Hiking trail in Bariloche, Río Negro, Patagonia, Argentina
Circuito Chico
Classic lakeside walk through Nahuel Huapi National Park passing native coihue forests, viewpoints over turquoise lakes, and the Panoramico lookout above Bariloche. Perfect introduction to Patagonian scenery for all fitness levels.
Circuito Chico is the most popular walking route in the Bariloche area, tracing a loop through the western shore of the Llao Llao Peninsula inside Nahuel Huapi National Park in Río Negro Province, Argentine Patagonia. The circuit is accessible from Bariloche city centre by bus (line 20 to Llao Llao, roughly a 40-minute ride) or by bicycle along a dedicated cycle path along Avenida Bustillo, making it one of the few major Patagonian hikes that does not require a private vehicle. The trailhead is near the Hotel Llao Llao at the western end of Avenida Bustillo; free roadside parking is available for those who drive.
The loop covers approximately 10 km with only 200 metres of elevation gain, typically completed in 3 to 4 hours of walking. The terrain is gentle, with well-maintained gravel and dirt paths through coihue (Nothofagus dombeyi) and arrayán myrtle forests. The arrayán grove at Bahía López is particularly notable: its distinctive cinnamon-coloured bark and contorted trunks are unique to Patagonia, and the oldest specimens are several centuries old.
The route passes a series of lake viewpoints overlooking Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, whose turquoise waters contrast sharply with the surrounding forested slopes and snow-capped Andean peaks. The Mirador Panorámico is the highest point on the circuit and provides an elevated view of the Llao Llao Peninsula, the lakes to either side, and the slopes of Cerro López to the north.
Along the way, the path skirts the shoreline of Laguna El Trébol, a small dark-water lake surrounded by arrayán trees that is locally associated with Walt Disney's 1941 visit to Bariloche; the forest reportedly inspired the look of the woodland in Bambi. From the peninsula's tip, the trail loops back through open meadows where the landmark Hotel Llao Llao — a national heritage building dating from 1938 — frames the final stretch. Water points and toilet facilities are available at the Llao Llao Hotel area.
The circuit lies entirely within Nahuel Huapi National Park; the standard park entry fee applies and can be paid at the park entrance booth or in advance online. No additional permit is required for day hiking.
Trail area: Bariloche, Río Negro, Patagonia
Highlights
- Nahuel Huapi lake views
- Llao Llao Peninsula
- Cerro López lookout
- Native patagonian forests
Tips
- Bus line 20 from downtown Bariloche runs to Llao Llao regularly, making a car unnecessary; the cycle path along Bustillo also makes cycling the approach a popular option.
- The arrayán grove at Bahía López is best visited in early morning when light filters through the distinctive reddish trunks; the spot can be crowded by midday in peak season.
- Carry sun protection — several sections of the trail are open and exposed to strong southern hemisphere UV.
- Combining the circuit with a lake crossing from nearby Puerto Pañuelo to Isla Victoria makes a full-day outing.
- A free trail map is available at the Bariloche national park office and is useful at trail junctions.
FAQ
Is Circuito Chico suitable for families with young children?
Yes, it is one of the most family-friendly trails in Patagonia. The terrain is gentle, distances are manageable, and the lakeside scenery holds interest for all ages. Strollers can navigate the lower paved sections near Llao Llao but are impractical on the full dirt trail.
Does Circuito Chico require a national park pass?
Yes, a standard Nahuel Huapi National Park entry fee applies. It can be paid at the park entrance booths or in advance online via the Parques Nacionales Argentina website.
Can the loop be walked in either direction?
The circuit can be walked clockwise or counterclockwise with no significant difference in difficulty. Most hikers start from the Llao Llao Hotel area and walk counterclockwise to reach the arrayán grove while energy is still high.
Is there food available along the route?
No food vendors are located on the trail itself. The Llao Llao Hotel area has a café, and Bariloche offers extensive options before and after the walk.
Accessibility
Parts of the lower paved sections near Hotel Llao Llao are navigable by wheelchair with assistance, but the full trail loop includes uneven gravel and dirt surfaces that make wheelchair or stroller use difficult beyond the first kilometre. The trail is not classified as fully accessible.
When to visit
October to April suits all fitness levels; November and December offer wildflowers and fresh green foliage, while March and April bring Patagonian autumn colour. The circuit is walkable year-round but can be muddy and slippery in winter (May–August).