Immersive Tronador Lagoons Traverse – Private Multi‑Day Trek & Camping Experience in Bariloche

An incredible multi-day trek that begins in the Los Césares area, on the northwestern edge of Lake Mascardi, travels through four high-altitude lagoons, and ends in the Pampa Linda area.

The route winds through the Andean-Patagonian forest, alternating rocky sections, creek crossings, lagoons, and mountain ridges with panoramic views over the entire valley.

There will be trails that traverse mountain slopes (depending on the time of year, we may see snow), sections where we will walk through waterfalls, and others where we will cross vast valleys.

The first day begins in an area known as Los Césares (named in reference to a legendary mythical city believed to have been built of gold and silver), crossing the Manso River—famous for its incredible turquoise waters—via the Manolo Blanco bridge, across flat terrain until reaching the Claro creek.

Once we arrive at the creek, we follow it upstream until reaching the Pozones del Claro, a must-stop location to rest and take in the surroundings.

After the break, we shoulder our backpacks again, and the trail begins to climb through a cypress forest, later transitioning into a tall Coihue forest. Throughout the day, we will follow the Calvú-Co creek, crossing it several times, and near the end of the day we will pass sections with waterfalls and cascades of this same creek until reaching the first lagoon: Calvú (Azul), located at 1,500 m.a.s.l., where we will camp the first night.

Laguna Calvú (blue in Mapuche) has an intense deep color, making it an essential stop to rest and enjoy the view.

The next day, after breakfast and packing up camp, we begin the second day of the multi-day trek. This day is considerably more demanding, with large scree fields and massive rocks to overcome. First, we will ascend and circle the entire lagoon until reaching its western end, where we will stop to rest and, if the sky is clear, enjoy the pristine blue water that gives the lagoon its name.

A few minutes later we arrive at Laguna Cretón (1,650 m.a.s.l.), which sits below us. The trekking continues as we climb a granite-covered mountain, passing the small Laguna Jujuy (the highest lagoon in the National Park at 1,840 m.a.s.l.).

From there, we head toward the ridge of Cerro Capitán, where we enjoy the best view of Cerro Tronador, and then descend to the Mallín de Ricardo to rest. A little later we reach the sandy shores of our fourth lagoon: Laguna Ilón, where we spend the second night. Here we can choose between camping or staying in a shared room at the mountain refuge.

Cerro Tronador owes its name to the thunder-like sound caused by falling blocks of ice from its glaciers. At any moment, you may hear one—and the spell will enter your body.

On the last day, we can hike to the Mirada del Doctor viewpoint, or simply relax at the lagoon with the beautiful view of Cerro Tronador. We then begin the descent to Pampa Linda, a downhill route that allows us to enjoy additional viewpoints and waterfalls along the way.

The multi-day trek is planned for 3 days, although the recommended option for a more complete and less demanding experience is to do it in 4 days, spending an additional night at Laguna Ilón.

Are you ready to refresh yourself in the lagoons?