The Most Epic Hiking Trails in Bariloche, Argentina

Often cited as one of the top 5 best views in the world (although this is thought to be a local myth), Cerro Campanario does indeed deliver on its promise of providing those who scale the short but demanding 30-40 minute walk to the top with views that seem to stretch on forever in every direction. The viewing platform gives you different orientations over all the lakes, and you can do some souvenir shopping in the cafe at the top, which also affords panoramic vistas through its 180 degree window.

This short hike in the forest surrounding Lago Gutierrez is family and kid friendly, and takes you through some enchanting forests until you reach the compact Los Duendes waterfall. There are plenty of rocks and places to sit to admire the cascade, and heading back the way you came, you can then take the marked trail up to the viewpoint over the lake. The hike takes about 30 minutes and is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Just make sure you have good walking shoes, as some parts toward the top of the hill are slippery.

This forest walk in Villa la Angostura is popular with people who are looking for an easy, yet lengthy, hike. This hike combines the best of both worlds, in that you can take a boat trip on the lake to get the far end, and walk back through the woods from there. Alternatively, you can do the forest walk first, then catch the boat on the return. Or walk the roundtrip if you’re feeling up for it, although each way takes about 3 to 4 hours.

This trek can be done in one or two days, depending on the route you decide to take. The normal route takes about 5 hours starting from Colonia Suiza, a cute little mountain settlement with bars, restaurants and shops built in the typical Alpine style. This trek will bring you on a long walk through a wooded valley where you will see lots of flora and fauna typical of the area, before changing into a steep ascent before you get to the lodge and the Laguna Negra lake.

Perhaps the most popular trek in the entire region, the hike to Refugio Frey appeals to those who want a challenging but not overly demanding hike, where you pass through beautiful forest, across rivers and streams and up mountains to finally arrive at the lodge, which is located beside a pretty lagoon with some soaring peaks on the other side. The starting point is from Cerro Catedral ski resort, and you will see the trail entrance marked on a wooden sign.

Another popular trek in the Bariloche area is to Refugio Otto Meiling. This isolated lodge is a great place to hike to and spend the night, and the trek to the lodge takes about five hours. This 14km (8.7 mile) hike will bring you up 1050m (3,445 ft) to the small and remote lodge which is located at the edge of the Castaño Overa Glacier. It is backdropped by a snowy peak and affords visitors great views over the mountain range. This hike is in the Tronador section of the region, so you will need to get a bus from Bariloche to Pampa Linda to start the hike.