Alerce Glacier traverse, Cerro Tronador

The Alerce Glacier traverse is an excursion suitable for hikers with a background on rocky terrain since, apart from an easy stretch on glacier, most of its itinerary is downhill on medium loose scree.

Quite convenient for those who wish to visit both Meiling Refuge and the Pampa Linda – Paso de las Nubes – Lake Frias traverse, but do not want to spend one day walking back down from Meiling to retake the Paso de las Nubes trail.

The traverse lasts 4 to 5 hours. It starts at the Meiling Refuge (6135 ft). Beforehand we pick up the necessary gear for crossing the glacier and prepare the backpacks. The hike goes across Glacier Alerce with its crevasses and beautiful colours. I will explain, amongst other issues, about the glaciers formation and evolution, the mountain volcanic origins and the proper use of the gear. The excursion continues descending along ridges and scree on the north side of Mt. Tronador with astonishing views over the Frias and Alerce valleys until Paso de las Nubes (4590 ft).

Here the Agostino Rocca Refuge stands and the guided part ends. That’s halfway on the famous Paso de las Nubes trail. Once at the Rocca Refuge, I return to Meiling Refuge carrying the technical gear. The rest of the group takes the final part of the trail. Either to Lake Frias to take a boat to Bariloche or Chile, or back to Pampa Linda.

This includes during day 1 the transfer from Bariloche to Pampa Linda and the ascent to the refuge. On day 2 the traverse. On day 3 the descent from the refuge to Pampa Linda, and the transfer back from there to Bariloche.

Let me know if you are interested in doing this Alerce Glacier program in one of the most iconic mountains of Bariloche region!