Lopez Hill (Cerro Lopez)
Cerro López, Bariloche, Rio Negro
Arrive at Lopez Hill, and you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve wandered into an Alpine wonderland. Snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, world-class mountain bike and hiking trails, and mountaineering routes that number some of the best in the world are all here to be discovered. Plus, Lopez Hill is home to many local chocolatiers, adding further to the European atmosphere.
The basics
Lopez Hill is a top destination for outdoorsy travelers, with its hiking routes that stretch and meander through the Bariloches. From here, you can climb Cerro Lopez, a 7,178-foot (2,188-meter) tall mountain towering over the landscape. The vast wilderness of this area is oddly reminiscent of the European Alps. However, from the top of Cerro Lopez, active volcanoes remind explorers that this is the wild land of Patagonia.
Things to know before you go
Not all activities must be strenuous—take an off-road drive through the scenery or zipline down the hillside.
This area is ideal for landscape photographers and wildlife fans.
Climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking for all abilities are available.
Lopez Hill has four hiking trails to suit a range of fitness levels.
How to get there
Tours regularly visit Lopez Hill, and there are travel operators who make daily trips to the area. It’s an isolated place in the heart of Patagonia’s Bariloche mountain range, and its nearest towns are Colonia Suiza and San Carlos de Bariloche. Mountain passes link the range to the towns, and there are refugios to rest and refresh.
When to get there
The best time of year to visit Lopez Hill for hiking and mountain biking is the summer season, between December and March. If you hope to participate in snow and ice activities such as snowboarding, ice climbing, and winter mountaineering, June through October is the best time to travel.
Discover Alpine Patagonia’s Germanic Heritage
If the surroundings of Lopez Hill remind you of Europe, here’s why—Swiss pioneers founded the town of Colonia Suiza, and the small city of San Carlos de Bariloche, initially colonized by a failed Spanish mission, was built up by German-Chilean settlers. Chocolate tasting is a must here, and the architecture gives the area its name, “Little Switzerland.” It’s much larger than Switzerland, however, and there is much to discover in this wild and untamed region.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!