Patagonia is a region filled with beautiful treasures. And the Frey Hut is one of the best ones! Join Juan Carlos, AAGM certified mountain guide, in this full day traverse.
Private
Andes
1 Day
Jan - Jun, Dec
Intermediate
Beginner
The day begins in Villa Catedral where we will use some chair lifts to gain elevation. At almost 2000 meters above sea level, we will be already enjoying an incredible view of the Nahuel Huapi Lake.
So, we will start walking on a well marked trail between rocks and stones. The first hour of hiking has some difficulty due to the rocky and steep terrain. There will be some times that we need to use our hands to help us cross steps between the rocks.
After several stops to have some snacks and drink water, we will be at the Arroyo Rucaco Valley. We will also be able to see, in clear days, the Mount Tronador, the Cerro Negro and why not, the Lanin Volcano far in the horizon. Then, we will continue the route that becomes easier and faster.
After two hours of hiking, we will reach the "Canchita de Futbol" where we will change the direction. It's time to descend towards the Schmoll and Toncek lagoon. Now we will be literally inside the Frey Valley. The red granite needles we will see are magnificent and imposing.
We'll stop for lunch at the shore of the Toncek Lagoon. The homemade box lunch gives us the energy to continue for 3 more hours, descending until we are again in our starting point, Villa Catedral. Of course that before that, we will visit the Frey Hut to know its history and mountain atmosphere that is breathed in this classic refuge of Bariloche.
We will gradually leave this high Andean terrain behind to immerse ourselves in the Patagonian rainforest. Flowers and lichens will give color to the trail. The Lengas will be getting bigger as we enter the Valley of the Van Titter, following its crystalline waters while we lose altitude.
The last hour of the trek is a long walk alongside the Southeast of the Cathedral Mount. That trail leads us to the parking lot of the Ski Center. Finally, after a long day in the mountains we deserve a good craft beer to celebrate!
In addition to having a good physical condition, keep in mind that this program is not recommended to people who suffer from fear of heights. During spring you will find large amounts of snow at the top of the mountain. It is therefore important to have good trekking boots and gaiters.
So, get in touch with me so we can plan together this hiking adventure towards the Frey Hut. I will be waiting for your contact!
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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