Mountain Guides
López Refuge Trek – Private Full‑Day Mountain Experience in Bariloche
The view of the Nahuel Huapi lake is enchanting. Arriving at the refuge after walking for a few hours makes it a beautiful trekking initiation experience. Walk through our mountains, be encouraged to feel the wind on your face and connect with our intact nature.
- Trekking Overview
Duration: Full Day
Type: Private Tour
Difficulty: Medium
Distance (round trip): 8 km. (total)
Elevation Gain: +800 m.
Dates: All year (winter option)
- Route & Highlights
Arroyo López → Roca Negra → López Refuge
Forest ascent through Andean terrain
Gradual transition from forest to rocky viewpoints
López Refuge main viewpoint
Optional: Hoya and Pico Turista (higher alpine terrain)
Possible connections with Refuge Laguna Negra or 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 López Refuge is the closest and most accessible from Bariloche. The trail to the refuge begins at Arroyo López and is a 4 km trek. to the shelter.
The refuge is located at 1,620 meters above sea level. from Mount López in the area known as Circuito Chico and stream López, near Colonia Suiza and the Moreno and Nahuel Huapi lakes.
The refuge, due to its location, offers a beautiful panoramic view of Lake Nahuel Huapi. The hill was named after Francisco Moreno in homage to the author of the Argentine National Anthem, Vicente López y Planes. The original hut was built in 1933 and the one we currently enjoy was built in 1957.
Mount López has the characteristic of having snow practically all year round in its highest part.
If you want more, you can trek to Pico Turista, which has more technical difficulty where you can enjoy views of the Tronador, Puntiagudo and Osorno Hills, among others. With clear weather we can see the Lanín Volcano.
Another option of high physical and technical demand is to reach the refuge by the Palotinos trail walking along the edge of Mount López with incredible views of the Tristeza branch (not recommended for people with vertigo).
Are you going to enjoy the view of the lake from over 1,600 meters high?