Cerro Campanario is one of the best places to visit in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina! Campanario Hill, one of the many that dot the scenic landscape, sits at an elevation of 3,445 feet. While not the tallest peak in the Patagonia Lakes Region, Cerro Campanario boasts a stunning 360-degree viewpoint, providing spectacular vistas of cobalt blue lakes and stark snowcapped mountaintops.
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Cerro Campanario: Hike or Ride?
Summiting Cerro Campanario ranks as one of the Top Things To Do in Bariloche – and there are two ways to do it: via a Cerro Campanario hike through a forest or a chairlift ride above the trees.
We preferred climbing to the top of Cerro Campanario; hiking is one of our favorite activities and Bariloche is one of the best places for treks.
Nestled along the shoreline of Lago Nahuel Huapi in the northern region of Patagonia, Bariloche is lush with nature. Completely surrounded by Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, the area is known for its mountains, lakes, forests and ample hiking trails – and the Cerro Campanario trek is one of the most rewarding!
Fun Fact: Cerro Campanario translates to Belfry Hill.
Hiking Cerro Campanario Bariloche, Argentina
It’s fairly easy to plan a hike to Cerro Campanario. To get to the trailhead, we hopped on a public bus that makes a stop right at the entrance of the Cerro Campanario Chairlift. The ride is inexpensive and takes about 40 minutes.
The trailhead for the Cerro Campanario summit hike is located to the right of the chairlift. Trekkers should follow the path around to the right of the building where there is a well-marked path that leads up to Cerro Campanario Peak.
While we would not rank the Cerro Campanario trek as difficult – at least when it comes to hiking in Argentina – the trail does require some effort. Less than a mile long, the uphill climb has an elevation gain of about 920 feet.
We made the hike to the summit in about 40 minutes – which included frequent stops for sneak previews of the vistas that were peeking out between the trees.
Cerro Campanario Summit
The reward for hiking to the Cerro Campanario summit is the sweeping views of scenic terrain. The platforms at the top of Cerro Campanario offer an astounding 360-dgree view of the Rio Negro Province of Patagonia. The sensational viewpoint is so awe-inspiring that it has been proclaimed by many (including National Geographic) to be one of the best nature vantage points in the world!
The utterly sublime panoramic sights encompass both lakes and mountains. Visitors can set their gaze on Lake Nahuel Huapi, Perito Moreno Lake and the El Trebol Lagoon. Peaks that surround the elevated platform include Cerro Otto, Lopez and Catedral. In fact, views stretch across the Llao Llao Peninsula and Isla Victoria Island.
In addition to savoring the epic views at the scenic outlook, visitors can also delight in something sweet at the Confiteria del Cerro Campanario Mountain Café. The Confiteria, which features a menu of light bites, cakes, coffee and other beverages, offers indoor seating (with floor-to-ceiling windows) and patio tables, too.
Trekking Down Cerro Campanario
The Cerro Campanario trek is an out-and-back, so hikers return to the base using the same route. While not as challenging as the hike up, the steep decline can be stressful on knees and ankles, so it’s important to take your time and watch your step. We completed the return hike in about 30 minutes.
Tips For Visiting Cerro Campanario, Bariloche
When hiking Campanario Hill – or tackling any of the Bariloche hiking trails – you will want to be prepared for the trek. We have a few tips that may help in your preparation.
Check the Bariloche Weather
For the best views from the summit, you need clear skies! Check the weather forecast before you head out on your Bariloche climbing trip!
Arrive Early for Cerro Campanario Trekking
When trekking Bariloche, you will want to start your day early to get a jump on the crowds. While this popular Argentina hiking trail will likely not be crowded in the morning, the summit can fill up with visitors quickly. Get an ambitious start – before 9:00am – and you could possibly have the best Bariloche viewing platform all to yourself!
Hiking Poles for the Campanario Trek
The short hike to the Cerro Campanario summit is not difficult, but the incline and elevation of Bariloche does make it challenging. Hiking poles can certainly help – especially on the way down.
Plenty Of Water
Like any trekking in Bariloche, make sure you have plenty of water for your Campanario hike! We recommend traveling with a collapsible water bottle that can be refilled (they are great space-savers for travelers!).
Proper Shoes for Hiking Bariloche
For easy to moderate Bariloche day hikes, like the Cerro Campanario trail, hiking boots are not necessary. However, good all-terrain shoes are! I like hiking in my favorite travel shoes and Kris prefers wearing Merrell trail shoes.
Sunscreen and Hat
The trail to the Cerro Campanario summit is shaded by forest, but at the top there is little in the way of shade. Make sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and/or a travel hat to protect your face and shade your eyes from the sun.
Argentina Travel Insurance
It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Find out more about World Nomads trip insurance that may cover you in the case of injury.
Ride the Cerro Campanario Chairlift
If the hike to Campanario Hill sounds too daunting, you can still experience the summit! The Aerosilla – or chairlift – at Cerro Campanario allows visitors to bypass the hike and relax while taking in the views along ride to the summit.
The Cerro Campanario chairlift price is around the equivalent of $10 USD per person, roundtrip – and it only takes about 7 minutes to get to the top. Note that those who only want to take the lift one-way, pay the full price; there is no one-way discount.
Top Travel Tip: Visitors who plan on riding the Aerosilla Cerro Campanario cable car should be aware that there are often long lines…especially after the arrival of a tour bus.
Planning your Cerro Campanario Visit
Now that you know what to expect on your hike and what you will need to bring, let’s talk about how to plan your visit.
How To Get to Cerro Campanario from Bariloche
Belfry Hill is just 10 miles from the city center on the main road, Route 237, which makes getting to Cerro Campanario from Bariloche pretty straight forward.
Travelers with a car can drive to the trailhead; there is a parking lot onsite. Taxis are also available, but you may want to ask them to confirm a return trip back to the city (and that can get pricey).
The public bus is an economical and simple way to catch a ride. Bus 20 (and other buses traveling north from the city center) make a stop at the Campanario chairlift. The ride is inexpensive, but it needs to be paid with a SUBE Transit Card.
See Cerro Campanario on an Organized Tour
Those limited on time or who would rather experience the Patagonia Lakes region with a guide can join a Bariloche Sightseeing Tour. The half-day tour includes top sights in the region and the opportunity to visit the Cerro Campanario summit. Find out more here!
More Northern Patagonia Hiking
Fun Argentina hikes and outdoor activities are abundant in Bariloche! We are highlighting a few of the best for you to consider.
Cerro Llao Llao
Llao Llao Hill, which is located within the Llao Llao Municipal Park, is one of our favorite places to hike in Bariloche! The trails are easy and the views are gorgeous. We share all the details in our guide to Hiking Llao Llao.
Bosque de Arrayanes on Isla Victoria Bariloche
Join an excursion to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest. Spend your time walking through the forest on hiking trails or visit other highlights on the island. Get the details!
Refugio Frey
One of the most popular hikes around Bariloche, the Refugio Frey trek is accessed via the Catedral Ski Resort. After riding the chairlift to Frey Ridge, the hike commences and passes by the Toncek Lagoon and through the Lengas Forest. Find out more!
Best Activities in Bariloche
Hiking is one of the top attractions in Bariloche, but we are highlighting a few more activities for your trip!
Cerro Otto Bariloche
Otto Hill is only 3 miles from Bariloche City Center and has long been a top attractions. Visitors can ride the 2,100-meter-long cable car to the Cerro Otto summit that rises 1,405 meters above sea level. Pre-book cable car tickets!
Circuito Chico Bariloche
Circuito Chico is a 37-mile route through beautiful nature and is an ideal way to get acquainted with the area. The route passes by the unique village of Colonia Suiza, a historic Swiss town that is well worth a stop! The asphalt road makes it suitable for cars or bikes (but not walkers). Visitors with cars can explore at their own pace – or let a tour guide lead the way. Learn more here!
Cerro Catedral Bariloche
Cerro Catedral is the popular Bariloche ski resort, but offers other outdoor activities outside of the winter skiing months. As one of the most well-known Bariloche mountains, visitors spend time there year-round.
Craft Beer and Microbreweries
Bariloche is well-known for its nature, but many visitors are unaware that the city is also a haven of microbreweries. Use our guide to the Best Craft Beer in Bariloche to get a taste of the local suds!
Also going to Buenos Aires? Use our Self-Guided Buenos Aires Walking Tour and our Buenos Aires Itinerary to plan your trip!
Want More Honest Travel Advice? Read all of our articles on Argentina, then head over to our Travel Planning Page as well as the Complete Tips on Packing Page. For additional country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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