Autumn in Circuito Chico

The Circuito Chico, a 60-kilometer scenic loop winding through the hills west of San Carlos de Bariloche, is one of Argentine Patagonia's most celebrated drives. In autumn, from March through May, it transforms into what many consider its most spectacular season.

The route circles through the heart of the Lake District, passing along the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi and Lago Moreno, through dense forests of native lenga, coihue, and ñire trees, and past iconic viewpoints like Cerro Campanario and Punto Panorámico. In autumn, the deciduous lenga and ñire trees explode in shades of crimson, amber, and gold while the evergreen coihues provide a deep green backdrop — a contrast that makes the Lake District one of South America's finest fall foliage destinations.

March eases into autumn gently, with warm days perfect for lingering at viewpoints and lakeside stops. The colors begin their transformation in late March and reach peak intensity through April, when the entire landscape appears to glow. By May, many leaves have fallen and the first snowfalls dust the higher peaks, creating a different but equally beautiful atmosphere.

Driving the Circuito Chico in autumn offers advantages beyond the foliage. The summer crowds that pack the viewpoints and chocolate shops along the route thin considerably, parking is readily available, and the quality of light — low and golden — is ideal for photography. The route is entirely paved and well-maintained, making it accessible in any vehicle, though renting a car gives you the freedom to stop wherever the colors are most striking.