Patagonia | Hiking Argentina’s Lake District
Patagonia is a land of legend.
Trip Highlights:
-
Huge views of the Andes Mountains, the longest continental mountain range in the world.
-
Mountain climbing, sparkling lakes, beach picnics and hut-to-hut hiking all in one tour.
-
Welcoming inns every night of the tour. No camping here!
Step into Patagonia, a land of vast steppe grasslands, rugged and beautiful coastlines, endless foothills, and forests of indigenous trees. Patagonia’s lakes and rivers sparkle with infinite hues of blue while the massive volcanoes and jagged granite peaks of the Andean cordillera (the longest continental mountain range in world) rise abruptly against the skyline.
It is no secret that Patagonia boasts a wild reputation due to its rugged geography, strong winds, intrepid bandits, (Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid were outlaws here), and the countless explorers that have chronicled their bold and heroic adventures. But Patagonia has a sophisticated side too, exemplified by welcoming inns, an elaborate trail system for hikers, well appointed hiker’s huts and, of course, delicious food. We’ve developed an itinerary that centers on these luxuries as well as the crystalline lakes that comprise the “Lakes District” of Patagonia, and the intriguing little towns tucked along the famous Ruta 40.
You’ll begin this 9 day inn-to-inn hiking tour of Patagonia in the famous resort town of San Carlos de Bariloche. Bariloche is the “Chocolate Capital of Argentina” and the preeminent gateway city to all things Patagonia. You’ll sample the flavors of Bariloche then transfer to the idyllic mountain enclave of El Bolson. Spend the next two days hiking along the crystal waters of the Cajon del Azul (the Blue Canyon), sampling homemade beer, tea and pastries in cozy mountain huts, and summiting the Cerro Piltriquitron (7,415 feet/2,260 meters), with its 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and the Patagonian Andes Mountains.
Transfer north to the sublimely beautiful peninsula known as Llao Llao. Hike up the Cerro Lopez (7,178 feet/2,188 meters), one of the most famous alpine peaks of the region, and take in the grand views while sipping coffee on the deck of a perfectly positioned climber’s hut.
Continue the hiking tour with a boat ride across the area’s largest lake, Lago Nahuel Huapi. Once off the boat, you’ll enjoy a hike through Los Arrayanes National Park. The park was created in 1971 to protect its forest of rare cinnamon colored Arrayan trees. Walk through the park, enjoy great views of Andes Mountains, then relax in your comfortable hotel in the idyllic lakeside village of San Martin de los Andes. Your hotel offers a perfect starting point for a hike to the nearby Mapuche village of Curruhinca. Mapuche are the region’s dominate indigenous people. Continue to a lovely little beach for a private picnic on the shores of Lago Lacar.
You’ll finish this trip with a gorgeous drive along the famous Ruta 40, stopping for local delicacies along the way. Some people refer to Ruta 40 as Patagonia’s version of the historic Route 66 in the U.S. The geography resembles the stunning landscape of the American West and is simply breathtaking. Roll into Bariloche for an afternoon hike, or simply wander and relax in the town’s touristic district. Celebrate your trip in one of Bariloche’s finest parrillada (steakhouse/grill) sampling Argentina’s haute cuisine and world-renowned South American wines.
Trip Rating
Trip Profile
Duration
8 nights/9 days
Hiking up to 10.5 miles
Ascents up to 4,000 ft.
Guided Tour
March 6-14, 2016
$4,925 per person double
Single (+$650)
Private Guided Tour
Please contact us for availability.
Accommodations
8 nights charming three star inns and superior four star hotels
Breakfast + Dinner
Daily
Luggage Transfer
All nights
Transportation
All transfers incidental to itinerary beginning in Bariloche
Gateways
Bariloche (via Buenos Aires)
*Note: Buenos Aires is served by two airports: Ezeiza (EZE) for international flights and Jorge Newberry (AEP) also referred to as “Aeroparque” for domestic flights.
Patagonia | Hiking Argentina’s Lake District
Trip Itinerary
Travel independently to Bariloche. Check into your hotel. Relax. Meet guides and group.
Arrive Bariloche, the gateway to the Northern Patagonian Lakes District. Bariloche has grown from a tranquil town on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi to a mountain destination of choice amongst the Argentine elite. Bariloche is also the chocolate capital of Argentina with shops lining the streets of its’ main shopping district and has a penchant for gnomes! Meet group for welcome drinks and dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Transfer and loop hike. Travel to the laid back village of El Bolson. Hike to the Blue Canyon. Sample artisinal food and drink. Bariloche – El Bolson
After breakfast we will transfer by van 1.5-2 hrs. south to the laid back village of El Bolson, it’s name translating literally to “handbag” as it sits tucked between two high ranges. We will hike up the Rio Azul en route to the Cajon del Azul, or Blue Canyon, encountering amazingly clear blue water, multiple bridge crossings and quaint refugios that usually have tasty artisanal homebrewed beer if you happen to be thirsty! Once we return to the trailhead we have the option of riding horses the last 1.5 miles to our family-run hosteria or finish under our own power. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional Argentine “asado” barbeque provided by a local Bolson Asador, or barbeque master.
Transfer and loop hike. Travel to the laid back village of El Bolson. Hike to the Blue Canyon. Sample artisinal food and drink. Bariloche – El Bolson
After breakfast we will transfer by van 1.5-2 hrs. south to the laid back village of El Bolson, it’s name translating literally to “handbag” as it sits tucked between two high ranges. We will hike up the Rio Azul en route to the Cajon del Azul, or Blue Canyon, encountering amazingly clear blue water, multiple bridge crossings and quaint refugios that usually have tasty artisanal homebrewed beer if you happen to be thirsty! Once we return to the trailhead we have the option of riding horses the last 1.5 miles to our family-run hosteria or finish under our own power. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional Argentine “asado” barbeque provided by a local Bolson Asador, or barbeque master.
Transfer and loop hike. Travel to the laid back village of El Bolson. Hike to the Blue Canyon. Sample artisinal food and drink. Bariloche – El Bolson
After breakfast we will transfer by van 1.5-2 hrs. south to the laid back village of El Bolson, it’s name translating literally to “handbag” as it sits tucked between two high ranges. We will hike up the Rio Azul en route to the Cajon del Azul, or Blue Canyon, encountering amazingly clear blue water, multiple bridge crossings and quaint refugios that usually have tasty artisanal homebrewed beer if you happen to be thirsty! Once we return to the trailhead we have the option of riding horses the last 1.5 miles to our family-run hosteria or finish under our own power. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional Argentine “asado” barbeque provided by a local Bolson Asador, or barbeque master.
Transfer and loop hike. Travel to the laid back village of El Bolson. Hike to the Blue Canyon. Sample artisanal food and drink. Bariloche – El Bolson
After breakfast we will transfer by van 1.5-2 hrs. south to the laid back village of El Bolson, it’s name translating literally to “handbag” as it sits tucked between two high ranges. We will hike up the Rio Azul en route to the Cajon del Azul, or Blue Canyon, encountering amazingly clear blue water, multiple bridge crossings and quaint refugios that usually have tasty artisanal homebrewed beer if you happen to be thirsty! Once we return to the trailhead we have the option of riding horses the last 1.5 miles to our family-run hosteria or finish under our own power. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional Argentine “asado” barbeque provided by a local Bolson Asador, or barbeque master.
Transfer and loop hike. Travel to the laid back village of El Bolson. Hike to the Blue Canyon. Sample artisinal food and drink. Bariloche – El Bolson
After breakfast we will transfer by van 1.5-2 hrs. south to the laid back village of El Bolson, it’s name translating literally to “handbag” as it sits tucked between two high ranges. We will hike up the Rio Azul en route to the Cajon del Azul, or Blue Canyon, encountering amazingly clear blue water, multiple bridge crossings and quaint refugios that usually have tasty artisanal homebrewed beer if you happen to be thirsty! Once we return to the trailhead we have the option of riding horses the last 1.5 miles to our family-run hosteria or finish under our own power. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional Argentine “asado” barbeque provided by a local Bolson Asador, or barbeque master.
Transfer and loop hike. Travel to the laid back village of El Bolson. Hike to the Blue Canyon. Sample artisinal food and drink. Bariloche – El Bolson
After breakfast we will transfer by van 1.5-2 hrs. south to the laid back village of El Bolson, it’s name translating literally to “handbag” as it sits tucked between two high ranges. We will hike up the Rio Azul en route to the Cajon del Azul, or Blue Canyon, encountering amazingly clear blue water, multiple bridge crossings and quaint refugios that usually have tasty artisanal homebrewed beer if you happen to be thirsty! Once we return to the trailhead we have the option of riding horses the last 1.5 miles to our family-run hosteria or finish under our own power. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional Argentine “asado” barbeque provided by a local Bolson Asador, or barbeque master.
Transfer and loop hike. Travel to the laid back village of El Bolson. Hike to the Blue Canyon. Sample artisinal food and drink. Bariloche – El Bolson
After breakfast we will transfer by van 1.5-2 hrs. south to the laid back village of El Bolson, it’s name translating literally to “handbag” as it sits tucked between two high ranges. We will hike up the Rio Azul en route to the Cajon del Azul, or Blue Canyon, encountering amazingly clear blue water, multiple bridge crossings and quaint refugios that usually have tasty artisanal homebrewed beer if you happen to be thirsty! Once we return to the trailhead we have the option of riding horses the last 1.5 miles to our family-run hosteria or finish under our own power. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional Argentine “asado” barbeque provided by a local Bolson Asador, or barbeque master.
Transfer and loop hike. Travel to the laid back village of El Bolson. Hike to the Blue Canyon. Sample artisinal food and drink. Bariloche – El Bolson
After breakfast we will transfer by van 1.5-2 hrs. south to the laid back village of El Bolson, it’s name translating literally to “handbag” as it sits tucked between two high ranges. We will hike up the Rio Azul en route to the Cajon del Azul, or Blue Canyon, encountering amazingly clear blue water, multiple bridge crossings and quaint refugios that usually have tasty artisanal homebrewed beer if you happen to be thirsty! Once we return to the trailhead we have the option of riding horses the last 1.5 miles to our family-run hosteria or finish under our own power. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional Argentine “asado” barbeque provided by a local Bolson Asador, or barbeque master.
Trip Map
