Bariloche<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n There are trails for every taste\u2014from 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.<\/span><\/p>\n At Rentennials<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Below, we present five treks to discover beautiful corners of Patagonia and connect with nature.<\/span><\/p>\n For those seeking a long and highly demanding option, the <\/span>Lago Los C\u00e9sares trail<\/span><\/a> is ideal. After 4 to 6 hours of hiking with steep slopes, you\u2019ll reach a lake surrounded by forests and mountains.<\/span><\/p>\n It all starts in Los C\u00e9sares, on the shores of Lago Mascardi, on the road to Pampa Linda. After several signs, you\u2019ll find a right-hand turn that will take you to Lago Los C\u00e9sares. Keep in mind that on rainy days\u2014or after several days of precipitation\u2014there may be mud.<\/span><\/p>\n To reach the trailhead, take RN 40 towards El Bols\u00f3n 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 C\u00e9sares, <\/span>very close to the Hotel Tronador<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n As with the entire road to Pampa Linda, it\u2019s important to keep in mind the <\/span>entry and return schedules<\/span><\/a>. And remember that this trail is only for a same-day out-and-back hike.<\/span><\/p>\n In Colonia Suiza, 24 km from Bariloche, a <\/span>trail follows the course of the Goye stream<\/span><\/a>. This is an overnight trek, and you reach the hut after passing through a beautiful valley.<\/span><\/p>\n After about three hours of hiking, you\u2019ll cross two streams: Navidad and then Negro (also called Goye). From here, the trail becomes very steep with continuous switchbacks.<\/span><\/p>\n Once you reach the summit, the panoramic view opens up before you. Laguna Negra and Cerro Negro come into view. Here you\u2019ll find the <\/span>Italia or Manfredo Segre Hut<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s essential to book in advance.<\/span><\/p>\n From this same hut, you can connect with Refugio L\u00f3pez or continue south along the <\/span>Five Lagoons Traverse (Circuito de las 5 lagunas)<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n To reach the trailhead, drive along Avenida Bustillo to km 18. Then continue to the left along the famous <\/span>Circuito Chico<\/span><\/a>, and then take a gravel road that leads to <\/span>Colonia Suiza<\/span><\/a> up to the Goye Stream bridge.<\/span><\/p>\n The well-known <\/span>Refugio Emilio Frey<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n To start the hike, first take one of the <\/span>Catedral Alta Patagonia<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Continue straight ahead, and it\u2019s very important to follow the signage so you don\u2019t get lost. The route ends at Laguna Schmoll and, a bit further on, Laguna Toncek, where Refugio Emilio Frey is located.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s essential to book and confirm your spot to spend the night at the <\/span>Refugio Emilio Frey<\/span><\/a>. You can also camp in the surrounding area, but always with a prior reservation.<\/span><\/p>\n The trail from the <\/span>Lago Guti\u00e9rrez ranger station to Cascada de los Duendes<\/span><\/a> is an ideal option for the whole family. It\u2019s short and easy.<\/span><\/p>\n The trail starts in front of the Lago Guti\u00e9rrez Park Ranger Station. It\u2019s very easy to find because it is perfectly signposted. The path is flat and runs alongside the Pescadero stream.<\/span><\/p>\n As you walk, you\u2019ll also find informative signs about the Patagonian Andean forest and its natural features.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Lago Mascardi to Lago Steffen trail<\/span><\/a> is ideal for those without much trekking experience who are looking for a bit of excitement and adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n It all begins a few meters from <\/span>La Querencia campground<\/span><\/a>, next to the Llodconto stream bridge on the road to Cerro Tronador. Don\u2019t worry\u2014the 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\u2019t forget to close any gates you pass through.<\/span><\/p>\n The slope is very gentle, and you\u2019ll always walk through a valley with streams and beautiful trees. Yes, sometimes you\u2019ll need to get your feet wet to cross the waterways.<\/span><\/p>\n Towards the end of the trail, you\u2019ll descend through a beautiful forest until you reach the <\/span>Lago Steffen Campground<\/span><\/a>, located on the lakeshore.<\/span><\/p>\n You can also do this route in reverse, starting from Lago Steffen heading north and finishing at Lago Mascardi.<\/span><\/p>\n To reach Lago Mascardi and begin from this point, take National Route 40 towards El Bols\u00f3n and drive 36 km past Villa Mascardi. To the right, you\u2019ll find the turnoff to the lake. From there, the road is gravel and within a few meters you\u2019ll reach the Lago Mascardi Park Ranger Station, where you\u2019ll pay the National Park entrance fee. Then continue 6 km more to the trailhead.<\/span><\/p>\n To drive to the trailhead at Lago Steffen, take National Route 40 towards El Bols\u00f3n 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.).<\/span><\/p>\n You can leave your car at the campground or nearby.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n In summer, consider the high temperatures and be prepared for intense sun. Sometimes it gets very hot, so it\u2019s advisable to start your hike very early.<\/span><\/p>\n Keep these tips in mind when trekking in Bariloche:<\/span><\/p>\n Remember that making fires is prohibited during hikes (it\u2019s very important to respect this rule).<\/span><\/p>\n Bariloche offers beautiful trekking trails\u2014an 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.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.rentennials.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Trekking-Bariloche-scaled.avif\")
\n<\/span><\/h3>\nLago Los C\u00e9sares Trail \u2014 get ready for a challenge<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Estimated time: 4 to 6 hours<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Distance: 6 km<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Difficulty: Very high<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Trail to Refugio Emilio Frey via the Cerro Catedral ridge<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/span><\/h3>\nTrail to Refugio Emilio Frey via the Cerro Catedral ridge<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Trail to Cascada de los Duendes \u2014 a classic for kids<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Trail from Lago Mascardi to Lago Steffen \u2014 pure tranquility<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Best time of year to go trekking in Bariloche<\/span><\/h2>\n
Recommendations for trekking in Bariloche<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Rent a car and do the best treks in Bariloche<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n<\/span>With a car, you\u2019ll reach each trailhead easily. That\u2019s why the best option is to rent a car in Bariloche with <\/span>Rentennials<\/span><\/a>\u2014perfect for those who prefer minimal paperwork, low cost, and direct connection with local hosts.<\/span>
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