Parque Municipal Llao-Llao: Hiking Cerro Llao Llao in Bariloche, Argentina

Cerro Llao Llao Bariloche offers one of the most phenomenal views within Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. Located near Bariloche, Argentina within Parque Municipal Llao Llao, the Llao Llao Hill is easy to reach via a picturesque hike. Along the way, the looping walking trail leads to panoramic vistas within their natural landscapes.

 

Bariloche Day Hikes At Parque Municipal Llao Llao

The Llao Llao Park is an easy excursion from Bariloche – and the 5-mile circular trek through the park is ideal for Bariloche, Argentina hiking. The paths – or senderos – are well-maintained and there are numerous trail markers throughout the park. Although day hikes in the Bariloche park can take as little as a couple of hours, we recommend planning a full-day adventure. The viewpoints – miradores – are breath-taking…so take your time and enjoy the sights!

 

Preparing For Our Bariloche Hiking Tour

We planned to hike the trails at Parque Municpal Llao Llao on one of the few sunny days of our stay in Bariloche. Before embarking on our trip, we picked up a Bariloche map from the Tourist Information Office. Not technically a Bariloche trail map, it provided a rough outline of the main trail. We also picked up a few vague – yet useful – tips, like to “look for the ‘Green Jesus’ trailhead marker.” We determined our route and set off for a full day of exploration.  

 

Hiking Parque Llao Llao

It was immediately clear that a  actual trail map of Parque Municipal Llao-Llao would have done a world of good. First, our map was lacking distance and elevation markers. Second (and probably more important), our map had the key ‘Cerro Llao-Llao’ tagged on the wrong trail, which – of course – we didn’t figure out until we were accidentally on it. Despite not having a good Bariloche trekking map, we easily found our way along the three inter-connected trails that loop through the Llao Llao Park.

Each view was more captivating than the previous, with panoramas so clear and picture-perfect, it was as if we were looking at a painting. The light breeze, the birds in the sky and one, lone boat on the water brought us back to the reality that we were actually sitting in these untouched, natural surroundings. We spent about 6 hours enjoying the sights along the hiking trail at Parque Municipal Llao-Llao. The hike ended up being one of the top Bariloche highlights of our trip.

 

Park Llao Llao Trail Highlights

The route took us through a forest of native trees, bamboo and evergreens and to seven stunning panoramic lookout points. From the main trailhead we walked clockwise, beginning our hike in the Bosque de Arrayanes. Top Tip: Below is a rough sketch of the trail on a Llao Llao Parque Map. 

 

Bosque de Arrayanes Bariloche

The Bosque de Arrayanes walk follows a boardwalk path through a forest of gnarled trees. Resembling trees from a Brothers Grim fairy tale, we imagined this part of the forest is quite spooky after dark.

 

Lago Perito Moreno Oeste and Isla de los Conejos

Not marked as a mirador on the map, we almost skipped the short detour to this stunning viewpoint. The still lake perfectly mirrored Cerro Lopez.

 

Mirador del Moreno

Just around the corner is the slightly elevated and equally sublime panoramic vista. The perch is an ideal spot for a picnic lunch, too!

 

Lago Escondido

A boardwalk leads to the charming Lake Escondido. Surrounded by trees and mountaintops, the secluded lake felt like a private escape.

 

Bahia Lopez Bariloche

From Lago Escondido, we headed south to the shoreline of the Lopez Bay. Across the bay, mountains rose sharply from the water, some of the craggy peaks already covered in snow.

 

Bamboo, Roman Bridge and Meadow

Retracing our steps north and passing Escondido Lake, the hiking trail meanders through a bamboo forest, over a Roman Bridge and through a wide meadow.

 

Mirador del Tacul

Our favorite lookout point of the hike was Mirador del Tacul, as it was so incredibly tranquil. As the sole visitors, we took our time taking in the view.

 

Playa de Villa Tacul Bariloche

The sandy beach at Villa Tacul looked perfect for a summer swim, but the brisk autumn temperatures during our visit kept us firmly on the shore.

 

Cerro Llao Llao Bariloche

After our leisurely day of hiking, climbing to the top of Cerro Llao Llao was not as easy as we had anticipated. However, the reward for the steep incline was the absolutely amazing views…which are not to be missed!

Parque Municipal Llao Llao Map

 

Looking for other short hikes that lead to outstanding viewpoints? Don’t miss the Hike to Cerro Campanario! 

 

How To Get To Parque Llao Llao

Parque Municipal Llao Llao is about 15 miles (25km) from San Carlos de Bariloche city center, near the Peninsula Llao Llao and the famous Hotel Llao Llao Bariloche. There is parking at the main trailhead, but visitors without a car can get to the park via bus. The bus ride takes about an hour, but the inexpensive ticket only costs about $1 USD. Ask at the Bariloche Tourist Information Office for current bus schedules and the best advice on how to get to the trailhead (use the map for accurate location).

 

Parque Municipal Llao Llao Opening Hours and Prices

Parque Llao Llao Bariloche is open from dawn until 22:00 (10:00pm) every day. Entrance to the park is free to all visitors.

 

What You Need To Hike At Park Llao Llao Bariloche

Make sure you have the necessary items for your hike!

Walking Shoes

Although the hike to Cerro Llao Llao is not that difficult, proper shoes are required! I like wearing these shoes by Columbia – and Kris wears these shoes by Merrell.

Hiking Poles

Not necessary for most of the walk at Llao Llao Park, hiking poles are handy for the Cerro Llao Llao descent.

Sunscreen and/or Wide-Brimmed Hat

Most of the hike follows the path through shaded forest, but there are parts that are open to the sunshine. Bring sunscreen or a wide-brimmed travel hat to provide coverage when needed.

Water Bottle

Bring plenty of water! We recommend traveling with a collapsible, reusable water bottle.

Picnic Lunch

If you are planning a whole day’s adventure, pack a picnic lunch! The vistas are perfect for a lunch-with-a-view.

Travel Insurance

While the trail is relatively easy, there’s always a chance of injury. Make sure to have travel insurance that covers injuries as well as trip coverage.

 

Searching for more fun activities in Bariloche? See our list of the Top 10 Things To Do in Bariloche, Argentina! 

 

We want to know: Have you hiked to Cerro Llao Llao in Parque Municipal Llao-Llao? Give us your best tips and advice in the comments below! 

 

Start planning your trip to Bariloche, Argentina! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!

 

 

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