Cerro Campanario: Bariloche's 360-Degree Viewpoint

Cerro Campanario packs a full panorama of the Nahuel Huapi lake district into a summit just 1,049 meters above sea level — and a seven-minute chairlift ride delivers you there. The lookout sits at Kilometer 17.5 of Avenida Bustillo, roughly 25 to 40 minutes from downtown Bariloche depending on traffic along the lakeshore road.

From the top you see two lakes (Nahuel Huapi and Moreno), the small El Trébol lagoon, the San Pedro peninsula, Isla Victoria, the Llao Llao hotel, and a ring of peaks — Otto, López, Goye, Bellavista, Catedral, Capilla. Travel press has ranked this view among the world's best, and on a clear morning the claim holds up.

Getting There and Getting Up

By car or bus from Bariloche

Driving west on Bustillo is straightforward: stay on the lakeside avenue until the 17.5 km marker. There's free parking at the base, though I'd avoid leaving bags visible in the car — break-ins at trailhead lots are a known nuisance in the region.

Public buses 10, 13, 20, and 22 run past the access road, with a stop about 15 minutes' walk from the chairlift base on Bustillo at 17500. Pay with the SUBE card. The ride takes around 40 minutes from the civic center, and buses fill up in summer — board early if you want a seat.

Chairlift versus trail

The aerosilla is an open chair with a lap bar and footrest, running about 7 minutes through a corridor of dense coihue and cypress forest before the trees part and the lakes appear all at once.

The alternative is a steep 1-kilometer trail climbing roughly 250 meters, usually listed at 20 to 40 minutes up depending on fitness, and 1.5 hours round trip on foot. Hiking is free; the chairlift is ticketed. Coming down on foot is harder on the knees than going up — poles help, and the gravel gets slick after rain.

Hours, Tickets, and the Café at the Top

The chairlift generally operates 9:00 to 17:00 for the last ascent, with the last descent around 18:00, and extended hours in January and February. The trail itself is never gated, so early risers can walk up before the lift starts.

Prices in Argentina reset with inflation, so treat any figure as temporary. Recent full-price adult round trips have landed in the range of roughly 30,000 to 40,000 pesos, with reduced rates for children aged about 5 to 12 and free rides for toddlers. Confirm the current rate at the ticket window — fees are subject to change, so check the official site for current rates.

At the summit, the Confitería Cerro Campanario serves hot chocolate, cakes, and local dishes on a wooden terrace built into the slope. A photographer shoots souvenir portraits near the top station; you can buy digital copies by email. Views from the terrace face the lakes, and the deck gets windy — a shell jacket earns its place even in midsummer.

Best Time to Visit and How Long to Stay

Arrive between 9:00 and 10:30. Tour coaches from the city start unloading around mid-morning, and by 11:00 in high season the queue for the chairlift stretches well beyond the boarding platform. Afternoon light on the lakes is warmer, but the crowds and afternoon wind are both stronger.

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours on the summit including photos and a coffee. If you hike up and ride down, budget 2.5 hours. The viewpoint is the natural first stop on the Circuito Chico loop, so connecting it with Llao Llao, Bahía Serena, and Playa Bonita makes an easy half-day.

Autumn (March to May) brings clear, cool days and lenga trees turning red; winter offers snow on the peaks with the lift still running. Southerly summer sunsets fall after 21:00 in December and January, which means late-evening visits are possible but the lift will already be closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Cerro Campanario chairlift cost?

Expect roughly 30,000 to 40,000 Argentine pesos for an adult round trip, with discounts for children around 5 to 12 and free entry for toddlers. Prices move with inflation, so verify at the ticket office or the official tourism site before you go.

Can you walk up Cerro Campanario instead of taking the lift?

Yes — the trail is free and climbs about 1 kilometer with roughly 250 meters of elevation gain, taking 20 to 40 minutes one way. The path is steep in sections and slippery after rain, so trail shoes are worth packing.

What is the best time of day to visit Cerro Campanario?

Arrive between 9:00 and 10:30, right when the chairlift opens. Tour buses reach the base by mid-morning, and summer queues can add 30 minutes or more to your wait after that.

Which bus goes to Cerro Campanario from Bariloche?

Lines 10, 13, 20, and 22 stop on Avenida Bustillo near the access road, about a 15-minute walk from the chairlift base. The trip from the civic center takes around 40 minutes and is paid with a SUBE card.