Cerro López vía Refugio López
A climb up the Picada Vieja to Refugio López (1,620 m) and from there to Pico Turista (2,088 m), the highest point of the massif. 360° views of Lago Nahuel Huapi, Tronador, and the Patagonian steppe. The final stretch involves some scrambling.
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 12 km
- Duration: 7–9 hours
- Elevation gain: 1250 m
- Max altitude: 2088 m
- Best season: Dec – Mar
- Trailhead: Arroyo López, Ruta 79 — Circuito Chico (Bariloche)
- Park / area: Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Río Negro
Nearby trails
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Cerro López vía Refugio López trek take?
Cerro López vía Refugio López takes 7–9 hours to complete, covering 12 km with 1250 m of elevation gain, rated hard.
Is Cerro López vía Refugio López suitable for beginners?
Not for beginners: Cerro López vía Refugio López is rated hard and requires prior mountain experience and solid fitness.
Do I need a permit to hike Cerro López vía Refugio López?
No, Cerro López vía Refugio López doesn’t require an advance permit.
When is the best time to hike Cerro López vía Refugio López?
The recommended season is Dec – Mar. Sliabh’s map shows current daylight hours and a live weather/solar panel for the exact trailhead.
Can I camp along Cerro López vía Refugio López?
No, camping is not permitted along this specific route.
Where does the Cerro López vía Refugio López trailhead start?
The trailhead is at Arroyo López, Ruta 79 — Circuito Chico (Bariloche), in Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Río Negro 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 López vía Refugio López?
Yes — Sliabh provides a downloadable GPX track and an offline 3D map for Cerro López vía Refugio López, so it works with no signal on the trail.
Nahuel Huapi National Park · Hiking in Northern Patagonia