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Senda Laguna Toncek - Refugio Frey: A Hiker's Paradise

Hike to Refugio Frey for stunning Patagonian views, granite spires, and alpine adventure in Nahuel Huapi National Park.

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Senda Laguna Toncek - Refugio Frey is a popular hiking trail in Nahuel Huapi National Park near Bariloche, Argentina, leading to the picturesque Refugio Frey, a mountain hut nestled beside Laguna Toncek and surrounded by granite spires. The trail offers stunning views and a challenging yet rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Senda Laguna Toncek - Refugio Frey

  • La Hoya, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro Province, AR

Local tips

  • Register online with Nahuel Huapi National Park before your hike. It's free and required.
  • Book accommodations at Refugio Frey or a campsite in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Check the weather forecast and trail conditions before you go, and be prepared for changing weather.
  • Bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy shoes and layers of clothing.
  • Consider hiking the 'Frey por el Filo' route via Cerro Catedral for epic mountain views and a ridgeline scramble.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bariloche, take Bus No. 55 to Cerro Catedral. The bus departs from the city center, with varying routes along Avenida Bustillo and Avenida Pioneros. Check the MiBus website for the current schedule. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes. A roundtrip ticket costs around 592 ARS. From the bus stop at Cerro Catedral, walk across the parking lot to the trailhead, following signs for 'Frey' or 'Refugio Frey.'

  • Walking

    From the Cerro Catedral parking lot, the main trail to Refugio Frey begins on a gravel road. Follow the signs for Refugio Frey. The trail gradually ascends, passing through forests and alongside the Van Titter creek. The hike to the refuge is approximately 10 km (6 miles) and takes 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and chosen route. Note that there is no fee to hike in Nahuel Huapi National Park, but registration is required.

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Discover more about Senda Laguna Toncek - Refugio Frey

The Senda Laguna Toncek - Refugio Frey trail is a classic Patagonian hike that draws adventurers to the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park. The destination, Refugio Frey, sits at 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) above sea level, cradled by the jagged granite peaks of Cerro Catedral and the emerald waters of Laguna Toncek. The refuge is named in honor of Emilio Frey, a key figure in the region's history. Frey was an engineer who contributed to the border commission led by Francisco Moreno in 1895, as well as a park administrator and one of the founders of the Bariloche Andean Club. The Club Andino Bariloche (CAB) was formed in 1931 and continues to maintain the refugio system in the park. Opened in 1957, Refugio Frey has become a haven for climbers and trekkers. The surrounding granite towers offer world-class climbing opportunities, attracting athletes from across the globe. The refuge also serves as a starting point for the challenging Four Refuges Traverse, a multi-day trek through the mountains. The hike to Refugio Frey offers several routes, each with its own unique appeal. The most common path begins at the Cerro Catedral ski resort, ascending through forests and past the Van Titter creek. Another option, known as the Slovenian Trail, starts from Villa Los Coihues on the shores of Lake Gutiérrez, offering a more strenuous but equally scenic ascent. A third option involves taking the Cerro Catedral ski lifts to Refugio Lynch and hiking along the mountain edge, offering panoramic views. Regardless of the chosen route, hikers should register with park authorities before setting out.

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