Complete guide to visiting Cerro Campanario in Bariloche

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Complete guide to visiting Cerro Campanario in Bariloche

Cerro Campanario is one of the most famous panoramic viewpoints in San Carlos de Bariloche and an almost mandatory stop for anyone visiting the region. Its summit offers an open view of lakes, mountains, and Patagonian forests that, in just a few minutes, allows you to grasp the scale of the Andean landscape surrounding the city. Located only 17 kilometers from the center, it is an accessible, short, and deeply impressive experience, ideal both for a first visit and for those who already know Bariloche.

View from the summit of Cerro Campanario overlooking Nahuel Huapi Lake and the San Pedro Peninsula.
View from the summit of Cerro Campanario overlooking Nahuel Huapi Lake and the San Pedro Peninsula.

Cerro Campanario is one of those places that summarizes Bariloche in a single image. We lived for ten months very close to the hill and went up in different seasons and weather conditions. Each time of the year transforms it: in spring and summer, intense greens and turquoise lakes dominate; in autumn, the forests turn golden and reddish; in winter, snow covers the peaks and the landscape takes on a special silence. From the top, the 360-degree view allows you to understand the complete geography of the region in just a few minutes.


How to get to Cerro Campanario

Access is simple and well signposted from the city. It is located about 17 km from downtown Bariloche.

Ways to get there:

  • Car or motorbike: via Avenida Bustillo, at kilometer 17.

  • Public bus: line 20 towards Llao Llao.

  • Organized tours: available from the city center.

View from the summit of Cerro Campanario overlooking Nahuel Huapi Lake towards downtown Bariloche.
View from the summit of Cerro Campanario overlooking Nahuel Huapi Lake towards downtown Bariloche.

What to do in winter

In winter, the hill offers a different landscape, especially after snowfall.

Highlights:

  • Take the cable car with snowy views

  • Walk the trail through snow-covered forest

  • Photograph winter landscapes

  • Enjoy the viewpoint with fewer visitors on cold days

It is important to consider possible closures due to weather conditions.

Enjoying the view from one of the terraces at the top of Cerro Campanario.
Enjoying the view from one of the terraces at the top of Cerro Campanario.

What to do in summer

Summer offers more stable weather and excellent visibility.

Summer highlights:

  • Go up to the viewpoint at sunrise or sunset

  • Walk the forest trail

  • Enjoy open views of lakes and mountains

  • Have a drink at the panoramic café

It is an ideal stop to combine with the Circuito Chico route.

From the summit of Cerro Campanario, you can see Cerro Capilla in all its magnitude.
From the summit of Cerro Campanario, you can see Cerro Capilla in all its magnitude.

Base area: services and access

At the base of Campanario you will find:

  • Parking

  • Cable car access

  • Start of the hiking trail

At the summit:

  • Café with panoramic views

  • Benches and outdoor terraces

  • Designated photo spots


Best time to visit

  • Spring: vibrant colors and fewer visitors.

  • Summer: best visibility and more stable weather.

  • Autumn: unique golden and reddish contrasts.

  • Winter: snowy landscapes and a different atmosphere.

It can be visited year-round, although weather conditions influence the experience.

View from the summit towards the west of Bariloche. You can see Laguna Trébol in the foreground, then Lake Moreno Oeste, and in the background Cerro Capilla and part of Tronador.
View from the summit towards the west of Bariloche. You can see Laguna Trébol in the foreground, then Lake Moreno Oeste, and in the background Cerro Capilla and part of Tronador.

Ascent and accessibility

There are two main ways to reach the summit:

  • Cable car: approximately 7-minute ride, comfortable and fast, ideal for families.

  • Hiking trail: 30 to 45-minute walk, low to moderate difficulty, well marked and surrounded by forest.

Both options offer one of the most iconic views in Patagonia.


High season and crowds

In summer and holiday periods, there are usually more visitors.

  • It is recommended to go early in the morning.

  • Sunset is one of the most popular times.

  • In winter, there may be fewer people but more variable weather.

View from the summit of Campanario towards the west of Bariloche, at the end of summer with snow-free peaks.
View from the summit of Campanario towards the west of Bariloche, at the end of summer with snow-free peaks.

Useful tips

  • Check the weather before going up.

  • Bring a jacket, even in summer, as it can be windy at the top.

  • Wear comfortable shoes if you choose the hiking trail.

  • During high season, try to avoid midday hours.


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Access is simple and well signposted from the city. It is located about 17 km from downtown Bariloche.

Ways to get there:

  • Car or motorbike: via Avenida Bustillo, at kilometer 17.

  • Public bus: line 20 towards Llao Llao.

  • Organized tours: available from the city center.

View from the summit of Cerro Campanario overlooking Nahuel Huapi Lake towards downtown Bariloche.
View from the summit of Cerro Campanario overlooking Nahuel Huapi Lake towards downtown Bariloche.

In winter, the hill offers a different landscape, especially after snowfall.

Highlights:

  • Take the cable car with snowy views

  • Walk the trail through snow-covered forest

  • Photograph winter landscapes

  • Enjoy the viewpoint with fewer visitors on cold days

It is important to consider possible closures due to weather conditions.

Enjoying the view from one of the terraces at the top of Cerro Campanario.
Enjoying the view from one of the terraces at the top of Cerro Campanario.

Summer offers more stable weather and excellent visibility.

Summer highlights:

  • Go up to the viewpoint at sunrise or sunset

  • Walk the forest trail

  • Enjoy open views of lakes and mountains

  • Have a drink at the panoramic café

It is an ideal stop to combine with the Circuito Chico route.

From the summit of Cerro Campanario, you can see Cerro Capilla in all its magnitude.
From the summit of Cerro Campanario, you can see Cerro Capilla in all its magnitude.

At the base of Campanario you will find:

  • Parking

  • Cable car access

  • Start of the hiking trail

At the summit:

  • Café with panoramic views

  • Benches and outdoor terraces

  • Designated photo spots


  • Spring: vibrant colors and fewer visitors.

  • Summer: best visibility and more stable weather.

  • Autumn: unique golden and reddish contrasts.

  • Winter: snowy landscapes and a different atmosphere.

It can be visited year-round, although weather conditions influence the experience.

View from the summit towards the west of Bariloche. You can see Laguna Trébol in the foreground, then Lake Moreno Oeste, and in the background Cerro Capilla and part of Tronador.
View from the summit towards the west of Bariloche. You can see Laguna Trébol in the foreground, then Lake Moreno Oeste, and in the background Cerro Capilla and part of Tronador.

There are two main ways to reach the summit:

  • Cable car: approximately 7-minute ride, comfortable and fast, ideal for families.

  • Hiking trail: 30 to 45-minute walk, low to moderate difficulty, well marked and surrounded by forest.

Both options offer one of the most iconic views in Patagonia.


In summer and holiday periods, there are usually more visitors.

  • It is recommended to go early in the morning.

  • Sunset is one of the most popular times.

  • In winter, there may be fewer people but more variable weather.

View from the summit of Campanario towards the west of Bariloche, at the end of summer with snow-free peaks.
View from the summit of Campanario towards the west of Bariloche, at the end of summer with snow-free peaks.

  • Check the weather before going up.

  • Bring a jacket, even in summer, as it can be windy at the top.

  • Wear comfortable shoes if you choose the hiking trail.

  • During high season, try to avoid midday hours.


Galery

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