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One of the best hikes in the world is the
Nahuel Huapi Traverse
Pronounced pronounced "Nah-well-wah-pee"
Alternatives in the same area:
- Circuito Chico 3-days, 2-nights
Do you know this hike?
You can expand it by emailing suggestions in the appropriate sections below. Our editors will add your comments. Thanks!
WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
 ARGENTINA is one of our favourite destinations
- Nahuel Huapi is perhaps the best hike in the superb Argentinian Lake district
- a wilderness of granite spires & gorgeous lookouts
- convenient access from a major tourist town
- beautiful forests, glaciers & lakes
- dominating views of Mt. Tronador 3554m, the highest peak in the area
- tent and / or excellent alpine huts (refugios) which offer meals & basic supplies
- altitude sickness is not a concern. (max. elevation 2060m)
- since a 2002 currency crisis, Argentina has been very good value if you are holding foreign currency
- we like Bariloche, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Argentina
- it's close to Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America
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CONSIDERATIONS
- you know a trek called "Traverse" has steep sections
- the biggest problem is exposure during bad weather
- prepare for high wind & windchill
- you may have to turn back due to snow on the trail
- gaiters & heavy boots an advantage on the scree
- Dec - Apr are the best months for this trek
- Nov & May are possible, but risky
- Jan & Feb the refugios are very crowded. Best tent.
- you must carry your own pack on this trek
- conversational Spanish is very helpful
- hiking independently is recommended for experienced alpine hikers only. There are easier routes in the Park.
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The trek is just inside the Argentinian border, west of San Carlos de Bariloche.
LOGISTICS
If you sign on with a guided trip all this will be taken care of for you. This list is for independent hikers:
- every hiker provisions and starts from Bariloche
- very convenient bus service takes you to 20km to the trailhead at Villa Catedral, the most popular ski resort in Argentina
- a park entrance fee is collected at gates to Nahuel Huapi National Park — but so far this fee is not collected for those starting to hike at Villa Catedral
- no trekking fee to hike Nahuel Huapi. In comparison, it costs over US$50 to hike Aconcagua!
- take the chair lift up to the high alpine. And start hiking!
- trekkers are asked to fill out a form at Refugio San Martin if they are attempting the crossing to Refugio Segre. (This is a safety precaution. If you do not get to Segre they might come looking for you.)
- finish this trek at Puente Lopez
- convenient bus service returns you to Bariloche
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There are other trailheads, of course. Some hikers prefer to exit at the holiday village of Colonia Suiza.
ROUTE
- a typical route for independent hikers is described in Lonely Planet Trekking in the Patagonian Andes
 . Villa Catedral to Puente Lopez 36.5km (23mi) plus sidetrips.
- not recommended to reverse the route
- 5 days, 4 nights recommended
- moderate - demanding
- there are several shorter, easier options
- most of the trek is clear & signed
- parts require scrambling & route finding
- you may have snow on higher sections
- if you get bad weather it is possible to get lost & disappear forever. Be cautious.
- tent camping recommended though accommodation in 4 refugios (huts) may be available
- refugios open from sometime in Dec to sometime in April
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INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED
The best place to sign on (or at least make payment) for a guided trip is in Bariloche.
Browse the options above to find a guided package which suits you. We have not personally used any of these companies.
Or — if you are up to it — hike the Traverse independently. You must carry Lonely Planet Trekking in the Patagonian Andes if you want to do it on your own.
Independent hikers need budget for:
- refugios (if you decide to sleep or cook in one)
- transportation to and from Bariloche
- rental gear, if needed, in Bariloche
LOCAL INFORMATION
BEST TREKKING GUIDEBOOKS
BEST MAPS
The best map is not completely accurate. (Carry a good trekking guidebook as well!) The simple map in Lonely Planet Trekking in the Patagonian Andes is useful.
- Sendas y Picadas Trekking 1 map 1:50,000 available from CAB in Bariloche
- CAB also sells other trekking maps for the region
Browse on-line maps:
BEST WEBSITES
After this site, the most useful links are:
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
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