Circuito Chico with Trekking and Colonia Suiza: Full Day in Bariloche
Explore the most photographed 60 km of Patagonia, with two guided hikes and a free afternoon in a mountain village. He Circuito Chico borders the southern slope of Lake Nahuel Huapi by the Exequiel Bustillo Avenue, amidst native forest, mountain beaches, and viewpoints. This full-day version adds what the classic half-day tour Leave out: trekking within the Llao Llao Municipal Reserve and two free hours in Swiss Colony.
The day begins at 08:00 with pick-up at your accommodation and ends around 17:00. They are about 8 and a half hours In 18-seat Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans, with a certified tour guide. The two hikes in the Reserve are low difficulty and they last approximately an hour and a half each, so the tour is suitable for all ages with a normal physical condition.
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Itinerary
Circuito Chico full day itinerary
The search begins at 8:00 AM and covers downtown Bariloche, the roundabout at kilometer 8, and the hotels on Avenida Bustillo and Avenida Pioneros. From there, we head west along the shore of Nahuel Huapi.
Pick-up at your accommodation
8:00 a.m., city center, km 8, Bustillo and Pioneros
Bustillo Avenue along the lake shore
60 km between native forest and mountain
Campanario Hill
Optional chairlift ride, not included
San Eduardo Chapel and Llao Llao Hotel
Photo stop with Puerto Pañuelo in the background
Trekking in the Llao Llao Municipal Reserve
Two walks of 1 hour 30 minutes each
López Bay and Panoramic Viewpoint
Views of the López and Goye hills
Lake Moreno and El Trébol Lagoon Viewpoint
Final section of the traditional circuit
Swiss Colony
2 free hours, 25 km from Bariloche
Return to Bariloche
Approximately 5:00 PM
Included in the tourOptional service not includedCerro Campanario, one of the best views in the world
Our first stop is Cerro Campanario, where you can take the chairlift to the summit at 1,050 meters above sea level. From the top, a 360° panorama unfolds, encompassing Nahuel Huapi Lake, Perito Moreno Lake, the Llao Llao Peninsula, and the Otto, López, and Catedral mountains: National Geographic magazine ranked it among the eight best views on the planet. The chairlift ride is not included in the tour price and must be paid for on-site.
Trekking in the Llao Llao Municipal Reserve
With the postcard-perfect backdrop of Puerto Pañuelo, we ventured into the Llao Llao Municipal Reserve for two easy hikes, each lasting an hour and a half, along trails through the Patagonian Andean forest. This is the section that distinguishes this full-day trip from the Half-day Circuito ChicoInstead of looking at the landscape from the vehicle, you walk inside it, among coihue trees, arrayan trees and viewpoints overlooking the lake.
Swiss Colony, mountain history and gastronomy
The tour concludes in Colonia Suiza, a mountain village at the foot of Cerro López, founded by Swiss settlers. It's renowned for its artisan market and for curanto, a traditional dish cooked underground on hot stones. You'll have approximately two hours of free time to explore, have lunch, or sample regional products before returning to Avenida Bustillo and heading back to the city center.
The chairlift ride to Cerro Campanario is optional and costs extra, payable separately at the ticket office. The two hikes in the Llao Llao Reserve are easy, but they are on dirt trails with roots and gentle slopes, so closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles are essential.
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Information to keep in mind
The Circuito Chico with trekking and Colonia Suiza costs from $100,000 ARS per person and can be booked directly with us, a local operator in Bariloche, without intermediaries or online agency commissions.
Here's everything you need to know in detail:
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Tour Details
Duration
8 and a half hoursHotel pick-up times may vary by up to 1 hour.Difficulty level
Low to mediumAge
Suitable for all agesMinors must travel accompanied by a responsible adult. -
Requirements and restrictions
The hikes in the Llao Llao Reserve are easy and require no prior trekking experience, but do involve about three hours of walking in total on natural trails. Those who prefer not to hike can wait for the group in the rest area.
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Recommendations
Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes with non-slip soles, a waterproof jacket, layers of clothing, a warm coat, a hat and thermal gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small backpack, and a water bottle. Bring your own packed lunch, as meals are not included on the tour.
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Includes
- Transfer to and from your hotel in Bariloche.
- 18-seat Mercedes Benz Sprinter vehicles.
- Certified tour guide.
- Two guided walks in the Llao Llao Municipal Reserve.
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Does not include
- Food and drinks.
- Chairlift ride up Cerro Campanario.
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Climatic Conditions
- The tour proceeds as normal regardless of weather conditions. Rain, snow, and strong winds are common in Patagonia and are part of the experience. It is only canceled in the event of weather alerts that compromise safety or the closure of Bustillo Avenue.
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Cancellation policy
Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the start of the service are free of charge and 100% of the amount paid will be refunded. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the start of the service will incur a penalty of 100% of the total amount, with no refund.
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Route
Circuito Chico and Colonia Suiza
A full day exploring Bariloche's most recognizable landscapes, with time to walk through the forest and get lost in a mountain village.
Reserve your spot and experience the complete Circuito Chico.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What does the Circuito Chico with trekking and Colonia Suiza include?
Includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Bariloche in an 18-seater Sprinter van, a certified tour guide throughout the day, and two guided hikes within the Llao Llao Municipal Reserve. Does not include meals, drinks, or the chairlift ride to Cerro Campanario.
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What are the stops on the Circuito Chico?
Cerro Campanario, Capilla San Eduardo, Hotel Llao Llao and Puerto Pañuelo, Reserva Municipal Llao Llao, Bahía López, Punto Panorámico, Mirador del Lago Moreno, Laguna El Trébol and Colonia Suiza.
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Is the ascent to Cerro Campanario included?
No. The chairlift to Cerro Campanario is optional and must be paid for at the ticket office on the day. The tour stops at the base, and those who wish to go up have ample time to do so.
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What level of difficulty are the hikes?
Low difficulty. There are two trails, each approximately an hour and a half long, within the Llao Llao Municipal Reserve, over forested terrain with gentle slopes. No prior experience or technical equipment is necessary, just closed-toe shoes with good soles.
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Is it possible to do the Circuito Chico by car on your own?
Yes, the circuit is a public road and can be driven. What sets this excursion apart is the certified guide who interprets the landscape, the two guided hikes within the Reserve, and the fact that you don't have to drive or look for parking at the viewpoints, which get crowded during peak season.
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How much free time is there in Colonia Suiza?
Around two hours, enough time to explore the artisan market, have lunch, or try curanto. Market days are the busiest, so it's best to check when booking.
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Which one to choose? Compare the excursions on the Circuito Chico.
All departures are from your accommodation in Bariloche with transfer included.
| Circuito Chico full day | Circuito Chico half day | Cathedral Hill | Large Circuit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⏱ Duration | 8:30 a.m. | 4 h | 4 h | 10 a.m. |
| 🥾 Hike | 2 walks of 1 hour 30 minutes | Does not include | Does not include | Optional in Villa Traful |
| 📊 Difficulty | Low to medium | Low | Low | Low |
| 👤 Age | All ages | All ages | All ages | All ages |
| 🎯 Ideal profile | Who wants to walk in the woods and have a free afternoon? | First time in Bariloche, short time | Panoramic views and seasonal snow | Lakes and mountain villages, full day |
| 📍 Highlights | Bell Tower, Llao Llao Reserve, Swiss Colony | Bell Tower, Llao Llao, Panoramic Viewpoint | Base and summit of the hill | Villa La Angostura and Villa Traful |
| 🚐 Transfers | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| 💰 Price from | $100,000 ARS | $60,000 ARS | $60,000 ARS | $100,000 ARS |
Which one suits you best?
Want to compare with other options? Find all the excursions in Bariloche available on our homepage.
Circuito Chico, Trekking and Colonia Suiza
$100.000
Full day with walks in the Llao Llao Reserve and free afternoon in Colonia Suiza
Special offer
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