Hike Hut to Hut in Bariloche - 4 - $1,350
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- Best described as an uninterrupted hiking exploration of the varied natural formations of the Nahuel Huapi National Park
- Walk among the surroundings of granite spires, cross creeks, traverse through Lenga forests, and descend to streams
- Finish up at Lopez mountain, taking in the vast views from Turista peak
- Meet locals as you are hosted in different mountain huts along the route
- Enjoy the ease of all meals taken care of; less for you to carry and you can look forward to hearty traditional meals following full days of walking
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Cerro Catedral
The hike starts at the base station of Cerro Catedral skiing resort. You follow a hiking trail which wraps around the side of the mountain, ascending smooth slopes that cross some creeks. Gutierrez Lake and Cerro Ventana are seen along the first part of the hiking trail. Then the trail gets into the Van Titter creek valley. Lenga (nothofagus) forest and some shrubby species dominate this section of the trail. You will pass Refugio Piedritas (little rock refuge), an unusual bivouac built under a big rock.
From there onwards you will observe how the vegetation becomes more scarce as you get higher; the Lenga shrubs will also allow you to see the first rocky formations of the valley. After 4 hours of hiking you will see the foot of Aguja (spire) Frey, by Toncek lagoon the Refugio (mountain hut) Emilio Frey (at 1.700 m above sea level) is surrounded by a circle of granite spires.
Length of hike: 4-6 hours
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Day 2: Laguna Toncek
Hiking along the Toncek lagoon and ascending at its end you get into rocky terrain until you reach the Catedral mountain ridge, passing along Schmoll Lagoon and the so-called 'cancha de futbol' (football court). From the ridge the view is magnificent to Rucaco Valley, Cerro tres Reyes, Torre Principal (main Catedral tower) and the majestic Mount Tronador at the background. Descend to Rucaco Valley, then ascend again to Brecha Negra pass and another descent to Refugio (mountain hut) San Martin, Jacob Lagoon.
Length of hike: 6-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Day 3: Refugio Italia
After breakfast, continue hiking to Tompanos lagoon and Refugio peak. This part may be the most technically difficult section of the traverse, trekking through the Los Inocentes Andes ridge to Cerro Navidad and descending to the stream that comes from Negra Lagoon. From there, the last part of the hike is an ascent to Refugio Italia "Manfredo Segre" mountain hut.
Length of hike: 8-12 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut
Day 4: Negra Lagoon
Hike along Negra Lagoon, with some rocky parts. You continue hiking, ascending through a wide valley to Negro mountain ridge. You will have a wide view of mountains such as Bailey Willis, Negro, CAB, Capitan, Tristeza lake branch and CAB lagoon. Hike around Bailey Willis Mountain, descending to Goye Valley, and then ascend to Turista peak at Lopez mountain, descending to the mountain hut to the end of your hiking traverse.
Length of hike: 7-9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Please note:
Price of USD $1350 per person is based on a group of 4 people. Discounts are available for groups of 5 or more, and supplements apply for smaller groups.
Departures can be set up for a minimum of 2 people. Please get in touch for more details.
Includes
- Guide
- Accommodation as indicated in itinerary
- Meals as indicated in itinerary
Excludes
- Meals not indicated in itinerary
- Personal expenses and equipment
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
