Best Day Hikes in Bariloche (No Car Required)
Overview
After the energy of Buenos Aires, we were ready to trade city streets for mountain trails. We spent a week in Bariloche at the start of hiking season (late October)—snow still clung to the higher peaks, but the lower-altitude trails were open and perfect for exploring.
Since we hadn’t packed for multi-day treks (no hiking poles or camping gear), we focused on scenic day hikes we could do in trail runners. Bariloche has plenty of 8-10 hour or multi-day routes, but there are also incredible shorter hikes for those who, like us, want to get out into nature without renting a car.
Each of the hikes below is:
✅ Accessible by bus
✅ Free to hike
✅ Half a day or less—great for morning or sunset adventures
Recommended Hikes
- Cerro Otto
At 1,400 meters (4,600 feet), Cerro Otto offers stunning panoramic views, multiple trail options, and even a mountaintop café for a post-hike treat.
Personal Experience:
This was our first hike in Bariloche, and I underestimated it. I had read that it was a casual uphill climb—wrong. From the start, it’s a steep ascent that gets your heart pumping. We’re experienced hikers (living in Colorado, we’ve climbed plenty of mountains), but this one definitely made our legs burn. The footing can be slippery in spots, and the top half is very exposed—so wear sunscreen!
We also tried the service road one morning, which is a much more gradual climb, though it takes a bit longer. Either way, the views at the top make it all worth it.
Route Options:
- Direct Route (Under the Cable Car)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Time: 1–2 hours to ascend (2–3 hours round trip)
- Directions: Trailhead near Avenida de los Pioneros, just past the police station.
- Details: Steep with loose rocks and full sun exposure. The final section has incredible views, but I wouldn’t recommend descending this way—it’s too slippery.
- Berghof Refuge Trail
- Difficulty: Medium/Hard
- Time: 1–2 hours to ascend (2–3 hours round trip)
- Directions: Start near Avenida de los Pioneros and Tupungato.
- Details: A moderate, shaded ascent through the forest with a few steep sections. The Berghof Refuge near the top is a great spot for a break. This is the best trail for descending.
- Service Road
- Difficulty: Medium
- Time: 1–2 hours to ascend (2–3 hours round trip)
- Directions: Start at Los Cipresales and follow Subida al Cerro Otto.
- Details: Gradual switchbacks on a wide dirt road. Not as scenic, but a good option for a gentler climb.
So hop on a bus, lace up your shoes, and get out there. You won’t regret it.
- Cerro Llao Llao
One of the best panoramic hikes in Bariloche, with stunning views of Lake Moreno, Lake Nahuel Huapi, and the surrounding Andean peaks.
Personal Experience:
Getting to this hike was an adventure in itself. We were still figuring out the bus system and didn’t realize how much money we needed on our SUBE card (it turns out this stop costs more since it’s one of the last ones—have at least 6,000 ARS per person). Despite our little mishap, we made it!
The hike starts with a nice, easy incline. About 45 minutes in, you’ll reach an intersection—go left for a detour to the lake or right for the lookout. The final ascent is about 30 minutes, with small viewpoints along the way. The views from the top? Easily some of the best of our trip. Snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes—it’s one of those spots where you just sit and take it all in.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Distance/Time: 7 km (4.3 miles), ~2 hours round trip
- Directions: Take the #10 bus to Puerto Pañuelo (~3,000–5,000 ARS round trip). Walk 1.4 km (0.8 miles) to the trailhead.
- Details: A mix of forest trails and open viewpoints. If you have extra time, add the Tacul Trail to Playa Tacul for a lakeside extension.
- Villa Tacul Trail
A peaceful hike leading to a stunning lakeside beach—perfect for a break, a swim, or a picnic.
Personal Experience:
We added this onto our Cerro Llao Llao hike, thinking, “It’s all downhill, how hard can it be?” Well, what goes down must come up. The walk to the lake was an easy downhill, but we were reminded of the uphill on the way back. But fun trail to a beautiful water view.
The water is insanely clear (and cold!), and the beaches are quiet. If you’re here in the summer, bring a towel and take a dip!
- Difficulty: Medium
- Time: ~2 hours round trip
- Directions: Follow the same trail as Cerro Llao Llao but take the turn toward Playa Tacul. There will be a fork in the road with well noted trail signs to follow.
- Details: A mix of light elevation gain and descent. The return has a gradual incline.
**The following trails I only researched but I did not have enough time to experience, I added them just as options I found for day hikes close to town or off a bus route**
- Sendero de los Arrayanes – Mirador Lago Moreno
A gentle forest hike leading to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Moreno.
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
- Distance: 6.4 km (4 miles) round trip (~2 hours)
- Directions: Take the #10 bus to the Llao Llao Park entrance, 0.8 km (0.5 miles) before the Cerro Llao Llao trailhead.
- Details: A relaxed hike through beautiful forest. The viewpoint isn’t as dramatic as higher-altitude hikes, but the peaceful setting makes up for it.
- Cerro Campanario
A short but steep hike leading to one of the best viewpoints in Bariloche.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Distance: ~1.2 km (0.75 miles), 30–45 minutes one way
- Directions: Take the #10 bus to the Cerro Campanario stop. The trail starts near the base of the cable car.
- Details: Steep but short. The summit offers a café and breathtaking 360° views.
Final Thoughts
Bariloche is a hiker’s paradise, with trails for every level and insane views around every corner. Whether you’re looking for a tough climb or a peaceful nature walk, these day hikes are an incredible way to experience Patagonia—no car needed.
So hop on a bus, lace up your shoes, and get out there. You won’t regret it.
