Are you planning a visit to Bariloche, Argentina and wondering how can you do to see the most of the beautiful landscapes? With its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscape, San Carlos de Bariloche offers some of the best hiking experiences in Patagonia. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this post, we’ll discuss the best hikes in Bariloche, including both day hikes and multi-day hikes, and provide you with some tips to make your trip even more memorable.
Best day Hikes in Bariloche
Cerro Llao Llao
The beginning of the trail to Cerro LLao LLao, most used by those who arrive by public transport service to the Llao LLao Municipal Park, is a well-marked sign, on the right bank of the “Circuito Chico” route, a little more than 1 km. from the stop that the bus or collective makes in Puerto Pañuelo before ending its journey at the Hotel LLao LLao.
This is one of the most popular and easiest hikes in Bariloche. The trail is well-marked and takes you through beautiful forests and scenic viewpoints. You’ll get a stunning view of the Nahuel Huapi Lake and the Andes Mountains at the top of the hill. The hike takes around 2 hours to complete, and it is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Don´t forget to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views!
Cerro Campanario
This is another well known hike in Bariloche that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The trail is well-maintained and takes you through a beautiful forest. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Andes Mountains, the Nahuel Huapi Lake, and the surrounding forests. The hike takes around 90 minutes to complete, and it is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water! ( for those lazy ones there´s also the option of the chairlift)
Refugio Frey
This is a more challenging hike that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Bariloche. The trail is well-marked and takes you through forests, rivers, and rocky terrains. Once you reach Refugio Frey, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the mountains and the surrounding landscapes. The hike takes around 8 hours to complete, so you shouldn´t do it if you are not in good physical condition; it is only suitable for experienced hikers. Make sure to bring some snacks and a first-aid kit!
Tronador & other hikes
Bariloche counts with other great day hikes, including Cerro Otto, Cerro Tronador (also could be multiple-day), Cerro Lopez, Refugio Neumeyer, etc..
Best multi-day Hikes in Bariloche
There are different kinds of multi day hikes in Bariloche, that also belong to the famous “Huella Andina” (consecution of trails between Esquel and San Martin de los Andes). Among those trails, we would like to highlight the following ones:
Paso de las Nubes
The Nahuel Huapi National Park offers unique natural attractions that allow for a combination of hiking and lake navigation, making the crossing of the Paso de las Nubes possible, connecting the Pampa Linda area with Lake Frías and Puerto Blest.
Its name “Paso de las Nubes” (something like “The Crossing of the Clouds”) refers to the fact that, due to its geographic location and from the place where the Agostino Rocca Refuge is located, it is possible to appreciate the entry of clouds coming from Chile into the Frías River valley.
Starting from Pampa Linda, the first night is spent at the Agostino Rocca Refuge, continuing the next day to Puerto Blest. It is also possible to make this same journey in the opposite direction, from north to south.
In the Nahuel Huapi National Park, due to fire control policies, camping is only allowed in Pampa Linda or at the Agostino Rocca Refuge. Overnight stays are not allowed along the way, in Puerto Frías, or in Puerto Blest.
Colonia Suiza – Pampa Linda
If you’re looking for an adventurous trekking experience in Bariloche, the trek between Colonia Suiza and Pampa Linda is definitely worth considering. This trek is known for its stunning landscapes and breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains. The recommended time of year to do this hike is from January to early March.
The Pampa Linda and Cerro Tronador area allows for multiple itineraries, expanding or reducing the technical complexity and number of days of stay according to the needs of the hikers. This rugged and demanding trek connects the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park with the city of San Carlos de Bariloche through the peaks of the mountains, reaching its maximum altitude at 2,060 meters above sea level.
Most people who complete this 36 km itinerary do so in the North-South direction, starting in Colonia Suiza (and not the other way around, from Pampa Linda to the North). This is largely due to prevailing winds, which if strong, make it easier to go “with the flow”, that is, in a southerly direction.
To undertake this completely rugged and relatively exposed trek, in which there are no services in the middle, it is necessary to have mountain experience and good physical condition. Although it is generally well signposted with paint marks or cairns, it is recommended to be accompanied by a licensed Mountain Guide.
The route connects Colonia Suiza with the Manfredo Segre Refuge at Laguna Negra, then passes through the valley where the CAB or Lluvu lagoon is located. The next stretch leads to the Cretón Lagoon and finally connects this lagoon with the Ilón. From Ilón, the last stage is downhill until Pampa Linda
Overall, the trek from Colonia Suiza to Pampa Linda is an unforgettable experience that showcases some of the most beautiful landscapes in Bariloche.
4 refugios:
This is an epic hike that joins the Frey, Jakob, Laguna Negro, and Lopez refuges. It’s a demanding trek that can be done in a minimum of 2 days, marching accross approx. 45 km.
Paso Vuriloche:
This is a multiday-hike that joins Bariloche with Puerto Varas (Chile). You can check this tour here: Andean Crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Varas.
Hiking tours in Patagonia
Bariloche is a hiker’s paradise, with a wide range of options for both day hikes and multi-day hikes. That’s why is difficult to say accurately which are the best hikes in Bariloche. On the other hand, Patagonia is a huge region, that includes also other attractions that are ideal for trekking: El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, and Tierra del Fuego. are some examples of it.
We offer custom tours in Patagonia, and would love to share with you some of our best travel samples (focused on trekking):
We also invite you to explore the following posts:
El Chalten Hikes (Guide)
El Chaltén travel guide
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