Bariloche Adventures: Rock Climbing, Multi-Day Trekking, Mountain Biking, and Lake Kayaking
The adventure activities available from Bariloche span the complete range of mountain and lake sports, from technical rock climbing on the granite spires above Refugio Frey to multi-day kayak expeditions across the Nahuel Huapi lake system, connected by the excellent trail and refugio network of the Nahuel Huapi national park.
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Refugio Frey: The Granite Rock Climbing Destination
The Refugio Frey, accessible by a three to four hour trail from the Catedral ski resort, sits at the base of a dramatic cirque of granite spires that is the most celebrated rock climbing area in Argentine Patagonia. The climbing routes on the surrounding walls range from easy beginner slab routes to demanding multi-pitch face climbs on the steeper walls, and the climber community that gathers at the refugio during the summer season creates a social atmosphere of shared motivation and technical enthusiasm.
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Cerro Lopez and the Meiling Refugio: The Lake Panorama Summit
The trail to the Cerro Lopez summit refugio, gaining 1,000 meters from the highway above Bariloche through lenga beech forest to the open rocky alpine zone, provides the finest panoramic view of the full Nahuel Huapi lake system available from any accessible trail in the national park. The refugio at the summit offers accommodation for those who wish to spend the night at altitude and observe the sunrise over the lake and the Andes beyond.
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Paso de los Nubes: The Multi-Day Mountain Circuit
The Paso de los Nubes circuit connecting the Catedral ski area with the Tronador glacier area through three days of mountain walking and refugio nights is the most complete alpine trekking experience accessible from Bariloche, crossing a high pass at approximately 1,600 meters with views over the glacier system of the Tronador and the connected lake system of the park interior.
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Lago Gutierrez and Cerro Cathedral: Mountain Biking the Forested Trails
The network of mountain biking trails around the Lago Gutierrez adjacent to the Catedral ski area provides technical single-track riding through the Patagonian forest with views over the glacial lake below. Rental bikes are available at the Catedral base village and in the Bariloche city center; the difficulty range from smooth forest trails to demanding rocky descents caters to all levels of mountain biking experience.
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Cerro Campanario: The Classic Lake District Viewpoint
The Campanario hill accessible by a 10-minute chairlift ride west of Bariloche provides the classic panoramic viewpoint over the Nahuel Huapi lake, the Isla Victoria, and the surrounding peaks that is the most reproduced photographic image of Argentine Patagonia. The viewpoint was voted one of the ten most beautiful views in the world by a National Geographic poll, a recognition that has made it the most visited single site in the Bariloche area.
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Kayaking the Lake System: Paddling from Island to Island
Multi-day kayak expeditions through the Nahuel Huapi lake system, camping on the island shores and paddling between the protected coves of the lake interior, provide a water-level experience of the Patagonian lake landscape that is physically engaging and temporally immersive in a way that boat excursions cannot replicate. The expedition operators of Bariloche provide complete equipment, route planning, and safety guidance for both day paddles and multi-day island circuits.