The 4 Bariloche Refugios

The 4 Bariloche refugios are one of the best hiking adventures in Argentina.

Imagine arriving to a warm, fully-hosted hut after a long day’s hike, where you can have dinner (think heaping bowl of spaghetti or lentil stew) and a place to lay your sleeping bag (on a soft mattress) to stay the night. 

The refugios in Bariloche can be visited individually as day hikes or single overnight stays.

Alternatively they can be connected as part of the Nahuel Huapi Traverse.

This guide is written by Leslie Holgate, who called Bariloche home for 9 years. She hiked Bariloche in all four seasons, hiking solo, with friends, with her family, and with guides on multi-day adventures.

She’s the expert and this guide will leave you prepared to discover Bariloche refugios like a local.

Bariloche Refugios: Know Before You Go

For these hikes you can access each trailhead within 30-minutes of downtown Bariloche.

The refugio hikes include the option to stay overnight for the full experience, or you can just have a snack at the hut before returning to town if you’re doing it as a day hike.

Staying overnight? Refugios have meals, snacks and drinks available for purchase, shared dormitories (mattresses only) and restrooms.

Refugios have a relaxed, social atmosphere where people play cards, read books, and share mate.

Many refugios only take dinner orders until 7pm, so aim to get there with extra time, even in long summer days. You’ll want to arrive with time to spare to enjoy the area and place your sleeping bag for an early pick of beds.

Important Logistics: Registrations, reservations & Park Entrance Fees

Registration is free and mandatory for all four refugios.

Complete one registration per group here. 

Your registration will be sent to your email. Save and have a copy (digital or print) ready to show if asked.

Before heading out, I always found the form to be helpful because it doubles as a pre-trip checklist reminder:

• Did you check the weather forecast?
• Are you equipped for any eventuality (first aid kit, extra warm clothes, stove)?
• Does someone know your itinerary who can communicate in case of a delay?

Want to stay overnight? Advance reservations are required to sleep in or camp at any of the refugios.

Save a copy of your reservation to show on arrival (printed or digital).

Beyond the initial booking deposit, fees must be paid in cash and in Argentinian pesos (Credit cards are not accepted). Confirm rates for food, etc. before you go.

Refugios: Hiking Guides and Excursions

You can go on these hikes on your own but if you would feel safer with a guide, you can book a guide here and discuss which hikes suit your skills.

For multi-day hikes connecting refugios, a guide is always recommended.

In winter, I went snowshoeing with a guide to Refugio Lopez and it was incredible. Going with a guide is a must in winter, book yours here.

Note: This post is a complete guide but for even more information, Bariloche Trekking is one of the best overall resources of information with downloadable maps, helpful tips, and directions.

What to pack for the Refugios in Bariloche

• Cash (check rates beforehand to bring enough to pay for overnight stay and any extras, like snacks)
• A copy of your reservation and deposit (digital or print)
• Camping slippers like these, boots are typically not permitted inside. Or Crocs that easily clip to a backpack without taking up room.
• Change of clothes
• A warm jacket and layers (it can get much colder at night)
• A headlamp (some refugios have electricity but plan on them not having it)
• A backup battery for your phone (see the previous note and why my phone died the first time I went to a refugio that “had” electricity)
• Any toiletries (toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, wet wipes or a small towel)
• A bag to carry any trash back with you (a gallon ziploc works great)
• Plus what you normally bring for a hike (water bottle and/or Camelbak bladder, food and snacks, sunscreen, first-aid kit) 
• The majority of areas are without cellphone service, so I always carried a Garmin inReach Satellite Communicator

Additional items are a personal preference based on what you need to have a successful overnight trek.

The 4 Bariloche Refugios

I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it once more, to hike to these refugios you are required to fill out the hiking registration form and save a copy to your phone (or print).

Complete one registration per group here. 

Without further ado, here are the four refugios in Bariloche.

Refugio Frey

Refugio Frey is one of the most iconic hikes in Argentina. This is a place where hikers, rock climbers and backcountry skiers come throughout the year. 

Frey is open year-round, for best conditions visit between December to March.

Refugio Frey is reached via 2 primary routes: Frey Por El Filo and Frey Classic.

Frey Por El Filo

Distance: 3.75 miles (one way, from top of the chairlift to the refugio)
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Registration needed: Yes
Reservations: Reservations open 3 days in advance on Refugio Frey’s website.

Note: Confirm operating hours for Catedral Alta Patagonia and purchase tickets for the gondola/chairlift section.

Take a gondola and a chairlift from the largest ski resort in South America.

This is one of the most unique treks with stunning terrain. If you only have one day in Bariloche, do this as an epic full day hike.

Start from the base of Cerro Catedral, where you’ll go to the ticket office. Board the Amancay gondola and then take the Diente de Caballo chairlift to Punta Princesa Peak. From Princesa, trek along the ridge with extraordinary views.

The elevation chart can be deceiving, due to this route being technical with scrambling sections.

You’ll come to a junction at 2.25 miles, where left goes to Frey and right goes to Refugio Jakob. Stay to the left and continue a steep descent down.

Pass by Laguna Schmoll. Soon you’ll be alongside Laguna Toncek, making the final leg as Frey comes into view.

If you’re doing this a day hike, the refugio is a perfect lunch stop.

Return via the classic route.

Frey Classic Route

Distance: 6 miles (one way)
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Registration needed: Yes
Reservations: Reservations open 3 days in advance on Refugio Frey’s website.

Refugio Frey’s classic route begins and ends at the base of Cerro Catedral.

From the parking lot, look for a large wooden sign that says “FREY.” You can’t miss it.

The main trail is well-marked and has many footbridges. The first few miles are more exposed and have views of Lago Gutierrez.

When you reach the intersection of a trail coming up from Los Coihues, the elevation begins to climb and is more shaded in the forest.

When you arrive at the Van Titter creek bridge, take a break before the final push to the top.

The refugio lies at the shores of Laguna Toncek, surrounded by jagged rocky spires in the foreground.

Refugio Jakob (San Martin)

Distance: 11 miles (one way)
Time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Registration needed: Yes
Reservations: Reserve in advance on Refugio Jakob’s website. You can see the calendar for 3 months out.

The original Refugio Jakob (also called Refugio San Martin) was inaugurated in 1952, but was rebuilt in 2018 making it the newest of the mountain huts.

The hut is set on a large rock outcropping, overlooking Laguna Jakob.

The interior feels more like a welcoming lodge or hotel in the mountains.

Instead of one large open dormitory, Jakob has rooms that hold up to 2 bunk beds. I’ve lucked out with my own room on 2 occasions, and once shared a room with just my friends.

The most common route to Refugio Jakob begins from Tambo de Báez, located on gravel road – Route 79 – between Colonia Suiza and the Arroyo Casa de Piedra.

There’s a paid parking area here and a sign for the trailhead.

After the first few hundred meters, the trail splits: right to Cerro Bella Vista and left to Refugio Jakob. Continue left.

The trail climbs briefly before going down to follow along the Arroyo Casa de Piedra.

For a few hours, hike through the valley on a relatively flat path. The final 1.5 miles are steady and steep, up a series of switchbacks, but just know that you’re almost there!

Refugio Laguna Negra

Distance: 8.75 miles (one way)
Time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: Open Nov-April (visit Dec-Mar for best conditions)
Registration needed: Yes
Reservations: Reserve in advance on Refugio Laguna Negra’s website. You can see open calendar space a few weeks out.

Refugio Laguna Negra, also called Italia Manfredo Segre, lies on a rocky outcropping, overlooking Laguna Negra.

The shelter is two stories: floor one is the dining and common areas, and the upstairs is an open room with bunk beds. A wooden ladder connects the two floors.

Laguna Negra has a lot of rustic character and is my favorite of all the refugios. 

The trailhead begins near Colonia Suiza.

The first few miles are on a wide dirt path in the trees. You’ll descend and continue on a trail along Arroyo Goye for a few hours.

The final stretch is famously referred to as the “maldito caracol” which essentially translates to “up, up, up” on lung and leg-burning switchbacks, culminating with a rocky scramble.

The view helps as its stunning looking out over the valley as you climb.

🍻 Pro Tip: Plan for an after-hike beer at Berlina Cerveceria 

Refugio Lopez

Distance: 3.75 miles (one way)
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Registration needed: Yes
Season: Open year-round (Dec-Mar are best for weather, but this is also a gorgeous hike in April with fall colors)
Registration needed: Yes
Reservations: Reserve up to 15 days in advance via the WhatsApp link listed on Refugio Lopez’s instagram. 

Refugio Lopez shines for its panoramic view of Lake Nahuel Huapi. The dining area has several large wood tables, with a chess board and main counter to order food or drinks.

The sleeping area is one large room with bunk beds, accessed through stairs by the dining room. There are 2 bathrooms, to the right of the entrance.

The trailhead is right on the Circuito Chico, recognized by a giant hot dog outside a kiosk.

While this hike is shorter, don’t mistake that for being easy. The hike kicks right off with elevation gain and loose rocky sections.

Pay close attention to red markings on trees and rocks to stay on the route.

The hardest part is the first half before you arrive at a hut called Roca Negra, that is primarily open for winter excursions.

There is a spot to fill up your water here and this makes a great mid-point rest with a view.

The second half alternates between a switchback trail in the forest that comes on to a 4×4 vehicle road at various points.

You can start to spot the bright red refugio with much of the hike remaining. I can’t decide if this is motivating or frustrating. So close, but so far!

Once you get to a creek crossing, you’re actually almost there – for real this time.

Depending on the time of year, it may be required to wade through and your feet will get wet (waterproof boots and extra socks are always a good idea).

Lopez is reached in the shortest amount of time and distance, of all the refugios. I did this as a regular day hike for many years.

It wasn’t until I was going with my young son that we planned to stay overnight to guarantee success. That trip made me realize it is 100% worth staying overnight to see the sunrise and sunset, and really take it all in.

🌭 Pro Tip: After the hike, reward yourself with what’s advertised as “the best hot dog of your life” from the Arroyo Lopez kiosk at the trailhead. It hits the spot after a hard trek.

Nahuel Huapi Traverse – “The 4 Refugios”

Distance: 28.5 miles
Time: 5 days/4 nights
Difficulty: Strenuous/High
Registration needed: Yes
Reservations: Required to make reservations in advance for each refugio

The Nahuel Huapi Traverse, also known as “The 4 Refugios,” makes up a 5-day trek through Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Day 1 is the classic trail from the base of Cerro Catedral to Refugio Frey.

Day 2 features a challenging traverse with rock scrambles, loose rock sections, crossing of the Brecha Negra ridge, and ends at Refugio Jakob.

Trekkers must attend a safety briefing and sign a waiver to continue, as the next section has the highest difficulty level.

On day 3 get an early start for the demanding traverse to Refugio Laguna Negra.

On day 4 circumnavigate around Laguna Negra and go up to the ridge along Cerro Bailey Willis.

You’ll need to scramble up a loose-scree section to Lopez Ridge that resembles rubble – large rocks in a wide assortment of shapes and sizes – to climb.

Later, carefully descend from Pico Turista to Refugio Lopez.

The final day, day 5, is all downhill on the regular trail from Lopez to the trailhead on Circuito Chico. 

🥾Alternate/Shorter Options: You can do just part of the circuit, such as connecting 2 or 3 of the refugios together (instead of all 4). Frey to Jakob (2 nights/3 days) is the most popular. The most technical crossing is between Jakob and Laguna Negra. Personally, I’d say the trek between Laguna Negra and Lopez wins for views.

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