Imagine cruising along winding roads with views that seem almost unreal — shimmering lakes, towering mountains, and charming wooden hotels. That’s what the Circuito Chico tour offers in just under four hours, giving you a condensed but richly rewarding taste of what makes Bariloche such a visual feast. For $36 per person, you’ll travel through Rio Negro’s scenic wonderland, visiting Nahuel Huapi Lake, the panoramic Cerro Campanario, and the iconic Llao Llao area, complete with its famous hotel and picturesque chapel.

What we love about this tour is how it manages to pack so many postcard-worthy sights into a manageable time frame. The views from Cerro Campanario are often highlighted as some of the best in the world — and it’s easy to see why. The other standout? The way the guide connects the natural beauty with local history and architecture, giving depth to each stop. However, a consideration is that if you’re keen on taking the chairlift to Cerro Campanario, you’ll need to budget extra for that — it’s optional but worth doing for the views.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded introduction to Bariloche’s most famous sights without feeling rushed. If you’re eager to see the highlights, learn some local stories, and take plenty of photos, this experience hits the mark.

Key Points

Convenience and Value: A 3.5-hour tour for just $36, including transportation and a guide.
Stunning Views: Highlights include Cerro Campanario, often ranked among the best viewpoints globally.
Cultural and Architectural Highlights: Visit the Llao Llao hotel and San Eduardo Chapel, set against breathtaking landscapes.
Flexibility: The chairlift ascent at Cerro Campanario is optional, allowing you to tailor the experience.
Authentic Insights: Knowledgeable guides share local history and stories, making the scenery even more meaningful.
Ideal for First-Time Visitors: Perfect for those wanting a quick yet rundown of Bariloche’s postcard scenery.

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A Closer Look at the Circuito Chico Experience

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The Itinerary and Its Highlights

Starting along the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, we first get a chance to soak in the pristine waters and towering mountain backdrop. The early part of the journey sets the tone — wide-open vistas of lakes reflecting the sky, surrounded by lush forests. This is a landscape that immediately makes clear why this region is such a magnet for nature lovers.

Next, we head to Cerro Campanario, a true crown jewel of the tour. The views from here are often described as among the most spectacular in the world, with panoramic scenes of lakes, forests, and the Andes stretching to the horizon. The optional chairlift ride to the summit is a highlight, providing a leisurely ascent that offers even more breathtaking perspectives. If you’re worried about extra costs or crowds, note that the ascent is optional, but many find it absolutely worth it — as one reviewer noted, “Great photos and spectacular views!”

From Cerro Campanario, we make our way to the Llao Llao area, home to the famous hotel and the San Eduardo Chapel. Both are architectural marvels framed by the natural scenery — the chapel’s white walls and the hotel’s wooden elegance perfectly complement the outdoors. The tour includes stops at natural viewpoints like Panoramic Point, where we snap unforgettable postcards of Lake Moreno and the Andes Mountain Range. Here, the landscape becomes a living postcard, with forests, lakes, and mountains all vying for your camera.

Finally, the journey along the Llao Llao peninsula takes us into the heart of the Patagonian forest, where the quiet beauty of the Andean forest surrounds us. The tour wraps up back in the city, leaving you with a wealth of images and stories.

What We Loved and Considered

The guides are a big part of what makes this experience shine. Several reviews praise the friendliness and professionalism of guides like Roddy — “Not rushed, plenty of time at each stop, safe driving, a good tour,” says one. Good guides make all the difference in helping you appreciate the stories behind each viewpoint and site.

The views themselves are, quite simply, unforgettable. Many travelers comment that Cerro Campanario offers “some of the best views in the world,” making it a must-see. The landscapes are so striking that even a quick stop offers countless photo opportunities.

One small consideration is the weather — since the tour involves outdoor stops, you should be prepared for cold, wind, or rain, especially at higher elevations like Cerro Campanario. Bringing warm clothing and layers is wise.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Bariloche who want a rundown without wasting too much time. It’s also suitable for those who want to connect with nature while learning about local architecture and history. Since it’s a group tour with transportation included, it’s best for travelers comfortable with guided excursions and not seeking a very private experience.

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Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

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Transportation and Group Dynamics

The tour includes transportation, which means you can relax and enjoy the scenery without the hassle of navigating. The group size is designed to be manageable, ensuring you get enough time at each stop while still maintaining a comfortable atmosphere. The pickup is from downtown accommodations or locations within 8 km of Bustillo Ave., making it convenient for most travelers staying nearby.

The Route and Stops

Nahuel Huapi Lake: Starting point, offering a peaceful lakeside view.
Cerro Campanario: Optional chairlift ride, panoramic views, and photo opportunities.
Llao Llao Area: Home to the iconic hotel and San Eduardo Chapel.
Puerto Pañuelo: The departure point for lake excursions, a scenic spot worth noting.
Panoramic Point & Forest Stops: Multiple natural viewpoints along the Llao Llao peninsula with vistas of lakes and the Andes.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price includes transportation and a Spanish and Portuguese-speaking guide, which is great for bilingual travelers or those wanting to practice their language skills. The chairlift ascent at Cerro Campanario is optional and incurs an extra fee, so plan accordingly. It’s a small investment that many say enhances the experience significantly.

Not included are meals or souvenirs, but that’s typical for this kind of scenic excursion. The focus remains on the views and natural beauty.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Dress for the weather: Bring layers, especially if visiting Cerro Campanario.
Bring cash or credit card: Necessary if you decide to take the chairlift or buy souvenirs.
Be prepared for outdoor conditions: Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and perhaps a camera with extra batteries.
Book in advance: The tour is popular and has limited availability.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $36, this tour provides exceptional value for the access it offers to some of the most captivating sights in Bariloche. While you’re not alone in enjoying the scenery, the guided format ensures you get insightful commentary and the chance to ask questions — enriching your understanding of the landscape and its history.

The ability to see a handful of key viewpoints in one organized trip saves time and effort, especially for travelers with limited days in the area. The stops are well-selected, and the optional chairlift allows you to tailor the experience to your comfort level and interest.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re a traveler who appreciates natural beauty and wants a straightforward introduction to Bariloche’s highlights, this tour is a terrific option. It’s especially suited for those who value expert guidance, scenic vistas, and a relaxed pace. If you’re more adventurous and want to explore beyond the main sights or prefer more time at each location, you might consider additional, more specialized tours.

This experience also works well for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to capture iconic shots and learn the stories behind the landscapes. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or travelers with mobility issues, given the outdoor stops and walking involved.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, it’s best for children who can comfortably tolerate outdoor activities and walking. The scenic stops are suitable for most ages, but the chairlift ride at Cerro Campanario is optional, making it flexible.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, credit card, cash, and clothing suitable for cold or snowy weather, especially if visiting Cerro Campanario. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also recommended.

Does the tour include lunch or meals?
No, meals are not included. You might find options at some stops, or you can bring snacks and water.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in case of weather changes or other plans.

Is the chairlift ride mandatory?
No, it’s optional. If you prefer not to pay extra or have mobility concerns, you can enjoy the scenic viewpoints from below.

What language is the guide in?
Guides speak Spanish and Portuguese, making it accessible for speakers of both languages.

How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours, ideal for a half-day activity.

Where does the tour start?
Pickup is included from downtown accommodations or locations within about 8 km of Bustillo Ave.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. The viewpoints, especially Cerro Campanario and Panoramic Point, offer incredible photo opportunities.

The Circuito Chico tour in Bariloche offers a well-rounded, accessible way to see the region’s most famous sights. It balances stunning scenery, informative guides, and manageable timing — all at a budget-friendly price. Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to get a sense of the landscape or someone wanting to capture the essence of Bariloche in photos, this tour delivers.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate natural beauty paired with a touch of local culture and architecture. The optional chairlift to Cerro Campanario is a bonus, giving you the chance for truly unforgettable views, weather permitting.

If you’re after an efficient, scenic introduction to one of Argentina’s most picturesque regions, this experience will leave you with lasting memories and plenty of stunning images.

Enjoy your journey through the postcard-perfect landscapes of Bariloche — a place that truly captures the imagination and the camera lens alike.

You can check availability for your dates here:

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