Bariloche Scenic One-Day Hiking Routes: Best Bus-Accessible Trails

You will be treated to a breathtaking array of natural wonders along the way, including rivers, forests, alpine lakes, and dramatic cliffs; the entire journey is an adventure that never dulls. The trail is less crowded, with most hikers embarking on multi-day treks, arriving from other routes, and setting up camp at Refugio Frey. After Frey, you’ll find the path even more secluded.

🌟 Difficulty: This trek is slightly more challenging than the Three Towers and Fitz Roy hikes, primarily due to the second half of the route, which features steeper cliffs and weathered, loose rocks that can be unstable and pose some risk.

🚌 Bus: From downtown Bariloche, hop on bus number 55 (the one-way fare is approximately 5000 pesos) and get off at Villa Cerro Catedral. The stop is a large parking lot, and you can find it on Google Maps as Parada Cerro Catedral. If I’m wrong, don’t hold it against me! The return bus departs from the same spot, and the schedule is punctual, so make sure not to miss it. It’s highly recommended to catch the earliest bus to maximize your time on the trail.

🧤 Gear: For those planning to complete the loop, essential gear includes outdoor gloves (some of the rocks are very sharp), a face mask (to protect against strong winds and sand), and trekking poles (though there are also shared wooden sticks available on the mountain).

Additionally, Bariloche offers several day-hiking trails accessible by bus, making it a perfect destination for budget-conscious adventurers.