5 LAGOONS BARILOCHE

Patagonia Norte - Argentina

This might be one of the best treks you can find in northern Patagonia due to its varied landscapes, physical challenge, the comfort of its accommodation options, and its little traffic.
This tour starts in Colonia Suiza and ends in Pampa Linda. You could say this trek takes you gradually to Mount Tronador since it will get closer and closer as the days go by, until we get close enough to hear the falling of seracs.

Highlights of the 5 Lagoons Trek
- Discover peaks and valleys of the Andes mountain range.
- Spend all nights camping by mountain lagoons.
- Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
- Experience the mountain in complete loneliness.

Day 1
Meeting in Bariloche. Briefing with the guide to go over the tour details and to check the equipment.

Day 2
Transfer to Colonia Suiza. We begin today’s adventure following the classic trail to Laguna Negra, or Black Lagoon, skirting the left banks of the Goye River. This is an easy, pretty flat, well-marked path that becomes steeper after a traditional camping site. This is the more significant ascent of the day. From the river to the hut located right next to Laguna Negra, there are about 450 meters of altitude difference that we will overcome through a long and continuous winding path. Our prize will be the Italia Hut (1650 mts), surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and breathtaking alpine landscapes.

Day 3
Today we will begin our trek skirting Laguna Negra towards the col dividing Mount Negro from Mount Bailey Willis, the first panoramic viewpoint of this circuit. The first thing that catches our attention is the magnificent Mount Tronador (3550 m.a.s.l.) and Lake CAB below. From the col, we will face a steep descent to the bottom of the valley, where we will find the Lluvco River, the first river that we will have to cross. We will then follow the river to the confluence with the stream La Chata, which we will also have to cross before our last ascent to today’s destination, the beautiful Lake CAB (1480 m).

Day 4
This is the most challenging day of the tour. We start by skirting the small lake and then descending through a steep path to Mount CAB. Over the ridge, we will enjoy another breathtaking panoramic viewpoint of Mount Tronador, which is getting closer and closer. After the ridge, we will descend to Mate Dulce Valley, a perfect spot to rest before the next ascent. In order to reach Lake Creton (our next camping site), we have to trek to the top of Mount Cristal’s ridge (2000 m) and then descend to the small lake (1650 m). The beautiful environment surrounding the lake makes the whole effort worth it.

Day 5
After a tasty breakfast, we will trek to Lake Jujuy (1850 m). On the way we will stop at the Blue Lake viewpoint, maybe one of the most beautiful lakes of this tour. From Lake Jujuy, we will continue our ascent to the Capitán ridge (1950 m), where we will be able to enjoy magnificent views of Mount Tronador and its huge glaciers. We will finally descend to today’s destination, Lake Ilon. On our way, we will trek past big wet meadows and short lenga beeches, which will slowly change into a more clean and open forest.

Day 6
During breakfast we will enjoy a wonderful gift from mother nature: Mount Tronador reflected on the surface of the lake. With our energies recharged we have the option, before descending to Pampa Linda, to visit the Mirada del Doctor. This is a panoramic viewpoint located just one hour away from the lake, where you will be able to see the majestic Mount Tronador together with a unique view of Lake Fray with the arm Tristeza of Lake Nahuel Huapi right behind it. This spot is also home to hundreds of condor nests, which means that we will most likely be able to see some of these magnificent birds from a very short distance. Once back at the camp we will start our last descent, first through wet meadows, and then through a path that will take us to the Alerce River, which we will have to wade across. Once in Pampa Linda, a transfer will drive us back to Bariloche.

Summary