Outings and excursions · San Carlos de Bariloche
Cerro Catedral in summer: the peaks without skis
Photos: Profesorfabiovirtual · CC BY-SA 4.0 / Murray Foubister · CC BY-SA 2.0 / Dario Alpern · CC BY-SA 4.0 / Alejandroravignani · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
When the snow is gone, Catedral keeps going up: lifts, high-altitude huts and viewpoints over Lake Nahuel Huapi and Lake Gutiérrez.
For many, Catedral is synonymous with winter. But those who know it in summer know that the mountain changes its face without losing its charm: no skis, plenty of sun and the trails in plain view.
In the warm season, the lifts take you close to 2,000 meters, with views of Lakes Nahuel Huapi and Gutiérrez, the steppe, the city and the Andes. In spring, while there is still snow on the peaks, the classic route goes up by chairlift to Cabaña 1600, with its panoramic deck, and from there by another chairlift to the summit, where the historic Refugio Lynch awaits, with mountain pastries, quick meals and hot dishes all day long.
From January, full summer arrives: guided or self-guided hikes, bike rides, the bike park and activities for all ages. That is also when the high-altitude huts come into play, with mountain cuisine above 1,800 meters.
A tip: it is cool at the summit even in the middle of summer. Bring warm clothes, sun protection and rain gear.
A mountain with two seasons, and both are worth the trip.
- Type of tour: Scenic and recreational
- Difficulty level: Low (lifts); variable (trekking and cycling)
- Tip: Warm clothing, sunscreen, a cap and closed-toe shoes.
