Mountain Guides
Pico Turista Challenging Trek – Private in Bariloche
A natural and exclusive experience for those who dare to venture into the mountains, crossing rocky trails, stepping on patches of snow even in summer, and letting themselves be splashed by small meltwater streams while connecting with the surroundings; as we gain elevation, the landscape opens up, offering privileged views of lakes and peaks, and at the summit, Cerro Tronador, Chilean volcanoes, and Brazo Tristeza emerge as the protagonists of an unforgettable scene..
Duration: Full Day
Type: Private Tour
Route: López stream / Refuge / Pico Turista
Difficulty: High
Dates: October to May
Distance (round trip): 13 km. (total)
Elevation Gain: +1,200 m.
Points of interest: Roca Negra Viewpoint, Refuge López, “La Hoya”, Pico Negro, Pico Turista.
Optional: From this peak we can connect to the Refuge Laguna Negra and it is the final part of the 4 Refuges multi-day trek
The traditional access to this refuge is via Arroyo López. There is also a super technical route called Palotinos, which is very difficult and requires the use of hands and is prone to falls.
The Tourist Peak is one of the highest places of Cerro López, it is located in the Circuito Chico, near Colonia Suiza to the east and the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes. It has a height of 2,070 meters above sea level. The trail to the refuge begins at Arroyo López.
The hill was named after Francisco Moreno in homage to the author of the National Anthem, Vicente López y Planes. We will also visit the López Refuge, which was built in 1933 (and rebuilt in 1957).
Located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, it offers us an incredible view of Lake Nahuel Huapi with its islands and arms, the Tronador, Osorno, Puntiagudo and Lanín volcanoes, among others.
In the first meters, the trail climbs slightly through a wooded area, then it increases its slope. The vegetation becomes more dense until we reach a ridge where we will find a panoramic point of view.
As we gain elevation, the view of Lake Nahuel Huapi becomes much broader, and we can see Filo de las Cabras, the Bella Vista and Goye peaks, and higher up, Cerro Catedral.
We will start along wooded trails until we reach the López Refuge. From there, we will walk between large rocks, we will know "La Hoya" and we will walk on snowy edges in summer.
Little by little, we will ascend and leave the López Refuge behind. Our first stop will be "La Hoya", a small lagoon that has ice almost all year round, it is an obligatory place to sit and rest.
If we continue walking, in less than an hour, we will arrive at Pico Turista (2,070 masl), where we will have excellent views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and Patagonian volcanoes.
Another option of high physical and technical demand is to reach the refuge by the Palotinos trail walking along the edge of Cerro López with incredible views of the Tristeza branch (not recommended for people with vertigo).
Are you going to walk and take in the Patagonia from over 2,000 meters high?