Cerro Leone Caves

The caves at Cerro Leone (Lion Hill) don’t appear in any guidebooks we have seen yet, but are worth a trip. They are about 30km north east from Bariloche, close to the airport.

The guide only speaks Spanish, so this is advisable although we had no problems without this as he is extremely helpful and friendly and always kept us included.

If you do go, it is best to find out what time the tours leave as you are taken on a small bus to the starting point.

The tour is made up of 3 caves, the third being the most impressive, and weather permitting, a walk onto the top of the hill for a 360 degree panoramic view of the area.

Those with claustrophobia won’t be keen on the last (most impressive) cave as you need to crawl through a small space to get into the main cave which is completely dark and silent. Hard hats and a torch are provided.

The caves were inhabited at some stage and have rock art which is visible in certain areas.

The little restaurant at the bottom serves good food (we had the platter of cold meats, cheese and olives).

The tour cost is around AR$28 (£5) and the tour lasts 3 hours. I would not list it as a must see, but is nice as something different.