Tronador, Cerro Tronador Travel Guide

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Experience the awe-inspiring Mount Tronador in Patagonia: glaciers, thundering icefalls, and breathtaking Andean scenery.

Mount Tronador, an extinct stratovolcano on the border of Argentina and Chile, is a majestic peak known for its stunning glaciers and the thunderous sound of icefalls. Rising to 3,470 meters (11,380 ft), it's a popular destination for mountaineering and trekking within Nahuel Huapi National Park.

A brief summary to Tronador

Puerto Varas, Los Lagos, CL

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tronador.

Check road conditions and traffic restrictions before heading to Tronador, especially if driving your own car.
Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season.
Bring appropriate gear for hiking and varying weather conditions, including sturdy footwear, layers, and rain protection.
Purchase the Nahuel Huapi National Park entrance fee online in advance.
Listen for the thunderous sound of icefalls, but keep a safe distance from the glaciers.

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Explore Tronador on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tronador, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

From Bariloche, take Route 40 south for 35 km to the intersection with Provincial Route 81. Follow Route 81, a gravel road, for approximately 40 km to reach the base of Mount Tronador. Be aware of the traffic restrictions on Route 81, with specific hours for entry and exit. The entrance fee to Nahuel Huapi National Park is required. As of 2025, the fee for foreigners is 20,000 pesos, and for Argentine residents, it is 7,000 pesos. Parking is available at Pampa Linda, near the base of the mountain.
Tour Bus

Several tour operators in Bariloche offer day trips to Mount Tronador, including transportation to Pampa Linda and guided visits to the main attractions. The tour typically lasts around 9 hours. The price is approximately US$ 51.00 per person, not including the entrance fee to Nahuel Huapi National Park. Check that the tour includes the park entrance fee.

Discover more about Tronador

Mount Tronador (Cerro Tronador) is an iconic, extinct stratovolcano straddling the border between Argentina and Chile, within the Andes Mountains. Its name, meaning "Thunderer" in Spanish, comes from the frequent and thunderous sound of ice calving off its glaciers. These icefalls create a unique auditory experience as the sound reverberates across the surrounding valleys.Located between the Nahuel Huapi National Park in Argentina and the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park in Chile, Tronador is a prominent feature in the Patagonian landscape. Rising to 3,470 meters (11,380 feet), it is the highest mountain in the region, offering stunning views of the surrounding alpine landscape, including fjords, glacial lakes, and U-shaped valleys.Mount Tronador is covered by up to eight glaciers, including the Alerce, Ventisquero Negro, Casa Pangue, and Castaño Overa glaciers. Like many glaciers in the southern Andes, these are currently retreating due to climate change. Ventisquero Negro, or Black Glacier, is particularly striking because of its dark color, caused by the mixing of ice and crushed rock.The mountain offers a variety of activities, from day hikes to multi-day treks and mountaineering expeditions. Popular treks include the hike to Refugio Otto Meiling, a mountain hut named after a German mountaineer who explored the area extensively. More challenging climbs to the summit are also possible, requiring glacier travel skills and specialized equipment. The area around Tronador is also known for its diverse flora and fauna, including native forests, waterfalls, and opportunities for birdwatching.