Trekking Expedition 4 Refugios Crossing | 5 days adventure

After breakfast, we begin the ascent towards the ridge of Cerro Catedral at 2,050 meters above sea level, where we'll obtain incredible views of the valleys, mountains, and volcanoes of the Andes.

Starting at Emilio Frey Hut, border around the lagoon on the right to the end of the valley, there it begins to climb on loose terrain up past the Schmoll lagoon. Round the left side and up a steeper section of rocky loose trail, look for the red markings up to what is called “Football field”.

A few more meters of gentle uphill North you are on the ridge, great views of the Nahuel Huapi lake and a junction and well indicating signs. To the right you head back to Catedral Ski resort, take a left towards the Rucaco valley and the San Martin Hut.

The descent is very steep at first, big loose rocks, then an easier scree. Trail enters the lenga forest, continues down to the base and along some clearings, may be marshy wet at the beginning of the season. Continues along, crosses a couple of small creeks and soon begins to climb above vegetation again onto rocky terrain.

Steep last bit up to the Brecha Negra ridge left or South up the ridge for a few meters and then descends on steep and loose terrain to the Jakob lagoon, cross the stream coming out and a few meters is the San Martin Hut. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.

Emilio Frey Hut - San Martín Hut (Jakob lagoon):

• Time of walk: 8 - 10 hs.
• Distance: 9 km.
• Elevation Gain 530 mts.
• High difficulty.
• Maximum elevation: 2041.54 m
• Minimum elevation: 1514.22 m.

Overnight at the refuge.

Meals Included: Breakfast - Box Lunch - Snacks - Dinner at the refuge.

In the morning, after breakfast, we depart from Refugio San Martín and walk for the first 20 minutes along the path leading to Paso Schweizer and Laguna Los Témpanos. As we ascend, we encounter a very technical section with climbing stretches. Upon reaching Refugio Peak, we begin traversing along the ridge of Cordón de los Inocentes.

We then pass by Cerro Navidad, where the trail starts descending until we reach Arroyo Navidad. We ascend the slope in zigzag fashion, known as the "caracoles," until we reach Laguna Negra and Refugio Manfredo Segre. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.

San Martin Hut (Jakob lagoon) - Manfredo Segre Hut (Laguna Negra):

• Time of walk: 8 - 10 hs.
• Distance: 10 km.
• Elevation Gain 850 mts.
• High difficulty.
• Maximum elevation: 2151.26 m
• Minimum elevation: 1309.24 m

Overnight at the refuge.

Meals Included: Breakfast - Box Lunch - Snacks - Dinner at the refuge.

In the morning, after breakfast, we begin the traverse. Although not very technical except for the rocky descent at the end, it is a long journey.

Although the trail can be done in both directions, this is the most recommended, heading up from the López Hut, passed “La Hoya” bowl up to the ridge of López peak. Pay attention to all the markings and watch your step as there are lots of loose rocks. This first part is pretty steep and lots of scrambling. From the ridge the descent is also on loose slate rocks at first down to a first valley, one of the basins to the Goye creek.

Past the valley you ascend up to the Bailey Willis peak, continue along the ridge line for quite a while until you start to view the “Negra Lagoon” and the Manfredo Segre Hut behind it on the shore. Head down towards the lagoon and go around on the left, there are a couple of sections with rope to help get past the steep walls.

A few more meters and there is the hut.We walk for almost 2 hours along the Bailey Willys ridge until reaching the col of Filo Lopez, and then descend to the refuge. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.

Manfredo Segre Hut (Laguna Negra) - López Hut:

• Time of walk: 5 -6 hs.
• Distance: 8 km.
• Elevation Gain 500 mts.
• High difficulty.
• Maximum elevation: 2047.15 m
• Minimum elevation: 1558.06 m

Overnight at the refuge.

Meals Included: Breakfast - Box Lunch - Snacks - Dinner at the refuge.

This is a trail that is usually done in reverse, starting from the base of Cerro López. We will take this alternative instead of descending via the regular trail of Cerro López to enjoy the most challenging trails and the most beautiful panoramic views until the last moment.

We depart to the right of the refuge, descending, passing through a rocky terrain until reaching a ridge at 1732 meters. After passing that summit, we resume the diagonal descent until reaching Extremo Encantado Hut, where we'll enjoy a high-altitude lunch.

We'll then continue for another 40 minutes until reaching the base of Cerro López in Colonia Suiza. There, the transfer will be waiting to take us to the hotel to rest after an unforgettable adventure.

López Hut - Colonia Suiza (Filo de Las Cabras and Extremo Encantado Hut for Lunch)

• Time of walk: 2 -3 hs.
• Distance: 8 km.
• Elevation Gain 500 mts.
• High difficulty.
• Maximum elevation: 2047.15 m
• Minimum elevation: 1558.06 m.

Overnight at the refuge.

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch at Extremo Encantado Refuge (Barbecue).