A whole day hiking up to Cerro Mallo

Cerro Mallo lies 40 kilometers from San Martin de los Andes, on Route 48 over the Nonthue Lake, near Hua-Hum and the border with Chile. It is one of the few mountains whose summit has snow during most part of the year.

Cerro Mallo, at almost 2000 meters in height, gives us varied landscapes such as the Valdivian and Nothofagus Forests. From its summit you can even see the Lanin volcano, Mount Tronador and other Chilean peaks.

Although it is not a difficult ascent, the physical demand increases slightly with snow. The round trip will take us about 8 hours.

As for the itinerary, we will leave San Martin de los Andes at 8 am and drive for 1 hour towards the beginning of the path in front of the camping Nonthue. During the first section of the ascent we will walk through a forest of Pellín, Coihues and Raulies trees. After that, we will find a not very steep but constant slope until we cross a creek.

Once we overcome 1000 meters in altitude, Lenga trees begin to dominate the landscape. The ground becomes more demanding until we can leave the forest. There, we will find a cliff that opens the landscape in two. We will walk through this panoramic edge, from where we will have a great view of the Lanin Volcano and Lake Lacar.

The last climb before the top is usually covered with snow. But you don’t have to worry since as your guide I will help you to make best use of this experience. Once at the summit you will have a rewarding panoramic view of the amazing Patagonian landscape. After some pictures we will do the same way down in order to descend to the vehicle (it takes about 2,5 hours).

Please keep in mind that we can do the same itinerary in winter, with snowshoes.

I have no doubt it will be an amazing day! I’ll be happy to go with you and help you fulfill the goal of getting to Cerro Mallo. Get in touch with me as soon as you can!