Trekking 4 refuges

The 4 Refugios competition is a trail running race for expert runners. The sporting event takes place in Bariloche since 2006 and connects the most iconic refuges in the region: Frey (Laguna Toncek), San Martín (Jakob), Italy "Manfredo Segre" (Laguna Negra) and López. Before going out to the mountain, complete the shore trekking record of the Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Trekking season: the 4 iconic

This crossing can also be done in other circumstances, outside the competition, knowing the terrainhiring mountain guides, during the trekking season in Bariloche, from November to April. At the beginning of the season there is usually snow on the high passes, so the trails between shelters will be accessible only to experienced people, with equipment to face the adverse conditions that can still be maintained. In summer the crossing opens up to more possibilities.

The complete route is about 46 km, mostly in high mountain terrain. For those looking for the adrenaline of the 4 refuges, the physical and technical demand and the ability to enjoy an incredible environment, this journey offers the best experience starting from Cerro Catedral, until the final goal in Colonia Suiza. It can be done in sections, spending the night in the shelterscamping sectors allowed. Shelters charge a fee for the use of the facilities. Frey and Jakob remain open all year round, while Laguna Negra and López only in the summer season.

The traditional trail begins at the base of Cerro Catedral, to the Refugio Frey, a landmark of sport climbing. For those who are encouraged and bet on adventure, this beginning has all the condiments of hiking, streams and forests of lengas and coihues that surround the walker, until reaching the Toncek lagoon of cold waters at 1700 masl. It is a walk of about 10 km that takes between 4 and 5 hours.

This point connects with the Jakob Refuge, with the option of cross-country skiing in winter. Frey-Jakob is the most popular hike among backpackers. It is transited for about 5-7 hours between the Claussen and Tres Reyes hills, through the Rucaco valley, through the Brecha Negra pass, to the refuge, on the shores of the Jakob lagoon, at 1600 meters above sea level. A few steps away is the Laguna de los Témpanos, another landmark for hikers.

The crossing continues for about 5-7 hours to the Refuge "Italia" Laguna Negra, the stretch that requires more skills to overcome the difficulty in the rock. You cross the Cordón de los Inocentes to Cerro Navidad and then descend to the valley, whose refuge is located on the shores of the Black Lagoon at 1620 meters above sea level, at the foot of Cerro Negro.

Crossing the crest of Bailey Willis Hill, you access the Refugio López. The tour takes between 3 and 5 hours to get the reward of the best panoramas of the national park and Lake Nahuel Huapi. So, to make this crossing 4 Refuges, you must estimate about 4-5 days. You can also enjoy each refuge, starting from its bases and granting a whole day for enjoyment in the mountains.