An intermediate-difficulty ascent to the summit of Cerro Capilla in 3 days. Do it under the supervision of Juan Carlos, a AAGM certified mountain guide from Bariloche.
Private
Andes
3 Days
Jan - May
Intermediate
Intermediate
Cerro Capilla lies on the shore of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, between the Tristeza and Bless streams. Its perfect location gives the mountain an stunning scenery since it is surrounded by crystalline waters and no high peaks.
Although the Cerro Capilla is quite close to the city of Bariloche, the views and its wild environment stands out as a highlight of the area. In fact, to get to the mountain it's necessary to take a boat or kayak.
The ascent to Cerro Capilla is a gem for Bariloche mountaineering, offering an intermediate difficulty rock climb during the summer and autumn. However, it becomes a little harder in the spring as some ice climbing skills are necessary.
This 3-day expedition begins and ends at Bahía López, at the foot of the impressive walls of the Cerro Lopez. Please find more details about the day-by-day itinerary at the bottom of this page.
Also, there is an optional acclimatization trek to get ready before the ascent. A good warm-up is for example, this half-day hike to Cerro Llao Llao. We can combine an easy hiking day with an ascent to Cerro Tronador as well.
So, I will be waiting for your contact in case you want to climb this summit with me. Get in touch so we can plan and discuss your wishes and expectations. I have no doubt it will be a really enriching experience!
The expedition begins in Bahia López, below the amazing granite walls of the Cerro Lopez. Here we’ll jump on a boat to cross the Tristeza stream towards a small beach on the other side. The is quick rough and steep since it is not well marked. After 3 hiking hours we will start entering the alpine valley where the hut is. Once at the hut it is time to relax and enjoy the loneliness of the place. We’ll have dinner and talk about tomorrow’s climb. We’ll go to be early since tomorrow ascent starts with the first lights of the sun.
Today we must climb snowy and steep rocky slopes where the use of rope might be needed. This is not a climb for people who are afraid of heights. The way to the summit will take approximately 4 hours. Once we reach 2167 meters of elevation we’ll be right at the top of the mountain. The views from there are amazing. We can admire the Cerro Tronador and the Puntiagudo volcano as well as the entire Nahuel Huapi Lake. It is also common to see condors flying! The descent may include some rappelling and climbing down, depending on the weather conditions. By mid afternoon we will be at the hut again, for a well deserved rest. The extra time will be dedicated to relax on the alpine creek or to explore the forest. Tonight is time to celebrate our goal at the hut!
Easy morning start, where we’ll pack everything and begin the hike down following the same way. In a couple of hours we will be by the beach. Before sailing to the bay we can visit the waterfall which is formed by a creek that runs just beside the mountain hut where we slept during the expedition…
5.0
(5)
Mountain Leader
AAGM mountain guide from Argentina.
I was raised in Buenos Aires where I used to go sailing and fishing with my family during weekend and holidays. As a teenager I began traveling to Patagonia with friends to fish, hike and camp. Years later I became a rock climber and mountaineer since I wanted to asses more summits and amazing views.
At the age of 23 and after gathering a good amount of fun ascents and traverses along Patagonia, I decided to fully commit to a life in the outdoors. As a result I started my carrier at N.O.L.S. – National Outdoors Leadership School in the U.S.A. and Chile. I lead rock climbing and mountaineering trips in Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Alaska and in Aysen (Chilean Patagonia) for nine years.
In 2009 finally settled permanently in Bariloche and focused my guiding work on the Lake District Region. Here I discovered new styles of guiding and service which were good to experience and helped me grow in this profession. Now I am able to mix my background on outdoor education with the guiding world and create unique experiences for active travelers.
I take advantage of every season of the year, going mountain biking and sea-kayaking in the summer, ice-skating on alpine lakes during the Fall, back-country skiing during the Winter, rock climbing and mountaineering as soon as the Spring makes it way through the snow.
Outdoor Certifications:
• N.O.L.S. Senior Instructor • A.A.G.M. Mountain Guide • W.F.R. First Aid Certified • L.N.T. Leave No Trace Master Educator • AV 1 Level Avalanche Awareness • Nahuel Huapi National Park Mountain & Kayaking Guide • A.C.A American Canoe Association Level 3, Coastal Kayaking
Languages
Portuguese | English
Certificates
AAGM | UIMLA
Rachel
Juan was an amazing guide! We had the best experience treking with him and would highly recommened this trip!
We went snowshoeing in Bariloche last July. The trip was great and Juan Carlos was fantastic!
ruth
Juan was a great guide. We went in mid November and there’s no way we could have done the Frey to Jacob traverse without him. He’s very relaxed but you feel very safe and unhurried, good fun to be around. He looked after us really well and even let us take a shower at his place before we headed off to the airport.
Rachel
Juan was an amazing guide! We had the best experience treking with him and would highly recommened this trip!
Juan was very informative and offered a well-rounded trip; would definitely do it again!
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