Cerro Llao LLao in Parque Municipal LLao Llao is one of the best places to hike in Bariloche, Argentina. Located within Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi in Northern Patagonia, Llao Llao Park features a network of easy and moderate hiking trails. These paths take trekkers atop Llao Llao Hill and to exceptional shoreline vistas around the Llao Llao Peninsula.
Using the Villa Tacul Loop hiking trail, you can admire numerous panoramic vistas and natural landscapes. The phenomenal hike culminates at the summit of Cerro Llao Llao, which serves up the best views in the park.
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Cerro Llao Llao: Bariloche Day Hikes
Llao Llao Park is an easy excursion from Bariloche – and the 5-mile circular trek is ideal for day 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 – especially if just hiking up and down Cerro Llao Llao – we recommend planning a full-day outdoor adventure. The viewpoints – miradores – that stretch across Nahuel Luapi Lake from the shore are nothing short of breathtaking. Without a doubt, the full-day Cerro Llao Llao hike is one of the Best Things To Do in Bariloche!
Planning a DIY Bariloche Hiking Tour
We planned to hike the trails at Parque Municipal Llao Llao on one of the few sunny days of our Bariloche trip. Before embarking on our hike, 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.” And with that, we set off for a full day of exploration.
Hiking Parque Llao Llao
It was immediately clear that an 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 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 Llao Llao Park.
As we hiked to the vistas, 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 the one lone boat on the water brought us back to the reality that we were actually in these untouched, natural surroundings.
We spent about 6 hours enjoying the sights along the hiking trail at Parque Municipal Llao-Llao. In fact, this hike ended up being one of the top experiences of our Bariloche trip.
Park Llao Llao Trail Highlights
The trekking route in Llao Llao Park 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. To help fellow trekkers, we are sharing the highlights of each viewpoint.
Top Tip: Below we share a rough sketch of the trail on a Llao Llao Parque Map to help with orientation of the trek and viewpoint locations.
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 were using, we almost skipped the short detour to this stunning viewpoint…and that would have been a huge mistake! The sublime scenic spot is access through a grove of Myrtle trees. If the lake is still, you will see a perfectly mirrored Cerro Lopez.
Mirador del Moreno
Just around the corner from the shoreline vista is a slightly elevated and nearly surreal panoramic vista of Lago Moreno. If you brought one, this perch is an ideal spot for a picnic lunch, too!
Lago Escondido
Continuing on the hiking trail walking clockwise, a boardwalk on the left leads to the charming Lake Escondido. Surrounded by trees and mountaintops, the secluded lake feels like a private escape.
Bahia Lopez Bariloche
From Lago Escondido, hikers can trek south to the shoreline of the Lopez Bay. Across the bay, mountains rise sharply from the water. During our Llao LLao hike in the autumn, some of the craggy peaks were already covered in snow.
Bamboo, Roman Bridge and Meadow
To continue the circular hike around Llao Llao Park, retrace your steps and head north, once again passing Escondido Lake to get back to the main trail. At the trail turn left; 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 that encompasses a small islet and a panoramic vista of mountains far off in the distance.
Playa de Villa Tacul Bariloche
The sandy beach at Villa Tacul looked almost perfect for a summer swim, but the brisk temperatures during our visit kept us firmly on the shore. For summertime hikers, however, this is the perfect place to dip your feet into the water.
Cerro Llao Llao Bariloche
After a leisurely day of hiking, the climax of the adventure is climbing to the top of Cerro Llao Llao, The trail is steep in places – and was not quite as easy as we had anticipated. However, the reward for the intense incline is the absolutely amazing views!
Complete the Cerro Llao Llao Hike
The Cerro Llao Llao summit hike is an out-and-back trek. After reaching the top, retrace your steps back down (savoring the views again along the route) to the main trail. Continue along the route until you arrive back to the Parque Municipal LLao LLao entrance.
Parque Municipal Llao Llao Map
Tips for Hiking at Parque Llao Llao, Bariloche
The entrance to Parque Municipal Llao Llao is situated near the famous Hotel Llao Llao. It is about 15 miles from San Carlos de Bariloche city center. The popular sightseeing route, Circuito Chico, passes through the park, as well. Visitors with a car can park at the main trailhead entrance to the park (just don’t leave anything valuable in your car!).
How To Get to Cerro Llao Llao Park without a Car
Visitors without a car can get to the park via bus, private driver or tour. The bus ride from Bariloche to LLao Llao Park takes about an hour. The inexpensive ticket should cost about $1 USD (you will need a Sube Card to pay the fare). Ask at the Bariloche Tourist Information Office for most current bus schedules.
The Puerto Panuelo bus stop is just a short walk (about 10 minutes) to the trailhead, which is indeed marked with a ‘Green Jesus’.
Visitors who would rather let a guide lead the way to Cerro Llao Llao can join a popular hiking tour – which includes transport from Bariloche. Get the details!
Parque Municipal Llao Llao Opening Hours and Prices
Parque Llao Llao Bariloche is open from dawn until 2200 (10:00pm) every day. Entrance to the park is free to all visitors.
What You Need To Hike at Park Llao Llao Bariloche
Before setting off for LLao Llao Park (or any hike in Nahuel Huapi National Park), make sure you have the necessary items for your outdoor adventures.
Sturdy Shoes
Although the hike to Cerro Llao Llao is rated as easy-to-moderate, proper shoes are required! I like wearing these shoes by New Balance – and Kris prefers these trail shoes by Merrell.
Hiking Poles
While we feel they are not necessary for most of the walk at Llao Llao Park, hiking poles could be handy for the Cerro Llao Llao summit portion of the trek.
Sun and Weather Protection
Most of the hike follows the path through shaded forest, but there are parts that are open to the sunshine. In the summer, be sure to bring sunscreen or a wide-brimmed travel hat to provide coverage. Depending on the Bariloche weather forecast, hikers may also want to bring a lightweight raincoat.
Water Bottle
Bring plenty of water for hiking Cerro Llao Llao! 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 magnificent vistas are perfect for a lunch-with-a-view!
Travel Insurance for Argentina
Consider purchasing trip insurance that might cover unexpected injuries as well as lost luggage, canceled flights or illness while abroad.
Bariloche Travel Tips
Hiking to Cerro Llao Llao and the spectacular scenes in Llao Llao Park is just one of the many fun activities in the Patagonia Lakes Region of Argentina!
- Top Things To Do in Bariloche
- Hike to Cerro Campanario
- Visiting Colonia Suiza
- Best Bariloche Craft Beer Bars
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