DAY 0 (before the expedition) : Arrival in Bariloche

DAY 1: Cerro Catedral Base – Frey Shelter
After breakfast at the hotel in Bariloche, we will continue via transfer for approximately 20 minutes to the base of Cerro Catedral , the start of the trail. We will pass by the beautiful Lake Gutierrez and a typical Patagonian forest full of woodpeckers. Upon arrival at the campsite, we will set up our tents or stay at the shelter. If the weather permits and the participants are willing, we will make our first climb at Aguja Frey, 5 minutes from our stay on a short route, Fissura y Diedro de Jim. To do so, we will have to finish the approach before 2:00 pm. Accommodation in individual tents or in a bed (optional). Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the shelter are included.

Accumulated elevation : 750 m

Distance : 12 km

Estimated time : 4 - 5 hours of trekking + 2 hours of climbing

DAY 2: Climbing the Main Needle
The day of the most difficult and longest climb of the itinerary. We will do the Normal of the Aguilha Principal, a 6th BRA with an approach of approximately 50 minutes. Breakfast and dinner included at the shelter. Accommodation in individual tents or in a bed (optional).

Accumulated elevation : 200 m

Distance : 100 m

Estimated Time : 5 - 7h

DAY 3: Climbing Abuelo Needle
The climb of the day will be on a classic spire of the sector with an approximate climb time of 30 minutes. The chosen route will be Nhaca Nhaca Crunch Crunch, a 5th BRA with good holds. After finishing the rappels, if the window allows, we will climb the M2 spire that is in front with breathtaking views. Breakfast and dinner included at the refuge. Accommodation in individual tents or in a bed (optional).

Accumulated elevation : 200 m

Distance : 1 km

Estimated Time : 5 - 7h

DAY 4: Frey Shelter - Cerro Catedral Base - Bariloche

Return trail to Bariloche along the same route as the ascent. Breakfast included at the shelter.

Accumulated elevation : - 750 m

Distance : 12 km

Estimated Time : 4-5h

CLOTHING

Polyamide t-shirt - 2 to 3 units

For use while hiking and climbing. With long sleeves for extra protection against solar radiation and scratches from branches.

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 a goose down jacket. 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 this is highly NOT recommended because it is heavier, bulkier and dries slowly if it gets wet.

Fleece blouse 400 - 1 unit

It will only be used at the campsite. Even in summer, Patagonia can record temperatures below zero.

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, be water-resistant and preferably breathable, that is, allow your sweat to escape without letting rainwater in. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED but can be replaced by a regular raincoat.

Hiking/climbing pants - 1 or 2 units

Trekking boots - 1 unit

Ideally, it should be specifically designed for mountaineering, with a good sole (ideally Vibram® ), high shaft, water resistant and preferably with a breathable GoreTex® membrane. Some people go hiking with regular sneakers, but THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

Thin liner socks - 2 units

Choose technical socks specifically designed for mountaineering. They should be highly breathable, which helps to keep your feet in contact with moisture from sweat as little as possible, one of the three factors that cause blisters.

Hat - 1 unit

Opt for fleece models.

Bandana / expedition cap / hat - 1 unit

Choose a bandana as it is much more versatile and can withstand extreme environmental conditions.

Thin liner glove - 1 unit

Choose those made of polyester.

Medium glove - 1 unit

Opt for a windbreaker model.

CLIMBING EQUIPMENT

Highchair - 1 unit

Mandatory with double handle.

Helmet - 1 unit

Sneakers - 1 unit

ATC type brake - 1 unit

Carabiners - 5 units

With screw or twist lock.

Cords - 2 units

Magnesium bag - 1 unit

Slotted glove (optional ) - 1 unit

Highly recommended as it is the predominant type of climbing in this sector.

ACCESSORIES

Attack backpack 35 to 40L - 1 unit

If possible, choose models that are adapted for camelbacks.

Backpack rain cover - 1 unit

Headlamp - 1 unit

Sunglasses - 1 unit

An essential item to make your trip more comfortable. Radiation at altitude is greater than at sea level, so protect yourself!

Spare battery pack - 1 unit

Choose lithium batteries, which are more resistant to low temperatures.

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-on or automatic locks. They are less resistant.

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 avoids the "taking off and putting on" of the backpack, but can even be replaced by plastic bottles.

Waterproof bag 1L (optional) - 1 unit

To protect/organize small items and electronics.

8L waterproof bag (optional) - 1 unit

To protect/organize clothes.

CAMP / REFUGE

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. We have it available for rental.

Sleeping bag 0ºC (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. We have it available for rent.

Thermal insulating mattress - 1 unit

Preferably opt for 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 rental.

Pillow (optional) - 1 unit

Use camping-specific ones, which are smaller and lighter than domestic ones. To avoid this extra weight, you can replace it with a sweater.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

Sunscreen factor 50 or higher

Personal use medicines

Deodorant

Located on the outskirts of the city of Bariloche in Argentine Patagonia, Lago Frey is the main destination for lovers of trekking and traditional climbing in the Cerro Catedral region during the summer. Lakes of distinct colors, forests full of woodpeckers and granite needles perfect for climbers of different levels make this route unique. There are two days of trekking and three of climbing with approaches of no more than 30 minutes, always respecting the level of the group members. If you dream of climbing in Patagonia, this is without a doubt the best gateway.

INCLUDED

Transfer in/out of the mountain from Bariloche
1 WFA first aid guide in Portuguese, English and Spanish for every 5 people
Breakfast days 2, 3 and 4
Dinner on days 1, 2 and 3
All necessary climbing equipment, including personal equipment
Assistance in purchasing equipment before the trip
First aid kit for collective use
1 Captain Jack snack
Online satellite tracking

NOT INCLUDED

Transportation to Bariloche - Argentina (round trip)
Stay DAY 0 in Bariloche (bookable with AA)
Trail food (snacks) and food at the shelter are included in addition to the included food
All camping equipment, including tents (but with rental option)
Travel insurance
Safe rescue

I want to go!

1/1

FREY

CLIMBING

Best traditional climbing area
in South America

FAQs

I want to learn about climbing; would taking a course be the ideal first step?

Before taking a climbing course, we recommend having at least one experience with the sport through a SPORT CLIMBING OUTING , to find out if you really enjoy the activity, if you have the physical aptitude for it, and how you handle exposure to heights. Our courses are more focused on learning safety procedures. The student climbs a lot, of course, but the focus is on the program content.

I'm afraid of heights, can I still take the course?

Before taking a climbing course, we recommend having at least one experience with the sport through a SPORT CLIMBING OUTING , to find out if you really enjoy the activity, if you have the physical aptitude for it, and how you handle exposure to heights. After the experience has been enjoyable, you can invest in a more in-depth course.

I'm already climbing and would like to take more advanced courses from AA, but I've never taken any with the company before. How can I prove that I've mastered the required course content?

There are two possible ways to provide proof: sending a certificate/contact information from the instructor with whom you completed the course(s), or proving via video that you have mastered the procedures required as a prerequisite.

What is the minimum and maximum number of participants for this course?

Minimum 2 participants and maximum 6.

Do I need to have all the climbing equipment?

It's not necessary. Almost everything is included in the price except for climbing shoes and chalk bag, which can be rented from AA.

What are the possible payment methods for itineraries and courses priced in Brazilian Reais?

Payment can be split into up to 10 monthly installments on your credit card, subject to fees charged by the payment processor (MercadoPago or Paypal), or via PIX with a 3% discount for cash payments.