circuito Chico-it’s the kind of ride where the lake glitters beside you the whole way.Whether you’re drawn to misty mountain views, curious to wander through storybook Swiss-style villages, or eager to spend the day hiking, paddling, or casting a line, this scenic drive has something for everyone.With sweeping cliffs, hidden trails, and views that catch your breath, it’s one of the finest ways to take in the Patagonian Andes and the wild beauty of Nahuel Huapi National Park.
