Good physical condition
Previous mountaineering experience (not mandatory but recommended)
In the Argentine Patagonia region, near the city of Bariloche within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, we offer one of the most beautiful treks in South America. It's a 4-day trek through forests, valleys surrounded by rock walls, and a 5km glacier crossing between the Otto Meiling and Agostino Rocca refuges. On day 2, we lead an ascent of Pico Argentino, one of the peaks of the iconic Cerro Tronador. This is an exclusive technical ice climb offered by Aventura Alpina through Brazilian agencies, requiring no prior experience and optional on this itinerary. Without a doubt, it's an experience that rivals the best treks on the planet.
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.
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14-17/Dec/2025
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14 to 17/Feb/2026 (Carnival)
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from R$ 10,690 per person
DAY 0 (prior to the expedition)
Arrival in Bariloche. Airport transfer to hotel not included. Meals not included. Accommodation included (optional).
DAY 1: Pampa Linda – Otto Meiling Refuge
After breakfast at the hotel in Bariloche, we will travel by transfer for approximately 2 hours to the village of Pampa Linda, where we will begin our trek. The trail follows a typical Patagonian forest teeming with woodpeckers until we approach the Otto Meiling refuge, where we will have our first direct view of Tronador. The refuge is located on the edge of the glacier, a place with an impressive view. Upon arrival at the campsite, our team will assist those who have chosen to sleep in tents and accommodate those who have chosen to sleep inside the refuge. Breakfast and dinner are included. Accommodation in a tent or bed .
Accumulated elevation gain : 1,050 m
Distance : 12 km
Estimated Time : 5-6 hours
DAY 2: Ascension to Tronador (optional) or free day
As an optional activity, we offer an ascent of Cerro Tronador, a technical climb perfect for beginners. We will wake up at 3:30 AM to begin the ascent while it is still dark. The activity will last at least 12 hours, including glacier crossing, crevasse passage, and easy ice climbing with an average incline of 40 to 50º. Those who choose not to climb Tronador will have a free day at the Meilling refuge. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included . Accommodation in a tent or bed.
Cumulative elevation gain : 1,400 m (optional)
Distance : 20 km (round trip optional)
Estimated Time : 12-15 hours (optional)
DAY 3: Otto Meiling Refuge - Agostino Rocca Refuge
This will be the easiest day of the entire trek. We will take the shortest route between the Meilling and Rocca refuges across the Alerce glacier, equipped with all safety gear (helmet, harness, rigid boots, crampons, rope, and ice axe). This will be our last refuge, one of the most incredible in Patagonia due to its privileged location on the edge of a large canyon offering views of the valley and Lake Frías. Breakfast and dinner are included at the refuge. Accommodation is exclusively in beds; camping is not permitted .
Accumulated elevation : -457 m
Distance : 6 km
Estimated Time : 3-4 hours
DAY 4: Agostino Rocca Refuge - Lake Frías - Puerto Blest - Bariloche
Last day of our trek, we will descend through the valley to Lake Frías, crossing its 4 km length by boat. Another 2 km hike to Puerto Blest, where we will take another boat trip (1 hour and 30 minutes) to the port of Llao Llao, near Bariloche. With the included transfer, we will return to the city center. Breakfast is included at the refuge.
Accumulated elevation : -650 m
Distance : 17 km
Estimated Time : 7-9 hours
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
