Hut to Hut Bariloche Tour in Argentina

30-minute transfer from the hotel to the base of Catedral Ski Resort. The beginning of the trek is gentle and easy, allowing us to ease into the activity. The trail maintains elevation over Lake Gutiérrez and then enters the Van Titter Creek Valley.

This first section goes through a tall lenga forest, recovering from an old fire. After 3-4 hours, we’ll reach Piedrita Hut, a unique mountain bivouac built beneath a large granite rock. From here, we’ll notice the vegetation thinning gradually as we ascend, and the low lenga trees reveal the first rock formations in the valley.

After a rest, we have one more hour of hiking, which includes the steepest climb of the day. We’ll finish the trek at Emilio Frey Hut (1,700 meters above sea level), where we’ll spend the night.

In the remaining afternoon, those who wish can explore the area, approach the granite towers, and enjoy an incredible mountain setting that has long been a top choice in Patagonia for rock climbing.

After breakfast at the hut, we begin the trek toward “Jakob” Hut with an ascent to Schmoll Lagoon, which we reach after about an hour of hiking. The next challenge is the North Ridge of Catedral, at 2,000 meters above sea level, involving an hour-long climb over rocky, steep terrain.

The reward comes at the top, where we can see the magnificent Mount Tronador and much of the National Park. From the highest point, we begin the descent into the Rucaco Valley over loose scree. We cross the Rucaco Valley via a trail that eventually climbs 300 meters in elevation, leaving the vegetation behind as we reach the second high point of the day, the ridge of Cerro Brecha Negra.

After enjoying the views and taking a break from the climb, the trail requires just an hour and a half more of downhill hiking until we reach Jakob Lagoon, where the hut is located, and where we’ll spend the night.

We start the third day early, as it is the longest and most challenging.

The first challenge, passing by Témpanos Lagoon, is to reach nearly the summit of Pico Refugio, which involves a short climb where we may need to use our hands. Although it’s only a few meters, our guides will be very attentive to ensure optimal safety conditions.

Once we reach Pico Refugio, the route follows a ridge that connects Pico Refugio with Cerro Inocentes until we reach the ridge of Cerro Navidad (2,080 meters), from which we’ll descend to the valley floor.

The final stretch is a one-hour uphill hike to reach our hut for the night at Laguna Negra, located at 1,650 meters above sea level.

After breakfast and ready to go, we take the trail around the lagoon, leading us toward Cerro Bailey Willis.

We navigate its rocky ridge and descend into a beautiful high-altitude valley, perfect for lunch and a refreshing break.

We continue along trails on the mountain ridge and then ascend a steep chute to reach “Pico Turista” (2,040 meters) on the Cerro López massif. From here, a spectacular view opens up over Lake Nahuel Huapi, Lake Moreno, the Llao Llao Hotel, and the northern expanse of Patagonia.

From this point, we only need to descend along the traditional trail leading to “La Hoya” and then to Lopez Hut. After a mandatory stop at the hut to rest and rehydrate, we begin the last section of the trek—a two-hour descent to the Circuito Chico road, where our transport will be waiting.