Travesía 5 Lagunas + Paso de las Nubes
Bariloche's great mountain traverse: 4 to 5 days linking five high-altitude lagoons (Negra, CAB, Cretton, Jujuy and Ilón) up to Paso de las Nubes. About 76 km with very demanding cumulative elevation change. Multi-day backcountry experience required.
The 5 Lagunas Traverse is, along with the 4 Refugios Circuit, Bariloche's other great multi-day traverse — a route linking five high-altitude lagoons (Negra, CAB, Cretton, Jujuy and Ilón) across mountain passes, lenga forest and glacial valleys, connecting with Paso de las Nubes toward Pampa Linda or Puerto Frías. Club Andino Bariloche also runs a competitive race version (Aveandina 5 Lagunas) on the same route.
The route combines well-marked trail sections with more demanding high-mountain stretches, stream crossings, and nights at refugios or backcountry campsites depending on the chosen itinerary — usually spread over 4 to 5 days. Cumulative elevation change is considerable: the route climbs and descends steadily between each lagoon, topping 1,900 m in several stretches.
This traverse is only for those with prior multi-day backpacking experience, full self-sufficiency in water and food, and solid navigation skills — mountain weather can turn quickly at any of the route's high passes. Register your itinerary with the ranger station before setting out, and carry full camping gear even if you plan to use refugios, in case you need to camp.
- Difficulty: Extreme
- Distance: 76 km
- Duration: 4–5 days
- Elevation gain: 4800 m
- Max altitude: 1998 m
- Best season: Jan – Mar
- Trailhead: Sector Cerro Catedral / Colonia Suiza (Bariloche) — según variante de inicio
- Park / area: Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Río Negro
Nearby trails
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Travesía 5 Lagunas + Paso de las Nubes trek take?
Travesía 5 Lagunas + Paso de las Nubes takes 4–5 days to complete, covering 76 km with 4800 m of elevation gain, rated extreme.
Is Travesía 5 Lagunas + Paso de las Nubes suitable for beginners?
Not for beginners: Travesía 5 Lagunas + Paso de las Nubes is rated extreme and requires prior mountain experience and solid fitness.
Do I need a permit to hike Travesía 5 Lagunas + Paso de las Nubes?
No, Travesía 5 Lagunas + Paso de las Nubes doesn’t require an advance permit.
When is the best time to hike Travesía 5 Lagunas + Paso de las Nubes?
The recommended season is Jan – Mar. Sliabh’s map shows current daylight hours and a live weather/solar panel for the exact trailhead.
Can I camp along Travesía 5 Lagunas + Paso de las Nubes?
Yes, camping is allowed along this route (check current park regulations before you go).
Where does the Travesía 5 Lagunas + Paso de las Nubes trailhead start?
The trailhead is at Sector Cerro Catedral / Colonia Suiza (Bariloche) — según variante de inicio, 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 Travesía 5 Lagunas + Paso de las Nubes?
Yes — Sliabh provides a downloadable GPX track and an offline 3D map for Travesía 5 Lagunas + Paso de las Nubes, so it works with no signal on the trail.
Nahuel Huapi National Park · Hiking in Northern Patagonia