Good physical condition
Previous mountaineering experience (not mandatory but recommended)
Argentine Patagonia has unique rock formations and flora, very different from the rest of South America. The city of Bariloche, known for its ski slopes and snow in winter, is the gateway to the region that stretches to the southern tip of the continent. In summer, the ideal time for this route, the landscape and climate change completely, making this trek enjoyable and less technical due to the lack of icy stretches. The four refuges that give the crossing its name are Frey, San Martín, Manfredo and Lopez, the main ones in the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Physics: high
Technique (climbing): low
On this route there is only a small section that is a little more vertical (40° incline) where there will be safety ropes.
19 to 22/Dec/2024
01 to 04/Mar/2025 (Carnival)
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from R$ 5,990 per person (promotional price 1st batch)
DAY 0 (before the expedition):
Arrival in Bariloche. Transfer from the airport to the hotel not included. Meals not included. Accommodation included (optional).
DAY 1: Cerro Catedral Base – Frey Refuge
After breakfast at the hotel in Bariloche, we will continue via transfer for approximately 30 minutes to the base of Cerro Catedral, the beginning of the trail. We will pass by the beautiful Gutierrez Lake and a typical Patagonian forest full of woodpeckers. Upon arrival at the camp, we will set up our tents and enjoy some free time. Breakfast included at the hotel and dinner included at the refuge. Accommodation in tents or at the refuge.
Accumulated elevation: 750 m
Distance: 10 km
Estimated time: 4 - 5h
DAY 2: Frey Refuge - San Martín Refuge (Laguna Jakob)
A more physically demanding day than the previous one. We will leave Frey at 08:00, right after breakfast. The trail starts off easy, skirting Lake Toncek until the start of the steep climb that leads to Lake Schmoll and then to the Rucaco Valley. After crossing the valley, we will climb back up to the crest of the mountain to reach Lake Jakob, our second refuge. Breakfast and dinner included at the refuge. Accommodation in tents or at the refuge.
Accumulated elevation: 530 m
Distance: 9 km
Estimated time: 7 - 9 hours
DAY 3: San Martín Refuge - Manfredo Refuge (Laguna Negra)
This will be the most challenging day of the entire crossing. The first 30 minutes are easy until the Schweizer pass, from there a more technical section begins in which our guides, who are climbers, will guide all participants up to Pico Refúgio (2,032 m). We will follow a long stretch along the ridge to the highest point of the entire route, Cerro Navidad (2,103m). We will descend to the valley, climb again through the famous stretch called "caracol", and arrive at our final destination of the day. Breakfast and dinner included at the shelter. Accommodation in tents or at the shelter.
Accumulated elevation: 850 m
Distance: 10 km
Estimated time: 8 - 10h
DAY 4: Manfredo Shelter - Lopez Shelter - Swiss Colony
Last day of our trek, one of the easiest of the four days but with the greatest distance covered. We will climb Cerro Bley Willis, have an incredible view of the region including Cerro Tronador, pass by Lopez Shelter and finally the long descent to Swiss Colony, the end of the crossing and where we will have our transfer back to Bariloche. Breakfast included at the shelter.
Accumulated elevation: -1,000 m
Distance: 11 km
Estimated time: 7-9h
INCLUDED
Transfer in/out of the mountain from Bariloche
- Camping stay at the campsites on the itinerary
1 WFA first aid guide in Portuguese, English and Spanish for every 5 people
Breakfast days 1, 2, 3 and 4
Dinner on days 1, 2 and 3 (drinks not included)
All necessary safety equipment, including personal equipment
Assistance in purchasing equipment before the trip
First aid kit for collective use
1 Captain Jack snack
NOT INCLUDED
Transportation to Bariloche - Argentina (round trip)
Airport hotel - airport transportation
And stay DAY 0 in Bariloch and
Trail food (snacks), in the city of Bariloch and in the extra shelters included
All camping equipment, including tents (but with rental option)
Travel insurance
Rescue insurance
CLOTHING
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Polyamide T-shirt - 2 to 3 units
To be used while hiking. Recommended with long sleeves for extra protection against solar radiation and scratches from branches.
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Fleece blouse 200 - 1 unit
Fleece is a type of fabric with high heating power, low weight and good compression. If you want to invest in a material that is even lighter and more compressible but much more expensive, choose goose down jackets. But be careful! There are several types of down jackets, and many are NOT SUITABLE FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS. For more information, contact our team. If you DO NOT want to invest, you can replace it with a regular sweatshirt, but it is highly NOT recommended because it is heavier, bulky and dries slowly if it gets wet.
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Fleece 400 shirt - 1 unit
It will only be used when entering the park, when temperatures can drop to -6ºC in the height of winter.
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Anorak - 1 unit
This is the most important item in your backpack. It can literally save your life, as it will protect you from hypothermia. It must have a hood. It must be water-resistant and preferably breathable, that is, it allows your sweat to escape without letting rainwater in. NOT RECOMMENDED but can be replaced by a regular raincoat.
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Hiking pants - 1 or 2 units
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Trekking boots - 1 unit
Ideally, they should be specific for mountaineering, with a good sole (ideally Vibram®), high shaft, water-resistant and preferably with a breathable GoreTex® membrane. Some people do the trail with regular sneakers, but THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
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Thin liner socks - 2 to 3 units
Opt for technical socks, specifically for mountaineering. They should have high breathability, which helps to keep your feet in contact with moisture from sweat as little as possible, one of the 3 factors that cause blisters.
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Thick socks - 1 unit
To be used only when camping. Choose models made of merino wool.
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Beanie - 1 unit
Opt for fleece models.
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Bandana / expedition cap / hat - 1 unit
Opt for a bandana because it is much more versatile to withstand extreme environmental conditions.
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Sunglasses - 1 unit
An essential item for a more comfortable trip. Radiation at altitude is greater than at sea level, so protect yourself!
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Thin liner glove - 1 unit
Opt for those made of polyester.
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Medium glove - 1 unit
Opt for models that are windproof.
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Crocks or flip-flops - 1 pair
For use at camp.
ACCESSORIES
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50 to 60L backpack - 1 unit
Must have a waist strap. Choose models that can be adapted for camelbacks.
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Backpack raincoat - 1 unit
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Headlamp - 1 unit
Having the looser ones, in addition to being more comfortable, is a safety issue if you have to go through a more technical section with little light. On some routes, we make a short climb to the summit in the late afternoon to catch a glimpse of the sunset, and the descent ends up being at night. If you insist on not investing in this item, you can even replace it with a cell phone flashlight, but IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
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Set of spare batteries - 1 unit
Opt for lithium ones, which are more resistant to low temperatures.
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Trekking poles (optional) - 1 pair
It says "optional" because many people take a while to get used to using them. The benefit is tremendous: it reduces the impact on your knees by up to 30%. If you use them, avoid those with screw or automatic locks. They are less resistant.
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3L water tank with hose - 1 unit
Important item because dehydration at altitude increases the chance of altitude sickness (severe headaches and nausea, for example). This type of system prevents you from having to "take off and put on" your backpack, but it can even be replaced with plastic bottles.
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1L waterproof bag (optional) - 1 unit
To protect/organize small items and electronics.
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8L waterproof bag (optional) - 1 unit
To protect/organize clothes.
CAMPING / REFUGE
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Tent - 1 unit
For one or two people weighing less than 2.5 kg. Only necessary if you choose the "camping" option for your stay from days 1 to 4. Available for rent.
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0ºC sleeping bag (comfort) - 1 unit
The "limit" temperatures indicated by all manufacturers are very relative from person to person. The ideal is to always consider only the "comfort temperature". If this is similar to the external temperature of the environment, you will be able to sleep comfortably just wearing the second skin. Available for rent.
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Insulating mattress - 1 unit
Preferably choose inflatable or closed-cell models. Only necessary if you choose the "camping" option for your stay from days 1 to 4. We have them available for rent.
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Pillow (optional) - 1 unit
Use those specifically designed for camping, which are smaller and lighter than household ones. To avoid this extra weight, you can replace them with a blouse.
PERSONAL HYGIENE
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Sunscreen SPF 50 or higher
Personal remedies.
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Deodorant