Cerro Colorado desde Trompul
A short but demanding climb up Cerro Colorado (an old volcano) from the Trompul area, near San Martín de los Andes. 800 m of elevation gain packed into a few kilometers. The summit looks out over the Lanín, Villarrica and Choshuenco volcanoes, and Cerro Tronador to the south.
Cerro Colorado takes its name from the reddish volcanic rock exposed at its summit — the remains of an old eruptive cone that today is one of the most panoramic accessible peaks around San Martín de los Andes. Despite its modest height, the elevation gain packed into a short distance makes it a demanding outing, closer to a mountain climb than a walk.
Access is via Trompul, a locality about 20 minutes from San Martín de los Andes on the way to Paso Hua Hum (the border crossing to Chile). From there the trail climbs steadily through forest before leaving the tree line and scrambling up more open volcanic-rock slopes to the summit.
From the top the panorama is one of the most complete in the area: the Lanín, Villarrica and Choshuenco volcano chain to the north and west, and on clear days Cerro Tronador stands out to the south. The descent follows the same trail.
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 7.6 km
- Duration: 4.5–5 hours
- Elevation gain: 800 m
- Max altitude: 1838 m
- Best season: Dec – Mar
- Trailhead: Trompul, unos 20 min de San Martín de los Andes camino al Paso Hua Hum
- Park / area: Parque Nacional Lanín, Neuquén
Nearby trails
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Cerro Colorado desde Trompul trek take?
Cerro Colorado desde Trompul takes 4.5–5 hours to complete, covering 7.6 km with 800 m of elevation gain, rated hard.
Is Cerro Colorado desde Trompul suitable for beginners?
Not for beginners: Cerro Colorado desde Trompul is rated hard and requires prior mountain experience and solid fitness.
Do I need a permit to hike Cerro Colorado desde Trompul?
No, Cerro Colorado desde Trompul doesn’t require an advance permit.
When is the best time to hike Cerro Colorado desde Trompul?
The recommended season is Dec – Mar. Sliabh’s map shows current daylight hours and a live weather/solar panel for the exact trailhead.
Where does the Cerro Colorado desde Trompul trailhead start?
The trailhead is at Trompul, unos 20 min de San Martín de los Andes camino al Paso Hua Hum, in Parque Nacional Lanín, Neuquén province. Sliabh’s 3D map and downloadable GPX track show the exact starting point.
Can I download an offline map or GPX track for Cerro Colorado desde Trompul?
Yes — Sliabh provides a downloadable GPX track and an offline 3D map for Cerro Colorado desde Trompul, so it works with no signal on the trail.
Lanín National Park · Hiking in Northern Patagonia