The city of San Carlos de Bariloche is the star of Argentine Patagonia. Its jewel is Nahuel Huapi National Park , a protected area of over 710,000 hectares created to preserve the Andean-Patagonian forests and watersheds of the region. The city is the main tourist hub of the region and the starting point for accessing panoramic viewpoints with unparalleled vistas .
To find the best viewpoints overlooking Nahuel Huapi in Bariloche, you'll need to venture onto scenic routes . Below, we detail the distances, access routes, and features of the region's most outstanding viewpoints. And if you'd like to travel with the best guide, including accommodation, transfers, and excursions, be sure to check out our Bariloche travel packages .
Viewpoints on the Circuito Chico: Cerro Campanario and surrounding areas
The Circuito Chico is a 60-kilometer circular route that begins in downtown Bariloche and skirts the main lakes of the area. Along this route are the most accessible elevations with the best views in the region.
Let's look at the most recommended ones.
Campanario Hill and its panoramic views
Cerro Campanario is located at kilometer 17.5 of Avenida Bustillo , the main road that runs along the southern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. To get there from downtown Bariloche, you can drive for 25 minutes or take bus line 20 , which runs every 20 minutes and has a stop at the base of the hill.
The summit is 1,050 meters above sea level. The ascent is primarily via a double chairlift that completes the journey in seven minutes . There is also a free hiking trail that starts from the side of the base. This trail has an elevation gain of 260 meters and requires a moderate-paced 40- to 50-minute walk through the forest .
At the top, the 360-degree view allows you to identify Lake Nahuel Huapi, Lake Moreno, El Trébol Lagoon, the Llao Llao Peninsula and Victoria Island.
An opportunity to explore the aquatic environment at the base of the mountain is a kayak excursion on the Campanario Arm . The adventure begins on the lake shore, where expert guides provide complete safety equipment and technical instruction on paddling. The trip takes place in double touring kayaks on the calm waters of this part of the lake .
The route skirts the coast of the San Pedro Peninsula, surrounded by riparian flora such as coihue and cypress trees that cascade into the water. The activity lasts approximately half a day and requires no prior experience. It is the best option for interacting with nature in a quiet environment free of motorboats.
Height and proximity to the center: Cerro Otto
Cerro Otto is one of the mountains closest to the city of Bariloche. Its base of operations is located at kilometer 5 of Avenida de los Pioneros (Provincial Route 82) . Free shuttle buses depart from the intersection of Mitre and Villegas streets in the city center to reach the site. The trip takes just 15 minutes.
The best way to ascend is by taking the Cerro Otto cable car . This cable transport system features enclosed gondolas with a capacity for four passengers . The trip to the summit, which is 1,405 meters above sea level, takes 12 minutes.
At the top station, there's a revolving café. The structure completes a 360-degree rotation in 20 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while having breakfast or an afternoon snack. Outside, the Cerro Otto viewpoints overlook the urban landscape of Bariloche, the vast Nahuel Huapi Lake to the north, Cerro Catedral to the southwest, and the Patagonian steppe to the east.
During the winter season, the mountain opens slopes for snow sports. The Nordic Ski Day Trip to Cerro Otto is an activity designed to enjoy the snow without the technical demands of alpine skiing. The itinerary begins with a transfer from the city center to the Nordic Ski Center, an exclusive facility on the mountain's slopes.
Upon arrival, the guides provide technical equipment (skis, boots, and poles) and give an introductory lesson. The activity takes place on groomed, flat slopes that wind through dense, snow-covered lenga forests . It's the perfect way to exercise while enjoying the white landscape in a peaceful setting, far from the crowds of traditional ski resorts.
The nature of Llao Llao Municipal Park and López Bay
Continuing along Avenida Bustillo to kilometer 25, the road enters Llao Llao Municipal Park . This protected area, under municipal jurisdiction, features easy trails connecting various beaches and viewpoints overlooking the lake . It is easily accessible by taking bus line 20 and getting off at the Hotel Llao Llao stop or at Puerto Pañuelo.
Views from the Arrayanes Forest
From the park's information center, a flat and accessible walking trail begins. After about 20 minutes of walking through a forest of ancient myrtle and coihue trees, the trail leads directly to the Bahía Brava viewpoint . This natural balcony is located on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and offers a direct view of a deep, open section of the lake.
From this same vantage point, the view opens up to the Brazo Norte viewpoint overlooking the lake. The Brazo Norte is one of the seven branches of Lake Nahuel Huapi and is known for its cold, choppy waters due to its exposure to the prevailing westerly winds. From here, you can see the catamarans departing from Puerto Pañuelo towards Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest on the Quetrihué Peninsula.
The cliff of Bahía López
Continuing along the Circuito Chico (now on Provincial Route 77), Bahía López is located at kilometer 32. It is 32 kilometers from downtown Bariloche, and the drive takes approximately 50 minutes. To reach it by public transport, take bus line 10 , which enters this section of the circuit.
The starting point for the hike is the public parking lot next to the Alun Nehuen Hotel. The trail leads into a transitional forest between tall coihue trees and high-mountain vegetation. The path has a gentle, steady incline. After a leisurely 40-minute walk, you'll reach the Bahía López viewpoint .
From there, a panoramic view to the west unfolds, where the immensity of Brazo Tristeza, a glacial fjord, stands out . Its narrow, elongated shape is hemmed in between the steep granite walls of Cerro López and Cerro Capilla.
The landscape of Brazo Tristeza features pristine forests that plunge directly into the water and numerous waterfalls fed by melting snow from the peaks . When visiting this viewpoint, it is important to maintain a safe distance from the cliff edges, as there are no guardrails along the natural rock face.