Colonia Suiza – Pampa Linda 5-day traverse

Departure from Bariloche by a transfer to the beginning of the trail to Laguna Negra Hut in Colonia Suiza. From this point begins the walk along a wide path, surrounded by a beautiful transition forest. The first 3/4 hours along the trail do not present any difficulty. We’ll then arrive at the end of the Goye Creek Valley in a large camping area. At this point the path becomes harder and we’ll gain altitude quickly. We’ll finally reach Laguna Negra, where there is the Italia mountain hut, at the edge of the lagoon. Walking time: 5 hours.

In the morning the walk begins by skirting the lagoon and heading to the col that separates the Black Mountain from the Bailey Willis Mountain. From there the trail descends westwards until crossing the Lluvco Creek, to continue descending to the confluence between this stream and La Chata creek. After crossing them we will ascend to Laguna CAB. Camp and overnight in the lagoon. Estimated time: 6/7 hours.

In the morning the hike goes around the CAB Lagoon and then ascends to the CAB Hill. Without reaching the summit, it is skirted by the left and then descends to the Sweet Mate Valley. Camp and overnight in the Valley. Estimated hiking time: 6/7 hours.

Today we’ll depart early in the morning because it is the longest day. We must ascend in direction to Cerro Cristal. Once we reach the edge we’ll get a beautiful view of Mount Tronador. From this point, the descent begins towards the Cretton Lagoon by a loose-rock area that requires attention. Once in the lagoon, we’ll walk by a ridge until we get to the Jujuy Lagoon. Here rises the edge of Cerro Capitán. We’ll descend by that edge to the Mallin Ricardo and then we’ll cross it, descending to Laguna Ilon. Camp and overnight in the lagoon. Hiking time: 8/9 hours.

Depending on the energies of the group, before descending to Pampa Linda we can access from Laguna Ilon to the Doctor’s Viewpoint. It’s a panoramic point located an hour walk from the lagoon, where we can see all the majesty of Mount Tronador in conjunction with a beautiful postcard of Frey Lake and behind this, the Tristeza Stream of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. After that hike we will begin the descent along the trail towards Pampa Linda, crossing a mallin terrain. Then, we will go down the trail until we reach the crossing of the Alerce River. Arrival to Pampa Linda and transfer to Bariloche.