Why You’ll Love Hiking Circuito Chico
If you are planning a trip to Argentina, Bariloche is likely at the top of your list. It is the gateway to northern Patagonia, and the Circuito Chico is the most famous loop in the area. Most people choose to rent a bike to cover the 27-kilometer route, but hiking it offers a completely different perspective.
By walking, you can actually leave the paved road and get deep into the Llao Llao Park. You get to stand on quiet forest trails, find secluded beaches that cyclists often miss, and reach the best viewpoints.
When we did this hike, we realized that “Circuito Chico” is not just a trail that leads to a viewpoint; it’s a collection of hidden spots like Villa Tacul and the secret lagoon. Plus, there is nothing better than finishing a long day of walking with a fresh craft beer overlooking the mountains.
If you love slow travel and want to see the best of the Lake District without the crowds, this 1-day hike is for you. If you want something a bit more adventurous and mountainous, then you should check the Refugio Frey hike.
About the trail
When you arrive at the Llao Llao park, you’ll realize there isn’t just one single path to follow. You have several options depending on how much you want to walk and what you want to see. Most people combine a few of these trails into one big day hike to get the most out of Llao Llao Park.
If you have already been hiking in El Chalten or Ushuaia, you might be used to very steep and technical paths. However, the trails here are much more accessible and perfect for a relaxed but active day.
Cerro Llao Lla
This is the “must-do” part of the Circuito Chico. The trail is well-marked and takes you through a beautiful forest of Coihue trees. It’s a steady climb, but it’s manageable for most fitness levels.
- Distance: Approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) round trip.
- Time: About 2 to 2.5 hours.
From the top, you get a massive view of the Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes. We recommend bringing your lunch to enjoy it at the summit.
Tip: Did you know that the big round growths you often see on tree trunks in Patagonia are called Llao Llao? They’re actually a type of edible mushroom that grows on southern beech trees.
Villa Tacul & Mirador de Tacul
You can easily combine this with the Cerro Llao Llao hike because they share the same starting point. After you come down from the viewpoint, you just follow the signs toward the lake instead of heading back to the road.
- Distance: This adds about 3 km (1.8 miles) to your total walk.
- Time: Around 1 additional hour.
You’ll find Villa Tacul, which is a quiet, rocky beach with crystal clear water. It’s a great spot to rest your legs by the water.
Lago Escondido (The Hidden Lake)
Following the signs from the Tacul area, you will reach this small, calm lagoon. The path takes you over a small “Roman bridge” made of stone and leads to a wooden pier.
- Distance: About 1.5 km (1 mile) from the Tacul area.
- Time: 30–40 minutes.
Optional: Brazo Tristeza
If you still have plenty of energy, you can add this extra leg. It’s a bit further away from the main cluster of trails, starting from the main road.
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles) round trip from the road.
- Time: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Patagonia Beer Factory & Punto Panorámico
If you want to experience the entire circuito chico bariloche on foot, you can continue along the main road after leaving the park trails. This turns your hike into a full loop of 17 to 18 km (11 miles).
You will reach the famous Patagonia Brewery for a well-deserved break and then hit Punto Panorámico for that iconic postcard view of the Llao Llao Hotel and the surrounding lakes.
Budget a full 6 to 7 hours if you plan to do the whole thing.
We found that combining Cerro Llao Llao, Villa Tacul, Lago Escondido, the Patagonia Beer Facory and Punto Panoramico makes for the best experience. In total, you’ll walk about 7 to 8h, but we would recommend trying to get a bus or to hitchhike once you reach the main road.
How to Hike Circuito Chico
Hiking the Circuito Chico on foot is a long day, but if you take it step-by-step, it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do in Argentina. Here is exactly how to navigate the route:
Once you hop off the bus at the Llao Llao bus station, where the Llao Llao Resort (one of the nicest hotels in Bariloche) is located.
Walk down the road toward the water. You will see Puerto Pañuelo, where the big lake catamarans depart. From there, take a left and follow the paved road. Keep an eye out for a large wooden board on the side of the road; this is the official entrance to the Llao Llao Park trails.
The first part of the trail is shared between several viewpoints. It’s a wide, easy path through the forest. After about 15–20 minutes, you will see a clear sign directing you to Cerro Llao Llao. This is where the real climbing starts.
The path switchbacks through a thick forest of Coihue trees. It’s not as steep as some trails you might find while hiking in El Chalten, but it will definitely get your heart rate up. We reached the top in about an hour.
Psst, you can join Tina’s Yoga Studio and get access to hundreds of Yoga, Meditation, and Well-being videos.
Once you’re there, you’ll find a massive rocky plateau. It’s the perfect spot to sit, have a snack, and take in the view of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. When you’re done, head back down the exact same way until you reach the main trail intersection again.
Tip: We made ourselves some sandwiches with vegan steaks. Perfect to refuel before continuing.
Instead of heading back to the road, follow the signs for Villa Tacul. You’ll find yourself walking deeper into the woods. At one point, you’ll reach a sort of “roundabout” in the forest. If you take a quick detour to the right here, you’ll find a small, secluded beach that feels like a private paradise.
Continue straight toward the Mirador de Tacul. You’ll pass a small parking lot (where the few cars that enter the park park), but stay to the left to reach the viewpoint. The water here is incredibly clear—on a sunny day, it looks more like the Mediterranean than South America.
From Tacul, follow the signs toward Lago Escondido (the “Hidden Lake”). This part of the walk is very peaceful. You will cross the “Puente Romano,” a small, picturesque stone bridge.
A bit further along, a small wooden pier gives you access to the lagoon. It’s much quieter than the big lakes and feels like a secret spot.
After the lagoon, the trail finally leads you back out to the main paved road of the Circuito Chico. Now, you are on the loop that the cyclists use. Turn right and start walking along the shoulder of the road until the Mirador Bahía Lopez.
It’s then about a 5,5 km walk to the Patagonia Beer Factory. This stretch can feel a bit long after a morning of hiking, but the thought of a cold draught beer kept us moving!
At this point, we had hoped to catch the bus N°10, but it never arrived. We then started walking along the road and hitchhiking, which is pretty common in Bariloche. After a while, a Chilean couple stopped and took us in, and we headed to the Patagonia Beer Factory.
You cannot enter the factory, but you can enjoy a nice draught beer there and an amazing viewpoint. There are also WCs and a restaurant there.
After the brewery, keep going for another 15–20 minutes to reach Punto Panorámico. This is the highest point on the road and offers the most famous view of the whole region. It’s the perfect way to finish the “walking” part of your day.
We actually didn’t walk that part either; we rode again with the Chilean couple until Punto Panorámico.
After that, they were kind enough to drop us close to town and the main road.
How to Get to the Trailhead
Getting to the start of the hike is actually the easiest part of the day. If you are staying in the center of Bariloche, you just need to catch the local bus N°20. This bus runs frequently along the main road (Avenida Bustillo) that follows the lake.
You should take the bus all the way to its last stop, which is the terminal in Villa Llao Llao. This is right next to the famous and massive Llao Llao Hotel—you can’t miss it. When we were there, the cost of the bus ticket was about 0,5€ per person. However, prices in Argentina change very quickly, so expect to pay more now.
Important Tip: To use the bus, you must have a SUBE card. You cannot pay the driver with cash. You can buy and top up these cards at most “kioskos” (small convenience stores) in the city center. One card is enough for a couple or a family; you just tap it multiple times for each person.
Once you get off at the terminal, just walk a few minutes down the road toward the small harbor (Puerto Pañuelo), and you will see the signs for the entrance to the Llao Llao Park on your left.
The Best Time to Visit: Weather & Seasons
Bariloche is a year-round destination, but for hiking the Circuito Chico, the experience changes a lot depending on when you go. The landscape is beautiful in every season, but you should prepare for very different temperatures.
During the summer months from December to February, you will find the peak season for hiking. This is when the days are longest, and the weather is usually dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 28°C (64°F to 82°F). This is when we hiked.
As autumn arrives from March to May, the forest transforms into a stunning display of bright red and orange against the blue lakes. This is actually one of the nicest times to visit, though you should be ready for it to get chilly, especially at night, as temperatures sit between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
When winter arrives between June and August, the region shifts into ski season. You might find the trails in the park covered in snow or mud, which makes hiking much more difficult without the right gear. During this time, temperatures typically stay between -2°C and 8°C (28°F to 46°F).
Finally, spring from September to November brings blooming flowers and snow-capped peaks. It can be quite windy and rainy during these months, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 17°C (45°F to 63°F).
Where to Base Yourself: Our Favorite Neighborhoods
Choosing where to stay in Bariloche depends on the kind of experience you want.
The City Center: Best for Convenience. If you want to be close to restaurants, chocolate shops, and the main bus lines, staying in the center is your best bet.
Hotel Cottbus: This is a fantastic budget to mid-range option. It’s centrally located, which makes catching the bus N°20 to the start of the Circuito Chico very easy. The rooms are comfortable, and it’s a great base if you don’t have a rental car.
The Lakefront: Best for Views. If you prefer waking up to the sight of the mountains and the water, look for a place along Avenida Bustillo.
Design Suites Bariloche: This hotel is located just a few kilometers outside the city center. It has a very modern, “alpine” feel with massive windows overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi. It’s a bit more of a splurge, but having a glass of wine while watching the sunset from your room is worth it.
Llao Llao Area: Best for Nature Lovers. If your main goal is to spend as much time as possible in the Llao Llao Park, you might want to stay right at the end of the line.
Llao Llao Resort, Golf-Spa: This is the most iconic hotel in all of Argentina. It’s a luxury historic resort sitting on a hill between two lakes. Even if you aren’t staying here, it’s worth seeing the building from the outside. If you do stay here, you are literally steps away from the trailhead.
Essential Hiking Gear & Tips
You don’t need professional mountaineering equipment for the Circuito Chico Bariloche, but being prepared will make your day much better.
- Layers are Key: Even in summer, the wind off the lakes can be very cold. Bring a light windbreaker or a fleece that you can easily take off when you start climbing Cerro Llao Llao.
- Footwear: You don’t necessarily need heavy hiking boots, but we definitely recommend sturdy sneakers or trail runners. The paths are mostly dirt and forest floor, but they can be slippery if it has rained.
- Water and Snacks: There are no shops or water fountains inside the park trails. Make sure to carry at least 1.5 liters of water per person and some energy-dense snacks. Save your big appetite for the Patagonia beer factory later!
- Sun Protection: The sun in Patagonia is incredibly strong, even when it feels cool. Wear a hat and apply sunscreen before you start.
- Online Maps: While the trails are well-marked, it’s always a good idea to have an online map just in case you want to explore some of the smaller side paths. Our Argentina Google Map includes all you need.
What No One Tells You
While the Circuito Chico is one of the most popular activities in Bariloche, there are a few things that travel brochures usually leave out.
First, if you decide to hike the full loop, including the road sections, be prepared for the traffic. While the forest trails in Llao Llao Park are peaceful, the paved portion of the Circuito Chico is shared with cars, tour buses, and a lot of cyclists. There isn’t always a wide shoulder to walk on, so you need to stay alert.
Another thing to keep in mind is the wind. Patagonia is famous for it, and even on a sunny day, the gusts coming off the lakes can be incredibly strong. It can make a “moderate” hike feel a lot more tiring, especially when you are walking along the exposed parts of the road near Punto Panorámico.
Lastly, don’t rely 100% on the bus schedule for your return. Buses in Bariloche can be a bit “relaxed” with their timing. We waited quite a while for a bus that never showed up! This is why hitchhiking is so common—locals and even other tourists are used to picking up hikers along this route. If you’re not comfortable hitchhiking, make sure you start your day early enough to have a few “buffer” bus options in the late afternoon.
What it Costs: Budgeting for Your Day
The great thing about the Circuito Chico Bariloche is that it is a very budget-friendly day out. Most of your expenses will be for transport and food.
- Public Transport: The bus N°20 is very affordable. While prices in Argentina fluctuate, it remains the cheapest way to get there. Just remember, you need that SUBE card!
- Park Entrance: One of the best parts is that entering the Llao Llao municipal park is currently free for hikers. Unlike the larger National Parks in South America, you don’t need to pay a daily fee to access these specific trails.
- Food & Drink: A draught beer at the Patagonia beer factory will be your main “splurge” for the day. Expect to pay standard restaurant prices for the region. If you are on a tight budget, packing a full picnic lunch and plenty of water will keep your costs nearly at zero once you arrive.
- Accommodation: Depending on where you base yourself, whether it’s a budget-friendly spot like Hotel Cottbus or a splurge at the Llao Llao Resort, your daily cost for the trip can vary.
In total, if you bring your own lunch and use the bus, you can easily experience this world-class hike for under $10–15 USD per person.
About the authors
We are Alex and Tina, a French-Serbian couple who met in China back in 2014. We spent three incredible years there before making France our home. Our shared passion for travel has been the heartbeat of our relationship for over 12 years, taking us across 44 countries and counting.
We launched TheDailyPackers in 2019 as a way to document our adventures. In 2026, we reached a major milestone by officially turning our blog into our full-time job. While we are still growing toward financial independence through this platform, every article we write is fueled by our mission to make your voyages easier through in-depth guides, honest advice, and the lessons we’ve learned from our own mistakes.
Our journey has not been without its storms. In 2023, our world changed forever when our first son, Poppy, was stillborn on November 25th. It was, and remains, the hardest chapter of our lives. In 2025, we were blessed with our second little boy, Milo. He has since joined our traveling tribe, and you’ll be seeing him—and the reality of traveling with a little one-on the blog more and more.
We hope to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity and resilience. Thank you for being part of our story.
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