Cerro Otto is the forested hill that rises right behind Bariloche, named after the German settler Otto Goedecke. Its summit, at around 1,405 m, is reached by a gondola cable car from the western edge of town — a quick way up to a big view of the city, the lake and the Andes.
At the top a revolving confitería turns slowly so you take in the full panorama while you eat, and a small gallery displays replicas of Michelangelo’s sculptures. In winter the slopes host a small area for sledging and cross-country skiing.
Top things to do at Cerro Otto
The gondola ride
Small four-person gondolas climb the forested flank in about 12 minutes. Buy tickets at the base or online.
The revolving café
The confitería giratoria completes a full turn in about 20 minutes — go for tea and cake and let the view come to you.
Walk down (or up)
Forest roads and trails lead down to town in a couple of hours; the Piedra de Habsburgo and Refugio Berghof area are popular short walks on the way.
Winter snow play
When there is snow, the summit area is a gentle place for children to try sledging.
How to get to Cerro Otto
- By shuttle: the cable car company has historically run a free shuttle from the centre; check current times.
- By taxi: about 10 minutes to the base station on Avenida de los Pioneros.
Insider tips
- Choose a clear day; if the summit is in cloud you will see nothing.
- Combine Otto with the Circuito Chico on the same day if you have little time.
- Opening hours are shorter in the shoulder seasons.
Best tours & tickets for Cerro Otto
These experiences are the easiest way to see Cerro Otto and the landscapes around it:
Ticket Bariloche: Cerro Otto Cable Car
The Teleférico Cerro Otto lifts you in small gondolas from the edge of town to the summit, where a revolving café, a small art gallery and snow play in winter sit above one of the widest panoramas of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the city.
- Gondola to the 1,405 m summit
- Revolving café with a 360° lake view
- Easy to reach by shuttle or taxi
Sightseeing tour Chico Circuit and Cerro Campanario
The best first afternoon in Bariloche. A guided minibus loop along Avenida Bustillo and the Llao Llao peninsula, with a stop at the foot of Cerro Campanario — whose chairlift leads to the view many visitors call the finest in Argentina — plus the Punto Panorámico lookout and Puerto Pañuelo.
- The classic 60 km lakeshore loop west of town
- Chairlift up Cerro Campanario (ticket extra)
- Llao Llao Hotel, San Eduardo chapel and Punto Panorámico
