(L, D)
After breakfast we depart for Refugio Frey trailhead in Cerro Catedral. Traversing the mountain to the south, high over Lake Gutierrez, we reach the tree clad valley of the Van Titter Stream were we make a longer stop to have a picnic lunch. Early in the afternoon we arrive at the Frey Mountain Hut (1650 meters). We relax enjoying the view of the glacier cirque and its impressive granite spires. Cheese fondue dinner and a good night sleep.
Estimated walking time: 4 hours.
Linear distance: 10 km.
Altitude gain: 700 meters.
Terrain: trails.

(B, L, D)
After breakfast, from Frey Mountain Hut we climb to the Rucaco pass on the Catedral ridge at (2050 meters); at this point we have an astounding view of the Andes stretching both to the north and to the south, as well as the magnificent Chilean volcanoes to the west.
We might find snow on the way from the moment we leave Frey all the way up to the ridge, until we descend to the Rucaco Valley.
Picnic lunch in the forest, and then we follow the valley up to the Brecha Negra Mountain Pass that will take us to our destination for the day: San Martin Mountain Hut, beside Lake Jakob and the spires of the “Devils Horns” in the background. Dinner at the refuge (1650 meters).
Estimated walking time: 7/8 hours.
Linear distance: 17 km.
Altitude gain: 800 meters.
Terrain: trails, rocks and scree.

(B, L, D)
The most technical day of our itinerary. Right after an early breakfast , we begin the ascent of the Refugio Peak. This has a grade III Rock climbing, which involves a bit of scrambling with our hands as well as using our feet. Once we have reached the altitude of 1900 meters, we begin the traverse on top of the rocky “Inocentes Ridge” that will take us to the Summit of Mount Navidad. During the entire day the marvelous scenery is framed by the impressive rock spires that watch us, as we progress along the ridge. We finally reach the ravine that will take us down to the trail below the Italia Refuge, the Black Lagoon and our final climb towards our lodging place for the night. Dinner and lodging at the refuge.
This stage is very exposed to the weather elements, so very good weather is extremely necessary to be able to complete this days trek.
Days Info:
Estimated walking time: 9 hours.
Linear walking distance: 16 km.
Altitude gain: downhill, with some short ups and downs.
Escape route: through same trail.

(B, L)
Our final challenging day: We trek around the lagoon and climb towards the Bailey Willis ridge, once again we are struck by the incredible view that now begins to unfold all the scenery towards the northern side of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Crossing the Goye Valley we reach our very final climb up to the summit of Cerro Lopez at 2000 meters above sea level, our very last mountain to conquer!
From this point we can enjoy a 360º view that surpasses everything we have seen in the past days. After a pause to take in the view and look in the horizon all the distance traveled, we begin our descent towards our last refuge: Refugio Lopez, a stunning balcony over Lake Nahuel Huapi. We toast to the Andes in this amazing setting before continuing down for an hour and a half to the base of the mountain and the transfer back to Bariloche.
Days Info:
Estimated walking time: 8 hours.
Linear walking distance: 22 km.
Altitude gain: undulated and + 500 meters on the climb to Lopez Summit.
- 1200 meters (downhill)
Terrain: rocky trails, scree, snow, rocks.