Ventisquero Negro: The Black Glacier of Tronador
Discover the dark beauty of Ventisquero Negro, a unique black glacier at the foot of Mount Tronador in Argentina's Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Ventisquero Negro, or Black Glacier, is a unique and stunning natural attraction located at the base of Mount Tronador in Argentina's Nahuel Huapi National Park. Unlike pristine white glaciers, Ventisquero Negro is darkened by sediment and debris, creating a striking visual contrast against the surrounding landscape.
A brief summary to Ventisquero Negro
- Tronador, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro Province, AR
- Monday 8 am-3 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-3 pm
- Thursday 8 am-3 pm
- Friday 8 am-3 pm
- Saturday 8 am-3 pm
- Sunday 8 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the terrain around Ventisquero Negro can be uneven and slippery.
- Bring layers of clothing, as the weather in Patagonia can change rapidly. Even on a sunny day, it can get chilly near the glacier.
- Consider joining a guided tour to learn more about the glacier's formation and the surrounding ecosystem.
- Don't forget your camera! The unique landscape of Ventisquero Negro offers incredible photo opportunities.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From San Carlos de Bariloche, take a bus towards Pampa Linda, which is the main access point for Mount Tronador. Several bus companies operate this route, with departures typically in the morning. From Pampa Linda, you can either hike or take a shuttle closer to Ventisquero Negro. The bus fare from Bariloche to Pampa Linda is approximately ARS 2,500 - ARS 3,500. The shuttle from Pampa Linda to the Ventisquero Negro area costs around ARS 1,000 - ARS 1,500.
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Taxi/Ride-share
A taxi or ride-share from San Carlos de Bariloche to Pampa Linda is a more direct but significantly more expensive option. The ride takes around 2-3 hours. Expect to pay between ARS 15,000 and ARS 25,000 for the trip. From Pampa Linda, you would still need to arrange for a shuttle or hike to reach Ventisquero Negro.
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Driving
Driving from San Carlos de Bariloche to Pampa Linda is straightforward. Take Route 40 south, then Route 82 towards Mount Tronador. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours. Parking is available at Pampa Linda for a fee of around ARS 500 - ARS 1,000 per day. From Pampa Linda, you can either hike or take a shuttle closer to Ventisquero Negro. Note that during winter, the road may require snow chains.