If you're in decent shape, bike circuito chico. It's got a bunch of steep hills, but they're not for long distances. If you get tired, just hop off and walk your bike for a bit. The alternative way to do the circuit is by car. Lame. Get out and enjoy nature. Your bike will come with a lock so you can stop at different lakes and hike/ walk around. Must do is a 1.5 hour hike up the Cerro next to villa tacul (can't remember the name). The views from the top are better than the views at the panoramic point.I spent the whole day going to different lakes. It's a great way to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. There are two bike rental places near KM 18. I rented my bike my the rental place right next to Equs de Posada. The bikes are in great condition and the owner makes renting easy.After doing this, I did the magical 7 lakes route by bus. Skip this. Unless you have a car, or are going camping... biking the circuito chico is a much better way to take in the lake scenery (obviously, it's different lakes than the 7 lakes route... but I found the bus ride through the lakes quite lackluster)
I recommend you do a tour on the first days of your stay and then rent a car to see or stay longer the points you find most interesting, its a great tour and not to long!
This is a must in Bariloche. It takes about 4 hours and costs only $150 Argentinian pesos, which is a bargain. The very best part was the Campanario mountain. For an optional cost, you take a chairlift to the top of the mountain, from where you have outstandingly beautiful views of the lake and the area. It was extremely windy when we were there, but that added to the adventure. Truly, this was the most beautiful and exciting experience we had in Bariloche. They also take you to the very exclusive Llao Llao hotel, and various other scenic sights. You need to do this to see the Bariloche area.
This is an awesome little bike circuit in Bariloche. It's about 25km through rolling hills with sweeping views and lots of side adventures. Along the way we visited the Llao Llao hotel, Bosque de Arrayanes, Lago Escondido, Gilberts (amazing beer!), and the lookout at the top of the last climb. Highly recommended!!
You want to do this circuit on a bike for the following reasons :- great and cheap outdoor day activity- beautiful Lake views and beaches - relaxing day while still doing some sports- laughing with people that don't know how to operate bike gears or are constantly stepping of the bike when going uphill
We got the number 20 (can also get 22) bus for 7 pesos each (buy ticket from kiosk opposite) from Bariloche centre on the San Martin road to KM18, 100m past a small roundabout is Cordillera bikes where we rented bikes for the day for 150 pesos. The route (25km of cycling) is really obvious and on tarmac. We locked our bikes and walked along Sendero Arrayanes, then a bit later turn right on a gravel road to Villa Tacul for a 30 min walk up a hill for amazing views. The next stop was for the Gilbert cerveceria just before the main mirador on the circuit. All in all it took less than 6 hours. Plenty of buses back too. Definitely recommended!
Within the Circuito Chico tour -which is worth doing only if you have time- there is a marvellous place I keep going back to everytime I´m in Bariloche. At the end of the 20 bus line, about 20 kilometers from the Civic Center, lies Puerto Pañuelo, which is the Port of Bariloche. With the Port to your right and the golf course also to your right, take the hill to your left (not so steep, really)After a short walk -about 10 minutes- to your left you will see the entrance to a path in which no bycicles nor vehicles are allowed. Once inside the path, you can hear the wind rustling through the trees, you can listen and actually see many birds. You can even listen to footsteps coming from far away! The silence and peace here is not to be found anywhere else in Bariloche. If you keep walking to the very end -about 30 minutes- you will arrive at Moreno Beach. An oasis surrounded by mountains and the back part of Llao Llao Hotel. The silence is absolute, and very worthy of the deepest Zen meditation. If you have an extra day, try it and you won´t forget it.
Fantastic way to spend a day. Each time you stop to take a photo of the "postcard view", the view at the next stop is even better. Many uphills (and many downhills) - well worth it.
Great bike circuit. Quite tough, not for the faint hearted. We spent about 6 or 7 hours going around this circuit. Stopping off at spots like cerro Lao Lao. climbing that took about an hour ( can´t quite remember) , Also Swimming in the lake. Visiting lake escondido etc.. The circuit itself has its ups and downs. Many hills which will test you for sure. There is a dinosaur park on the way around. (not worth the trouble) and a pub at the end of the circuit for a sneaky half of home grown beer. ;) Also towards the end is a 1km down hill which is great!!! ... really enjoyed this circuit :)
If you want to get the full feeling of this tour, rent a bike from Cordillera Bike. They have an easy online reservation service and the owner will be there to assist you all the time.Thanks to him and this company we had an amazing day biking the Circuito Chico loop.Great views and quiet trails to discover. It is mostly paved but it is very fun and easy to ride.Just get off the bus at the next bus stop after Cerro Campanario, walk a few yards and you'll be on the right spot to start this magnificent tour... on a bike...Be careful! There's another bike shop located just off the bus stop. Don't go there and fall into their trap. They're awful.Rent a bike from Cordillera Bike and use their advices to plan your day on Circuito Chico.You won't regret.