Totems del Nahuel Huapi, Patagonia Travel Guide

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Discover the Totems del Nahuel Huapi in Bariloche: a tribute to the Mapuche people set against Patagonia's stunning natural beauty.

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Totems del Nahuel Huapi

The Totems del Nahuel Huapi in San Carlos de Bariloche are wooden sculptures that pay homage to the indigenous Mapuche people. These totems, crafted by Chilean artist Bernardo Oyarzun, stand as cultural symbols with the stunning Nahuel Huapi Lake and Andes Mountains as their backdrop.

A brief summary to Totems del Nahuel Huapi

Av. 12 de Octubre 157, San Carlos de Bariloche, Centro, Río Negro Province, AR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Totems del Nahuel Huapi.

Wear comfortable shoes, as the area is best explored on foot.
Check the weather forecast before your visit.
Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into the significance of the totems.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Centro Cívico area, walk north on Av. San Martín until you reach Av. 12 de Octubre. Turn left onto Av. 12 de Octubre and continue walking until you reach number 157, where the Totems del Nahuel Huapi are located. It's about a 20-minute walk.
Public Transport

From the Centro area in San Carlos de Bariloche, head to the main bus terminal located at Av. San Martín 300. Take bus number 50, which heads towards Llao Llao and get off at the stop named 'Av. 12 de Octubre 157'. The Totems del Nahuel Huapi will be just a short walk from the bus stop. A single bus fare costs approximately 221 ARS, and can only be paid using a SUBE card.
Taxi/Ride-Share

For a more convenient option, you can take a taxi or use a rideshare app. Simply provide the driver with the address: 'Av. 12 de Octubre 157, San Carlos de Bariloche'. The ride from the Centro area should take around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 3.5 USD (approximately 3500 ARS as of July 2025) for a 5km ride.
Car

If you are driving, head towards San Carlos de Bariloche. From the center of Bariloche, take Av. 12 de Octubre towards the northwest and continue for approximately 1.5 kilometers. You will find Totems del Nahuel Huapi at Av. 12 de Octubre 157. Parking is available nearby, but it may be limited during peak tourist seasons.

Discover more about Totems del Nahuel Huapi

The Totems del Nahuel Huapi are more than just wooden sculptures; they are a powerful representation of the region's indigenous heritage. Located along Av. 12 de Octubre in San Carlos de Bariloche, these totems offer visitors a chance to connect with the traditions and spiritual beliefs of the Mapuche people.Created by Chilean artist Bernardo Oyarzun as part of the INSITU – Arte en el Espacio Público Bariloche program in 2012/13, the totems depict the figures of a Mapuche man and woman. Facing east, they symbolize the origin of life according to Mapuche culture. This type of totem is common in Chile, particularly in regions with a strong Mapuche presence.Visitors can take a leisurely walk to view the totems, set against the stunning backdrop of Nahuel Huapi Lake and the Andes Mountains. The site provides a serene space for reflection and an opportunity to appreciate the artistry and cultural significance of these sculptures. The surrounding Nahuel Huapi National Park offers even more to explore, with its diverse landscapes, trekking routes, and crystal-clear lakes.