Refugio Frey Loop in Nahuel Huapi National Park (Barlioche, AR)

It feels like we have always neglected Bariloche a bit, or at least never have quite gotten around to properly sample some of its fine outdoor activity potential. After all, it’s one of Argentina’s top hiking and skiing destinations. We’ve been passing through several times over the years, and last year we even managed to squeeze in a very pleasant half-day walk to the Cerro Llao Llao viewpoint on our way back to Santiago from Central Patagonia. Back then we decided we needed to return for a more decent hike one day and in early March finally we managed to do exactly that.

Bariloche is among Argentina’s top hiking destinations for a reason… look at those views!

We were, once again, on our way from somewhere to somewhere else, Bariloche was conveniently located en route, and a couple of nights didn't upset the itinerary too much. The timing was also great, we were just slipping out of the summer high season and trails weren’t quite as busy any longer.

After a little research online we settled for the hike to Refugio Frey, starting from the Cerro Catedral ski resort at 8:30 in the morning. Most of the hike gently climbs, on a pretty well marked trail, through Coihue and Lenga forest where one can spot the occasional wood pecker. Later the views open up once one gets close to tree line near the Refugio, about 3 hours later.

Lunch at Refugio Frey, with views across the Laguna Toncek

After a little snack at the Refugio, and not feeling like heading back down the same path we came up, we decided to follow the slightly more challenging alternative route “por el filo”  to head back to where we had come from, that way closing the loop. This second leg is a lot more scrambly and fun q-;

Having some fun on the rocks 

From the Refugio one has to climb another 300 vertical meters or so, before traversing for 2 or 3km, with beautiful views across the rest of the national park and the Cordillera, back to the ski resort. From there one can take the ski lift down to the car park, approximately another 3 hours later.

Traversing at 2000m above sea level back to the ski resort

Some more photos of this beautiful day out below (or in higher resolution via this link):