Where the Circuito Chico is a half-day loop on the doorstep of Bariloche, the Circuito Grande, or Big Circuit, stretches the idea into a full day. Tours head out of the city and loop through the wider lake district, with the exact stops varying by operator but typically combining river valleys, lakeside viewpoints, stretches of dense forest and a long pause in Villa La Angostura. This small mountain village sits on the northern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi near the mouth of the Arrayanes peninsula, and its wooden-and-stone buildings, craft shops, chocolate and tea rooms and lakefront make it an easy, relaxed place for lunch. The scenery on the road is the real draw: the landscape shifts from open steppe light to cypress woods and from blue lakes to rocky valleys within a few hours, and each turn tends to offer another viewpoint. The day is long, usually seven to nine hours, and most of the time is spent enjoying the ride and a few well-chosen stops rather than hiking. It is a comfortable way to see a large piece of the national park without driving yourself.
Villa La Angostura is the highlight of the loop and deserves unhurried time. The village is known for its Swiss-alpine and Patagonian style architecture, built in local wood and stone, and for the nearby Bosque de Arrayanes, the myrtle forest also reached by boat from Bariloche. There is a small lakeshore area with a pier and cafes, a main street of artisan shops, and in winter the village is the gateway to the Cerro Bayo ski area.
Spend your free time wandering the lanes, trying local chocolate and cakes, and sitting with a view of the water. If your day includes a short walk to a waterfall or lookout, it will usually be on a gentle forest path.
The Circuito Grande also helps you understand the geography of the region. Nahuel Huapi is not a single lake but a network of arms, rivers and neighbouring lakes, and the loop gives a sense of how they connect. Because routes vary between operators, it is worth asking which lakes, viewpoints and rock formations are on the itinerary, and whether lunch is included or paid separately. Some departures combine the circuit with extra stops, while others focus on a single long segment, so compare the descriptions rather than assuming they are identical.
Practical points
The loop suits all seasons, although winter can limit access to some viewpoints and spring runoff makes waterfalls fuller. Bring layers, a camera, a snack and some cash for the village shops. The day is mostly in the vehicle, so it works well for older travellers and families, but be aware that young children may tire on the longest stretches. If you only have time for one scenic drive, the Circuito Chico is the better first choice because it is shorter and gives the classic views.
If you have three or more days, add this one to see a quieter, more rural side of the district. For a different style of day, the Route of the Seven Lakes covers some of the same region on a route that continues to San Martin de los Andes.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day loop by road from Bariloche through lake and forest scenery, with viewpoint stops and free time in Villa La Angostura.
Best time
Any season; spring brings fuller waterfalls and autumn gives red and gold forest colour.
How long
Roughly seven to nine hours, mostly seated in the vehicle with short walking stops.
Tips
Ask which viewpoints and lakes are included, whether lunch is covered, and bring layers and some cash for the village.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a second scenic drive after the Circuito Chico and a relaxed lunch in a mountain village.
- Families
- Comfortable for most ages, though the long hours in the vehicle can tire very young children.
- Couples
- Quiet lakeside corners and a leisurely lunch in Villa La Angostura make a relaxed day out.
- Pair with
- The Circuito Chico on another day, and the Arrayanes forest if you want to see the myrtle woods too.
- Time needed
- One full day, around seven to nine hours.
Good questions
What is the difference between the Circuito Chico and the Circuito Grande?+
The Circuito Chico is a short half-day loop along the lakeshore and the Llao Llao peninsula. The Circuito Grande is a full-day tour that travels much farther into the wider lake district and includes Villa La Angostura.
What is Villa La Angostura like?+
It is a small mountain village on the north shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi, with wooden-and-stone buildings, craft shops, tea rooms and a lakefront pier. It is a pleasant place for lunch and a stroll.
How long does the Circuito Grande take?+
Plan on about seven to nine hours, depending on the operator, the stops included and the time spent in the village.
Is lunch included?+
It varies by operator. Check the inclusions when you book, and carry some cash in case you eat at a village cafe or restaurant.
Can I do it in winter?+
Yes, the loop is run through the year, though snow can affect some viewpoints and the timing of the stops. Confirm with the operator closer to the day.
