The Circuito Chico (a map is available from the tourist office) follows the southern lake shore west to Puerto Panuelo. For the first 10 to 12 kilometres after leaving town the road is lined with dozens of small hotels, cabanas (cabins or bungalows), boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Beyond these the route starts to become more scenic and passes through dense native forest.

Some 25 km farther on is the famous Llao Llao, a large luxury hotel with spectacular views. Buses run regularly along this route, alternatively, you can rent a car or bike. There are some great walks in the area, particularly around the Parque Muncipal Llao Llao. From Puerto Panuelo there are boat trips to Puerto Blest, Isla Victoria and the Bosque de los Arrayanes.

Beyond the Llao Llao Hotel, follow the track west to Villa Tacul where there is a lovely sandy beach. The Mirador Lopez offers more fantastic views. A little farther on is the Alun Nehuen Hotel which occupies another privileged setting surrounded by craggy peaks and vast rock faces. From here you can follow the road around Lago Moreno or take a detour along an unpaved, sometimes rather pot-holed, road to the small Swiss settlement of Colonia Suizo, where there's a small market, a few craft shops and a handful of restaurants. For further details, visit the tourist office in the Centro Civico on the main plaza in Bariloche.