Paso de Las Nubes Trek Bariloche

Day 1: Bariloche

Today you will check in to your accommodation in Bariloche. There will be a meeting and briefing with your mountain guide to discuss the upcoming days on the trip.

Accommodation: Las Marianas Hotel or equivalent, in Bariloche

Day 2: Hike up to Refugio Otto Meiling

We'll take a transfer from Bariloche to Pampa Linda in the early morning.

The ascent begins with a hike across a forest of Ñire trees to reach the Castaño Overa River, an outflow of one of the glaciers calving from Tronador. After crossing the river the trail climbs gently for a couple of hours through giant Coihue trees and dense vegetation. Gradually we gain elevation and beautiful views will appear as arrive at La Almohadilla which makes a good lunch spot. Soon after the trail climbs above the tree line we'll follow a rocky volcanic ridge towards Refugio Otto Meiling at 1930m, enjoying incredible views of the glaciers flowing down on either side of us.

After settling in, we can relax and absorb the majestic high mountain environment. Before dinner, we will go through some glacier navigation skills, such as crevasse rescue and self-arrest. There will then be a briefing about tomorrow's plan. There will be an early dinner before we enjoy a good night's sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Refugio Otto Meiling
Transfer time: 2hrs
Hiking distance: 12km
Physical intensity: Medium

Day 3: Traverse Alerce Glacier towards 'Pass of the Clouds'

After a good breakfast, we'll make our way to the Alerce Glacier which sits right below the hut. Here we'll rope up and get ready for the adventure of traversing through crevasse fields and across snow bridges. Once we've crossed the glacier the route follows a rocky ridge and we make our way down to the Pass of the Clouds.

There are some steep sections that might need some rope use and down climbing, so it is important that we take this section slowly. Once at the pass, the hut is nearby, surrounded by scrub vegetation.

Refugio Rocca is really comfortable and cosy and enjoys some fantastic views - a reward for a great day in the mountains. We'll have dinner and sleep here.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Refugio Rocca
Hiking distance: 4km
Height change: 56m
Physical Intensity: Medium

Day 4: Trek down to Lake Frias and meet the Alerce tree

We'll enjoy a slow start to the morning, enjoying the alpine glow over the glaciers. Today’s trek will show you a good example of the Valdivian rainforest. You'll see new types of trees and plants, especially the longest-living tree in Patagonia, the Alerce tree. Maybe we'll also get to see some endemic birds or mammals of the area.

The trail takes us down to the pass and below Frias Glacier, offering great views of its waterfalls. Then it follows the Frias River with its milky waters until we arrive at Lake Frias after around four hours of hiking.

Here we'll begin our trip back to Bariloche. The first leg is on a small commercial boat, followed by a short bus ride to Puerto Blest. Here everyone jumps on a comfortable catamaran and sails the Nahuel Huapi Lake to Puerto Pañuelo, a beautiful port 25km from Bariloche. This is one of the most impressive branches of the lake, so don't miss it!  By late afternoon we'll arrive in Bariloche after an amazing adventure in the middle of the Patagonian Andes.

Check back into your hotel in Bariloche and say a fond farewell to your guide who has accompanied you for the past three days.

Meals: Breakfast, box lunch
Accommodation: Las Marianas hotel or equivalent, in Bariloche
Hiking distance: 11km
Height change: 247m
Physical Intensity: Medium

Day 5: Leave Bariloche

After a relaxing night in your hotel, you can enjoy breakfast before leaving Bariloche for your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast