This hike is ideal for exploring the mountains in the Bariloche area in 1 or 2 days.
The hike starts at the base of Cerro Catedral, which is 15 km from the town centre of San Carlos de Bariloche. It's a total of 20 km long, between the ascent and the descent, with 800 m of cumulative elevation gain.
We'll start by walking through a mixed forest, gaining very little altitude, while we warm up, crossing streams of crystal-clear water. Gradually, we'll begin to enjoy views from above of Lake Gutierrez and the beautiful mountains that surround it. After a while, we'll start walking through the Van-Titter Stream valley, inside the high Lehenga forest, and, gaining a little more altitude, we'll reach the Slovenian “Piedritas” refuge, where we can take a nice break. Then comes the final stage of the hike, which ascends through a forest of increasingly stunted lenga trees until you reach the Emilio Frey Refuge. It's located on the shores of the Tonchek Lagoon, in an incredible cirque sculpted by glaciers and surrounded by granite spires. If we're lucky and have a good eye, we'll be able to see climbers enjoying the quality of the rock.
If the client wishes, they can spend the night at the shelter, enjoying a delicious dinner and resting after admiring a beautiful sunset and a night under the stars. On the other hand, if the client wishes to return to the village, they can make the descent that same day, returning to Bariloche in the afternoon.
Spending the night in the mountains is highly recommended, as you'll have more time to enjoy them and take short walks around the lodge area. It's also a good option for combining trekking activities over several days in the area (ask about similar activities).