Bariloche has
some of the most accessible hikes throughout Patagonia and the scenery is to-die-for. Bariloche
is located in the north of Patagonia, although it is still a 23-hour bus
journey from the bustling Buenos Aires (but worth the trip!). Often referred to
as an Alpine village, Bariloche is home to wooden chalets, freshwater lakes and
forests, giving it a Swiss Alpine feel. There is hiking for every ability in
the area and this guide gives you a short introduction into the available
trails.
Cerro
Campanario
Let’s start
with the easiest of the uphill hikes in Bariloche. Located north-west of the town, the start of this
trail is alongside Avenida Exequiel Bustillo where the chairlift to the summit
begins. The peak of Cerro Campanario is 1050 metres above sea level and the
trail takes about 40 minutes to complete from bottom to top! It is a relatively
easy hike for most people, following a trail through the wooded slopes of Cerro
Campanario. When you arrive at the top, the panoramic view will amaze you
across to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.
Casacada de
los Duendes
This fairly short
walk takes you from lake level up to the lookout point over Lago Gutiérrez.
Follow the trail through the forests from the car park, where you will reach Los
Duendes waterfall after a short time. Once you’ve admired this, follow the
trail further up to the viewpoint. The trail becomes steeper after the
waterfall to the viewpoint, but nothing too strenuous. If once you’ve
finished this trail you want to relax, the Los Coihues beach is a nice place to
relax and drink a locally brewed beer.
Refugio Frey
Deep in the Nahuel Huapi National Park you will find Refugio Frey. This little lodge named after
Emilio Frey sits at the edge of Toncek lagoon, and it a popular hiking spot.
Several different trails lead to Refugio Frey, all of them though supply unimaginable
amounts of beauty. The trails cross over streams, through forests and
alongside mountain peaks. The easiest trail begins at the Cerro Catedral car
park and weaves its way to Refugio Frey taking about 4 hours each way. Another
possible trail in the summer is the Cerro Catedral Edge, this starts at either
the Lynch Alta Patagonia Lodge or at the Punta Princesa. Both take just over 3
hours and is marked in red paint. You are given the choice of heading to either
Frey or Jakob lodge, but Frey is more popular. This trail though is only
available in the summer months. Guided tours to Refugio Frey ensure you see the best parts of this
trail and make sure you don’t get lost!
Cerro Bella
Vista
A steep trail that
at the 1750m peak provides you with spectacular views of all the surrounding
peaks of Bariloche, as well as the famous lakes in the area. The ascent is
roughly 1000m from the start point at El Tambo or Colonia Suiza. The trail
snakes through the forest passing viewpoints until you reach the ‘Lenga’
forest. This forest is home to the Magellanic Giant Woodpeckers which
hopefully you will spot if you aren’t too noisy! As you continue to climb, more
scenery comes into view and you’ll edge closer to the summit. From the summit
you have complete 360-degree views of the forests, Andes, lakes and of
course Bariloche. This trek takes about 2 hours each-way and is usually
accessible all-year-round. Tours exist for this trail which provide lunch, transfers and guides
who help you to fully appreciate this mountain and its surroundings.
Multi-day
treks
For the
experienced and determined hikers, there are some treks which last multiple
days. These treks are best undertaken with a guide, which there are
plenty of in the Bariloche region. Pampa Linda to Colonia Suiza is a four day
walk where there are several places to wild camp, you’ll see some spectacular
scenery and probably some wildlife. The Nahuel Huapi Traverse is a 5-day trek
that takes in the four refugios (refuges) and the famous Laguna Negra. At
points this hike is tricky, involving some scrambling and rocky ascents. If you
just want to visit one refuge, then the one-day tour and night stay at Refugio Frey is
perfect! You’ll be
able to admire the stars at night and once everyone has left you can enjoy sleeping
in a granite-built lodge in a national park!
If you want to know more about excursions, accommodation, vacation packages and all the information about Bariloche, contact us.