Parque Muncipal Llao Llao

Location:
Bustillo km 27.5
Llao Llao, Bariloche, Argentina

Hiking Types:
National park

By Shanie Matthews

The Parque Municipal Llao Llao is a 1,200-hectare national park within the larger Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. It is sandwiched between kilometers 26 and 31 of Circuito Chico. The park is a mix of native wood species (such as Coihues and Cordilleran Cypress), bamboo, mosses and ferns, and the home to a diverse range of birds, reptiles and small mammals. The large expanse of land encompasses islands, miles of rocky and sandy beaches, thick woodland, bamboo forests and a manicured single-track trail system. The path is a circuit that is more enjoyed when split into sections. The first trail head that is encountered after passing the Hotel Llao Llao is marked by a green metal Jesus hanging on a cross. This path, besides following the shore of Lago Moreno Oeste, visits a small grove of thick, old Arrayanes trees. After the green Jesus trail head, the path to the summit of Cerrito Llao Llao is immediately found to the right. This is a rolling trail that leads to Villa Traful or, if you veer left, to the top of the Cerrito Llao Llao. The view from the rocky precipice looks out over Brazo Tristeza of Lake Nahuel Huapi and towards the Chilean Andes. Farther down Circuito Chico you will come upon the back entrance to the green Jesus trail head. Moving along, you will come to four different starting points for the Lago Escondido trail. This relatively flat nature walk winds itself through bamboo archways, old growth forests, along the shores of Lake Escondido. The mirador at the end leaves you feeling like you are looking out at Mother Nature's paradise—glistening water, majestic mountains and islands peppering the immense lake. Beyond the Escondido trail is the Brazo Tristeza trailhead located in the parking lot of the Hotel Alun Nehuen. This is a nice leisurely 45-minute walk to a viewpoint looking into the Tristeza arm of Nahuel Huapi and Mount Tronador on sunny days.

Getting There
the park begins directly after the Llao Llao Hotel

Travel Tips: animals, mountain bikes and camping is not allowed within park

Price Description: free

Relative price: Free

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: good walking shoes, comfortable clothing, great place for a picnic

the Llao Llao Hotel, Capilla San Eduardo