Tronador Circuit

Trekking, Hot Springs, Glaciers and Lakes

Bariloche to Bariloche Loop

Tronador Circuit –

Vuriloche Pass + Perez Rosales + Cloud Pass – Hike & Boat

Complete a Double Andean Crossing going around the most iconic mountain in North Patagonia.

A legendary trek through the mountains from Argentina to Chile and
back. We’ll begin at the base of the mighty Tronador volcano near
Bariloche and end back where we started after a 6 day loop. This is one of the most complete weeks you can have in the area.

Our journey will take us through the Valdivian temperate RAINFOREST, where we’ll stop for a soak in the Vuriloche NATURAL HOT SPRINGS along the way and get to meet LOCAL COMMUNITY farmers.

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See Scales and Comparison of Expeditions

F.A.Q. Frequently asked questions about Tronador Circuit

  • Previous hiking experience is strongly recommended for this expedition, along with an adventurous spirit and a love for straying off the beaten track.
  • The hike is considered to be technically easy but moderate in terms of physical challenge. Good physical health is essential.

Includes

All Options:
Certified and experienced Mountain Guides
All meals during the Itinerary
1 Night Hotel
2 Nights at Moutains Huts (3 in Full Circuit)
1 Night Organized Campsite
Boat Trip Across Todos los Santos Lake
Transfer in and out of the Hike
National Park entry fees
Accident insurance

Bariloche Finish
Cruce Andino/ Lake Andean Crossing from Peulla to Bariloche
( https://www.cruceandino.com/)

Full Circuit
Night in Refugio Rocca
Transfer out from Pampa LInda to Bariloche
Optional Glacier Alerce Hike

  • 60-80 litres backpack
    • Waterproof, well worn-in walking boots – Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear on your feet the most important thing is comfort. It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended but if you already have something comfortable with good grip on rocks then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well-worn in pair!
    • Shoes for river crossing/camp shoes: Crocs are ideal!
    • Walking poles
    • Sleeping bag (0-10 degrees)
    • Sleeping matt
    • Walking clothing in layers
    • 1-2 pairs of hiking pants (zip-off pants recommended
    • 1 waterproof rain jacket
    • 2 T-shirts short sleeve
    • 1-2 t-shirts long sleeve 
    • 1 Polar Fleece
    • 1 down jacket
    • 3 pairs of thick hiking socks
    • Warm beanie or woollen hat
    • Light warm gloves 
    • Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat
    • Thermal underwear x 1 pair (1 top and 1 bottom to sleep)
    • Thermal wear is highly recommended, being light, warm and will keep you warm at night.
    • Swim wear 
    • Head torch 
    • Water bottle: 1 x 1.5 litre bottle or hydration bladder 
    • Personal medication 
    • Camera and spare batteries, memory cards or film.
      (Please note: there are no electrical outlets on the trek so make sure you fully charge and or have spare batteries. )
    • Snacks: Some snacks are provided during the trek but you may like to bring one or two extras just in case. If you have a dietary requirement then be recommend bringing some suitable snacks from home. We will accommodate you for breakfast, lunch and dinner however for snacks it’s recommended to bring some just to be safe.
    • Toilet paper: Most important! Also, small plastic bags or zip lock bags for rubbish which you will need to hold on to until the end of the trek.  
    • Wet wipes and or face wipes: These are an essential and will come in handy after a long day of trekking and no showers.  
    • Plastic bags: To keep your belongings and clothes dry (wrap everything in plastic bags). RECOMMENDED: – Soft and/or hard copies of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the hard copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a copy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary
    • Eating Utensills: bowl, cup, cutlery
  • Available for rent
    • Sleeping bag
    • Sleeping matt
    • Walking poles

During the Andean Crossing Premium you will walk with a light weight pack. You will have to carry a 35-50 liter backpack with your clothes for the whole trip, your pack lunch and water bottle. Approx weight 5-7 kg

The rest of the gear is going to be carried by porters.

  • The Welcome meeting is at your accomodation at 6 p.m. the day before the hike. This meeting is compulsory. Please bring all the gear for the hike. The objective is: Equipment check.

The Tronador Circuit is approx. 90 km long. We walk an average of 15 km per day. Some easy days and some moderate ones. Roughly 8 hours daily. The group will find its pace and well stick to that. Long Patagonia days allow us to take our time and therefore we will be hiking without any rush.

Andean Crossings Comparative Chart

Andean Crossings Comparative Chart
Andean Crossings Comparative Chart

NEXT DEPARTURES

Open Date

28 of JAN to 3 of FEB 2026

24 of FEB to 1 of MARCH 2026

or

PRIVATE ON DEMAND FROM NOV TO APRIL

NEXT DEPARTURES

Open Date

28 of JAN to 3 of FEB 2026

24 of FEB to 1 of MARCH 2026

or

PRIVATE ON DEMAND FROM NOV TO APRIL

The price is in US-Dollars. We will ask you to pay a 30% deposit to secure your place. The rest (70%) must be payed max. 1 month prior departure.

Methods of payment :

– VISA or MASTERCARD (+3%)
– International bank transfer

We will send you the payment information via internet after you have completed the booking form (link).

Remember that you do not need previous experience to participate but you need to be physically fit.

Contact Us
Book this Trip

General Information

  • Activity : Hiking – Hot Springs
  • Starting and finishing point : San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina) to Puerto Varas (Chile) or Doble Andean Crossing with Bariloche Finish
  • Duration : 6 days/5 Nights
  • Itinerary : Tronador Loop
  • Accommodation : 1 night Premium Camp, 4 Nights MOuntain Huts
  • Previous experience required : Mid
  • Fitness level required : medium
  • Group size : max. 12 people
  • Minimun age : 14 years
  • Distance : 50 km
  • Altitude at starting point : 1075 m
  • Altitude at highest point : 1920 m
  • Maximum ascension per day : 700 m

Travel Itinerary

Hola! Welcome to Bariloche, Argentina. Other than a welcome meeting and equipment check in the morning our transport will take us to Pampa Linda at the Base of Tronador Volcano. Be sure to get a good rest tonight, as the first day we leave early. Night at Hosteria Pampa Linda.

Pampa Linda – Chilean Border – Baguales Hut: 

The path starts off low and follows the Cauquenes River upstream through bamboo and Nothofagus forest. We stay inside the forest most of the time till we reach the border monument. Here you officially cross into Chilean territory. After the border we descend for three more hours overlooking the south side of the mountain and Blanco Glacier at its best. (8-10 hours; 22 km, 650 metres gain, 700 metres descend).

We follow the Valdivian rainforest to La Junta or River Junction where Experanza and Rio Blanco meet. Here we find the famous Vuriloche Hot Spings once used by indigenous tribes as a sacred spot. Relax and enjoy the pools while dinner is being prepared (4 hours, 10 kms)

Enjoy an incredible day at La Junta. An incredible opportunity to have a day in the middle of the Andean Range. Either rest, have a short walk, bath on the pools or on the crystal clear Esperanza River. Relax and Enjoy!

La Junta to Todos los Santos Lake: Hike out through the rainforest that becomes thicker and bigger as we head west, following the Blanco River and passing several abandoned farmhouses. As we follow the river north we face some river crossings till we reach the boat that will take us to Petrohue and Puerto Varas. Incredible views of surrounding volcanoes and mountains.  (approximately 8 hours; 20 km)

Hike up the Cloud pass to Refugio Agostino Rocca in a beautiful walk through the ancient rain forest, passing close to nice waterfalls and incredible views of surrounding glaciers. (6-7 Hours, 12 km) Night in one of the best huts of the park.

Today you have two options:

Either you walk back down to Pampa Linda and straight back to Bariloche Hotel (5 hours, 14 km)

or

you add an extra amazing adventure to finish off by crossing the Alerce Glacier to Meiling hut before heading back down to Pampa Linda.

Both great options to finish off a week to be remembered