Cascada Ñivinco: How to Get from Bariloche

Bariloche has iconic landscapes setting the tourist trend: Lake Nahuel Huapi, Cerro Catedral, Cerro Otto, or Victoria Island, among so many others. But there are still corners surprising even those who already know this city by heart. One of them is Cascada Ñivinco, a beautiful waterfall located in the middle of the forest, in a sector reached by traveling a short and easy trail from a stretch of National Route 40, right on the Road of the Seven Lakes. Every year it becomes the best-kept secret for backpackers, independent travelers, and trekking lovers.

Unlike other trails in Bariloche, the hike to Ñivinco is accessible, short, and perfectly combinable with a trip through the northern area of Nahuel Huapi National Park. If you are planning a getaway from this Patagonian corner, if you are planning your first hitchhiking journey along Route 40, or even if you want to do it with a specialized guide, here we tell you everything you need to know to get to Cascada Ñivinco, enjoy it to the fullest, and avoid setbacks.

Where is Cascada Ñivinco?

Cascada Ñivinco is one of the most beautiful stops on the Road of the Seven Lakes, although it does not yet have the massive fame of other destinations on the circuit. perhaps that is the reason why it keeps its quiet atmosphere intact: the sound of water dominating the landscape, shiny stones around the pool, roots curling under your feet, fallen trunks transforming into natural seats. An indisputably beautiful landscape for a picnic or drinking some mates, daring a dip in cool waters during summer, or taking spectacular photos of a sector of Patagonia.

The main jump surprises with its wide and diagonal shape. The water runs off with force but without violence, forming a white fan falling on dark rock and ending in a crystalline pool. In summer, many dare to get in even though the water temperature is almost polar. In autumn, the forest's golden reflection makes everything look warmer, and in spring small flowers can be seen opening around the trail. It is a landscape changing from season to season without losing its magic.

The environment is spacious and comfortable to sit for a long while: there are natural shade sectors, stone plains to improvise a picnic, and hidden corners by the river where the water's murmur becomes softer. Although currently the National Park has enabled the route only to the first jump, it is more than enough to feel one gets away from everything without getting so far away.

Cascada Ñivinco trail from Bariloche

The waterfall is located in the middle of the forest, and is accessed through a short and signposted trail from a stretch of National Route 40, right on the Road of the Seven Lakes. It is halfway between the cities of Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes. The access is within Nahuel Huapi National Park and no entry or special transfer fee has to be paid: just walk, enjoy, and respect instructions.

by Own Vehicle

1. Take National Route 40 from Bariloche towards Villa La Angostura.
2. Continue north following the Road of the Seven Lakes, always on RN 40.
3. Pay attention to the sign indicating the start of the trail: it is on the road and has an unroofed parking lot.
4. From the parking lot starts the trail to the waterfall.

Hitchhiking or in Backpacker Mode

1. You can arrive by bus to Villa La Angostura and from there continue hitchhiking along RN 40, a stretch where there is usually good car circulation.
2. Ask to be dropped off at the trail access: it is on the route, so there are no complex detours.
3. Entry is totally public and free.

Ñivinco tour with Guide and Transfer 

For those without a vehicle or wanting a more complete experience, there is an ideal service: the private trekking to Cascada Ñivinco organized by Best Bariloche Tours, including transfer, the accompaniment of a specialized guide, and a good time to enjoy the waterfall in its splendor. This is a personalized experience within Nahuel Huapi National Park and the alternative if you want to learn about the natural environment, travel safely, or simply avoid transport logistics.

What is the Trail to Cascada Ñivinco Like

The hike to Cascada Ñivinco is one of those treks enjoyed without suffering. The route is around 4 kilometers one way and takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the pace. It is suitable for families, backpackers, people without experience, and travelers wanting a quiet plan between lakes and forests.

Shortly after starting, the trail enters a forest of coihues, ñires, and canes, creating a cool atmosphere even on the hottest days. The ground is dirt, roots, and small stones, but presents no great difficulties. Occasionally a clearing appears where the sun enters, ideal for stopping for a moment, taking photos, or simply breathing deeply.

Halfway through comes one of the most characteristic moments: wading the stream. In this section, you have to take off your sneakers or cross the stream with them on, depending on preference. The water reaches ankles or calves and is usually cold, but it is part of the adventure. Crossing slowly, looking at the bottom, and supporting each step well is the key.

After wading, the trail becomes wider, and the soft roar of the waterfall begins to be heard. A few minutes later, the jump appears: a natural amphitheater formed by rocks, water, and vegetation. It is the type of landscape making you want to stay for a long while, whether to drink mate, read, take photos, or simply let the sound of water do its thing.

Useful Tips Before touring

• Bring footwear that can get wet: the stream is crossed yes or yes.
• Bring a towel and a pair of dry socks.
• Use sunscreen: although the trail has shade, the waterfall area is more exposed.
• Carry drinking water: there are no services or supply stores nearby.
• Do not leave trash or food remains: you are in a National Park.
• Avoid days of heavy rain, as the trail can get muddy.
• If hitchhiking, consider that the return may take longer than the way there.

The Complete Experience: Nature, Silence, and Patagonian Freshness

The most valuable thing about Cascada Ñivinco is not just the final photo in front of the jump, but the sum of sensations throughout the way. It is hearing the crunch of branches under sneakers, discovering fallen trees becoming improvised bridges, feeling the icy water running at the crossing, noticing how light changes filtering through leaves.

The trail has no great ascents or dangerous terrain, allowing walking calmly and paying attention to details: the dark green of the forest, small spring wildflowers, orange mushrooms shining on damp trunks. If you pay attention, you can also see small birds moving among branches, or even traces of animal footprints marked in the soft earth.

When you reach the jump, the landscape envelops you immediately. There are flat stone sectors functioning as spontaneous viewpoints, shaded parts to rest, and spaces closer to the water where dew is felt on the skin. The sound of falling water is constant, almost hypnotic. Many travelers choose to stay more than an hour simply contemplating.

In the middle of summer, the area is also a good place to cool off, although the water is freezing even on the hottest days. The pool is transparent, shallow in some parts, and perfect for sitting with feet submerged while observing the waterfall from the front.

Why Ñivinco is an Unmissable Stop on the Road of the Seven Lakes

Cascada Ñivinco combines something few places achieve: ease of access, natural beauty, and a bit of adventure. You are a few meters from a tourist route, but at the same time, you feel completely immersed in the forest. That contrast makes it an ideal experience both for an express trip from Bariloche and for a backpacking adventure or a journey with friends.

Also, it is an excellent way to complement a tour of the Seven Lakes: you can visit it in the middle of the journey between Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes, or as a getaway from Bariloche during a morning or afternoon.

Another important point is that the visit is free and requires no great preparations. Only time, desire to walk, and willingness to wet feet crossing the stream are needed. The reward is a landscape that stays engraved.

Is it Better to Do it On Your Own or With an Excursion?

It depends on the travel style. If you have a car, doing it on your own is simple. If you are backpacking, arriving by hitchhiking or combining public transport is totally viable.

But if you prefer to avoid worries, travel without haste, learn more about local flora and fauna, or want to do it as a family with greater safety, the private excursion is the best alternative. That is why we recommend the trekking by Best Bariloche Tours, which facilitates many cumbersome procedures.

Whether you are traveling the Road of the Seven Lakes, traveling from Bariloche, or exploring the region with a backpack on your shoulder, Ñivinco is a stop worth it. A fresh, luminous corner with enough strength to stay in memory long after returning.