Mountain Guides
Winter Trek Cerro Otto / Hasburg Rock – Private Full‑Day in Bariloche
A rocky promontory shaped by glaciation, overlooking Lake Gutiérrez and the entire southern valley of Bariloche. Reaching this spot in winter is a beautiful experience. With snowshoes on the upper section, we’ll walk along wide trails covered in snow, and if we’re lucky, we might hear the drumming of a woodpecker working on the tree trunks.
Difficulty: Moderate
Route: 11 km (round trip)
Elevation gain: +700 m
Duration: Full Day
Dates: June to September / summer option rest of the year
Maximum elevation: 1,400 m (4,593 ft)
Type: Private tour
Points of interest: Nahuel Huapi Lake and Gutiérrez Lake viewpoints, Berghof Hut, Habsburgo Rock, Otto Meiling’s House Museum and Tomb, Ventanita del Otto.
Mount Otto is named in honor of the German pioneer Otto Goedecke, one of Bariloche’s first settlers. He had his farm on the slopes of the mountain and was responsible for developing the Melipal and Playa Bonita neighborhoods back in 1888.
During winter, the trail transforms. The forest is covered in white, and the snow softens all sounds. With snowshoes on our feet, we’ll move through forests that retain their charm even under the snow. Behind us, Lake Nahuel Huapi peeks through frost-covered branches, reminding us that we are walking in the heart of wintery Patagonia.
We’ll start with an incredible view of Lake Nahuel Huapi and its islands, finishing with a view of Lake Gutiérrez. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of Bariloche and the surrounding area.
The trails gently undulate, constantly inviting us to change perspectives. If the weather allows, we might even see a condor soaring on the horizon.
In the old forest at the end, we’ll walk among lots of “Old Man’s Beard” lichen intertwined with snow hanging from the branches. The “Old Man’s Beard” hangs from trees as a sign of the pure air we breathe. In winter, this lichen stands out even more against the bare branches. Take a deep breath.
Habsburg Rock, a rocky promontory, rises above a snowy landscape. From there, traces of ancient glaciers are visible, and the view becomes a true privilege.
Along the route, we’ll pass several viewpoints. At the main one, we’ll observe Lake Gutiérrez, Cerro Catedral (where refuge Frey Hut is located), Cerro La Vieja (also called San Martín), and Cerro Ventana, all with their summits covered in snow.
Walking this mountain in winter is not just a hike through snow and forest: it’s becoming part of the living history of San Carlos de Bariloche.
Are you ready to walk between Lake Nahuel Huapi and Lake Moreno?