Outings and excursions · San Carlos de Bariloche
Los Rápidos and Laguna Los Moscos: a birdwatching walk by the Manso River
Photos: Claudio Elias · CC BY-SA 3.0 / enzofloyd · CC BY-SA 3.0 (recortada) / enzofloyd · CC BY-SA 3.0 (recortada) / Amina Ferley Yael · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
An hour-long, almost flat trail that starts at the Los Rápidos campground and leads to Laguna Los Moscos. Ideal for birdwatching and an easy walk along the road to Pampa Linda.
On the way to Pampa Linda there is a turnoff many people drive past: Los Rápidos, where the Manso River forces its way between rocks and forest. That is where one of the most peaceful walks in the area begins.
The trail starts next to the entrance of the Los Rápidos campground, which is open all year. It is about two kilometers with almost no elevation gain, and in an hour, round trip, you reach Laguna Los Moscos. It is an especially good walk for birdwatching, and also for those who want to stretch their legs before continuing toward Cerro Tronador.
Pay attention to the trail markers: many side paths cross the forest and it is easy to lose your way. You return the same way, to the bridge over the Manso where it all began.
To get there, take Route 40 toward El Bolsón and, shortly after Villa Mascardi, 36 kilometers out, turn right onto a gravel road. A few meters ahead is the Mascardi ranger station of the National Park, where you pay the entrance fee. From there to Pampa Linda it is 50 kilometers, and that stretch has one-way traffic schedules, so it is best to plan your day in advance.
A short, peaceful walk for those who enjoy listening more than walking.
- Type of tour: Scenic
- Difficulty level: Low
- Tip: Bring binoculars if you have them, and water; keep in mind the traffic schedules on the road to Pampa Linda.
