Bariloche & the Lake District
A week among the lakes and volcanoes of Northern Patagonia: cable cars, short hikes, and the Seven Lakes Route.
What's included
- A licensed mountain guide for the whole route
- 8–10 weeks of pre-expedition preparation with a coach
- Climbing permits
- Group equipment (tents, ropes, communication gear)
- Meals on the route
- Transfer from the group meeting point to the trailhead and back
What's not included
- International flights to Argentina
- Personal gear and clothing
- Insurance covering high-altitude climbing
- Accommodation before and after the expedition
Day-by-day itinerary
Bariloche
Airport pickup, check-in, a walking tour of town. Chairlift ride up Cerro Campanario, the Circuito Chico loop, dinner. Walking distance for the day: 3-5 km.
Cerro Tronador
A drive through the national park: Los Alerces waterfall, Pampa Linda, Ventisquero Negro, walks to the viewpoints. No demanding trekking — 5-7 km on foot at most.
Refugio Frey
Cable car up Cerro Catedral, a short hike, stunning views without much elevation gain. A stronger group can continue all the way to Refugio Frey itself.
Seven Lakes Route
The drive itself becomes the excursion: many stops, short walks, photos. Arrival in San Martín de los Andes by evening.
Lanín National Park
Not a climb, but an introduction to the volcano: Lago Tromen, araucaria trees, a short trek, picnic.
Lago Huechulafquen
A very relaxed day: walks, beaches, optional kayaking, beautiful views. Essentially a rest day.
Chapelco & alternatives
Ride up the mountain, a short hike, lunch, transfer to the airport. Depending on weather and the group's preference: Quila Quina (beach and ancient forest), Mirador Bandurrias (about 5 km, one of the region's best viewpoints), or a cruise on Lago Lácar.
Route
The route passes through several high-altitude camps with gradual elevation gain for acclimatization. The guide adjusts pace and schedule based on the group's condition and weather — the final timetable is confirmed at the pre-departure briefing.
Altitude profile
A schematic elevation-gain profile by route day — exact figures depend on the chosen ascent variant.
Fitness requirements
Determined individually during the consultation before you apply.
Experience requirements
Determined individually based on the mountain and route.
How preparation works
Preparation lasts 8–10 weeks and includes a personal training plan, regular online sessions, and progress monitoring — details are discussed during the video interview.
Online / in-person training
1–3 online training sessions a week with your coach, plus in-person sessions where available. Every session is logged and reviewed weekly.
Medical and fitness monitoring
Heart rate, recovery, and overall condition are monitored throughout preparation, with final medical approval before departure.
Equipment
Photo gallery
Questions about this expedition
Can I rent equipment locally?
Yes, some technical gear (crampons, ice axe, helmet) can be rented in Mendoza — we help arrange it in advance.
What if I don't reach the summit?
Safety matters more than the summit. The guide can call a turnaround at any stage — joining the expedition doesn't guarantee a successful climb.
How is the group formed?
Groups are small and formed by expedition date — the exact lineup is known a few weeks before departure.
Do I need a visa for Argentina?
It depends on your nationality — we'll confirm the requirements individually during your application.