5 Unmissable Treks to Do in Bariloche
Bariloche is one of the favorite destinations for trekking lovers. The trails of Nahuel Huapi National Park and its surroundings invite you to connect with forests, crystal-clear lakes, and mountains offering spectacular views. You can choose from more than 150 options.
There are trails for every taste—from those that lead to mountain huts where you can spend the night to routes suitable for the whole family. Best of all, many of these trails are well signposted and can be done independently, without a guide.
At Rentennials we provide all the information you need to decide which trek to do in Bariloche: duration, difficulty level, and every detail you need for a peaceful walk in nature.
Below, we present five treks to discover beautiful corners of Patagonia and connect with nature.
Lago Los Césares Trail — get ready for a challenge
For those seeking a long and highly demanding option, the Lago Los Césares trail is ideal. After 4 to 6 hours of hiking with steep slopes, you’ll reach a lake surrounded by forests and mountains.
It all starts in Los Césares, on the shores of Lago Mascardi, on the road to Pampa Linda. After several signs, you’ll find a right-hand turn that will take you to Lago Los Césares. Keep in mind that on rainy days—or after several days of precipitation—there may be mud.
To reach the trailhead, take RN 40 towards El Bolsón for 36 km. After Lago Mascardi, there is a right turn. Continue for 25 km (after passing the park ranger station, where the entrance fee must be paid) until you reach Los Césares, very close to the Hotel Tronador.
As with the entire road to Pampa Linda, it’s important to keep in mind the entry and return schedules. And remember that this trail is only for a same-day out-and-back hike.
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Estimated time: 4 to 6 hours
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Distance: 6 km
- No overnight stay
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Difficulty: Very high
- Pre-registration required at this link
Trail to Refugio Emilio Frey via the Cerro Catedral ridge
In Colonia Suiza, 24 km from Bariloche, a trail follows the course of the Goye stream. This is an overnight trek, and you reach the hut after passing through a beautiful valley.
After about three hours of hiking, you’ll cross two streams: Navidad and then Negro (also called Goye). From here, the trail becomes very steep with continuous switchbacks.
Once you reach the summit, the panoramic view opens up before you. Laguna Negra and Cerro Negro come into view. Here you’ll find the Italia or Manfredo Segre Hut. It’s essential to book in advance.
From this same hut, you can connect with Refugio López or continue south along the Five Lagoons Traverse (Circuito de las 5 lagunas).
To reach the trailhead, drive along Avenida Bustillo to km 18. Then continue to the left along the famous Circuito Chico, and then take a gravel road that leads to Colonia Suiza up to the Goye Stream bridge.
- Estimated time: 5 to 6 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Overnight stay
- Difficulty: High
- Pre-registration required at this link
Trail to Refugio Emilio Frey via the Cerro Catedral ridge
The well-known Refugio Emilio Frey can be reached in several ways, but this route is the one for those seeking an expert-level challenge. It is highly demanding and you need trekking experience to do it.
To start the hike, first take one of the Catedral Alta Patagonia lifts (open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; check services beforehand). From the top station, continue to Punta Princesa, where the ridge trail begins.
Continue straight ahead, and it’s very important to follow the signage so you don’t get lost. The route ends at Laguna Schmoll and, a bit further on, Laguna Toncek, where Refugio Emilio Frey is located.
It’s essential to book and confirm your spot to spend the night at the Refugio Emilio Frey. You can also camp in the surrounding area, but always with a prior reservation.
- Estimated time: 4 to 5 hours
- Distance: 6 km
- Overnight stay
- Difficulty: High
- Pre-registration required at this link
Trail to Cascada de los Duendes — a classic for kids
The trail from the Lago Gutiérrez ranger station to Cascada de los Duendes is an ideal option for the whole family. It’s short and easy.
The trail starts in front of the Lago Gutiérrez Park Ranger Station. It’s very easy to find because it is perfectly signposted. The path is flat and runs alongside the Pescadero stream.
As you walk, you’ll also find informative signs about the Patagonian Andean forest and its natural features.
- Estimated time: 1 to 2 hours (round trip)
- Distance: 1 km
- Difficulty: Low, suitable for the whole family
Trail from Lago Mascardi to Lago Steffen — pure tranquility
The Lago Mascardi to Lago Steffen trail is ideal for those without much trekking experience who are looking for a bit of excitement and adventure.
It all begins a few meters from La Querencia campground, next to the Llodconto stream bridge on the road to Cerro Tronador. Don’t worry—the first 9.5 km follow a vehicle track that leads to the Boock outpost. From this point, continue along a trail that crosses private property. Don’t forget to close any gates you pass through.
The slope is very gentle, and you’ll always walk through a valley with streams and beautiful trees. Yes, sometimes you’ll need to get your feet wet to cross the waterways.
Towards the end of the trail, you’ll descend through a beautiful forest until you reach the Lago Steffen Campground, located on the lakeshore.
You can also do this route in reverse, starting from Lago Steffen heading north and finishing at Lago Mascardi.
To reach Lago Mascardi and begin from this point, take National Route 40 towards El Bolsón and drive 36 km past Villa Mascardi. To the right, you’ll find the turnoff to the lake. From there, the road is gravel and within a few meters you’ll reach the Lago Mascardi Park Ranger Station, where you’ll pay the National Park entrance fee. Then continue 6 km more to the trailhead.
To drive to the trailhead at Lago Steffen, take National Route 40 towards El Bolsón until the turnoff indicating access to Lago Steffen. From there, the mountain gravel road stretches for 10 km, and note that it has one-way traffic schedules (Entry 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; return 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.).
You can leave your car at the campground or nearby.
- Estimated time: 7 to 8 hours
- Distance: 20 km
- Overnight stay at one of the lakeside campgrounds
- Difficulty: Medium
- Pre-registration required at this link
Best time of year to go trekking in Bariloche
Bariloche is beautiful year-round, but for trekking, the best time is between November and April. Some trails are closed during winter, and others require special snow equipment.
In summer, consider the high temperatures and be prepared for intense sun. Sometimes it gets very hot, so it’s advisable to start your hike very early.
Recommendations for trekking in Bariloche
Keep these tips in mind when trekking in Bariloche:
- Always register when required at this link.
- Don’t leave the trails. Follow signage and the main path.
- Book huts in advance if you plan to stay overnight.
- Wear comfortable footwear. If hiking more than one day, bring a change of clothes and warm layers for the night.
- Bring a water bottle. You can refill it in streams.
- If the hike is long, bring food.
- It’s always better to go with company. If you go alone, let someone know which trail you’ll be doing.
- Keep in mind you won’t have cell signal on most trails.
- At barilochetrekking.com you can find all the information about local trails.
Remember that making fires is prohibited during hikes (it’s very important to respect this rule).
Rent a car and do the best treks in Bariloche
Bariloche offers beautiful trekking trails—an ideal activity to connect with nature and disconnect from everyday life. Imagine climbing a mountain and sleeping in the middle of the Andes under a starry night. Argentina is a world waiting to be discovered.
With a car, you’ll reach each trailhead easily. That’s why the best option is to rent a car in Bariloche with Rentennials—perfect for those who prefer minimal paperwork, low cost, and direct connection with local hosts.
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