Double Crossing of the Andes Trek, from Argentina to Chile

From Lago Puelo to Paso León

4.8 (147)
Duration: 7 days Starting from: Bariloche Region: patagonia
Home: 2028-Jan-22 Fin: 2028-Jan-28
Start time: Al Medio día Ending time: a la tarde noche
Meeting Point: Bariloche
Duration: 7 days Cupos: 15 spots

Proposal

Crossing the mountain range twice...

  More than a natural border, the Andes mountain range unites cultures and landscapes. The Valdivian rainforest awakens the senses with its lushness, humidity and vibrant colors, while emerald lakes and mighty rivers cut through glacial valleys. A perfect setting for a unique experience.

Format

  An expedition in “point-to-point” format (starting in one place and finishing in a different one). The expedition begins at Paso León on the banks of the lower Río Manso and ends at Lago Puelo, where we board the transport that takes us to Bariloche. Overnight stays in the mountains are in wild, unserviced areas, camping in tents, enjoying the solitude and silence of a wilderness setting.

Itinerary
What we present here is the planned route for the trip, but the exact route, layout and choice of alternative itineraries depend on different factors such as weather conditions and the guide's assessment of the group.

Day 1 (Sunday): Meeting in the city of Bariloche and drive to the lower Río Manso, an ideal spot for whitewater sports lovers. Arrival, relaxing and getting ready. Welcome dinner.

Day 2 Early breakfast and start of the hike. The trail takes us to the border marker and the Argentine Gendarmerie post, then the Chilean Carabineros post; after completing the relevant immigration procedures we continue our trek, down the valley, following the powerful waters of the Río Manso. The trail climbs and descends several times, leaving the river down in the valley floor. In the afternoon, arrival at Río Torrentoso and camp.  Hiking time: approx. 6 hs.

Day 3 An intense day. After breakfast, we continue along the trail which, after several ups and downs, leads us to the gravel road that connects the whole region with the Pacific Ocean. Here we board the transport that drops us a couple of hours' walk from the spectacular Lago Azul. The Gallardo family is the only one living in the area and offers us their warm hospitality and their delicious homemade bread, in a stunning natural setting. Hiking time approx. 8 hs.

Day 4 Over the course of the day we head deeper into the dense forest, passing old settler outposts of the most diverse origins until reaching the hidden Lago Las Rocas, a lake whose chemical composition gives it slightly warmer waters than the others. Camp and a dip in the lake. At night, dinner under a blanket of stars. Hiking time approx. 6 hs.

Day 5 Day of return to the homeland. A few minutes from Lago Las Rocas we find the Carabineros post where we announce our departure from the neighboring country; from here we have one more day of hiking with beautiful views of Lago Inferior, the border marker and Lago Puelo, now on the Argentine side. We reach the Gendarmerie post where we'll camp before returning to civilization. Hiking time approx. 7 hs.

Day 6 Once again we rise early to set off on our final hike. Little by little the vegetation changes, as we leave the Valdivian rainforest behind and enter the Patagonian Andean forest. The Río Azul marks how close we are to our destination; the last footbridge we cross leaves us at the campground. Transfer to El Bolsón and hostel. Farewell dinner. Hiking time approx. 7 hs.

Included Services

  • Internal transport (starting and ending in  Bariloche).
  • 5 nights of tent accommodation, at wilderness campgrounds or local settlers' homes depending on the place and time.
  • General camp logistics (pots, stoves, safety equipment, navigation, communications). 
  • Guides, ongoing coordination and advice. Before and during the trek.
  • Full board, set menu (not a-la-carte), from afternoon tea on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 8 (4 meals a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner + snacks). 
  • tents for 2/3 or 4 people. Subject to availability.
  • Main first-aid kit and equipment.
  • Emergency communication equipment: VHF, Satellite phone.)
  • Personal accident insurance on the Argentine side

Services NOT included

  • Transfers to Bariloche on the way there and back from El Bolson.
  • Expenses caused by dropping out of the program

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in training?

For any mountain activity, prior physical preparation is needed, or at least being physically active.

Do I need prior experience?

Prior experience is required; we also recommend being in good physical condition and understanding that this is a trekking expedition, where you walk during the day with a backpack and spend the night in an unserviced campsite.  

Where do we sleep?

We sleep in mountain campsites, in comfortable igloo-type tents for 2/3 or 4 people. 

Do I need to bring a tent?

Tents are included in the service. If you'd like to bring your own, ask us.

Is there a bathroom?

No. There are no bathrooms or chemical toilets. Everything is done out in nature, in designated areas. You need to keep the site clean, taking your paper waste with you.

What's the weather or temperature like?

Even though it's the best time of year for this trek, in mountain and/or wilderness areas temperatures usually drop at night.

Are there rest stops?

Stops happen with a frequency and pacing that depends on the intensity. There are stops for lunch, afternoon tea, and rest.

From what age can you do this activity?

From 16 years of age. Even so, we recommend you contact us before signing up, or signing up a minor.

How much does the backpack weigh?

For women, a range of 13 to 15 kilos; for men, 15 to 20 kilos.

Who's a good fit for Double Crossing of the Andes Trek - Rio Manso to Lago Puelo - Patagonia?

Double Crossing of the Andes Trek - Rio Manso to Lago Puelo - Patagonia is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde Bariloche , in the region patagonia, Argentina. It lasts 7 days . Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.

What physical fitness level is required for Double Crossing of the Andes Trek - Rio Manso to Lago Puelo - Patagonia?

Como medir la dificultad de un ascenso o una expedición? es una pregunta que surge a menudo. Para esto desarrollamos un sistema de graduación que ayuda al participante a medir la dificultad, dado a que evaluamos 5 variables sobre la intensidad de cada propuesta.
• The weight of the backpack relative to the length of the day
• The physical demand
• The technical level of the terrain and required equipment
• The degree of mental strength required
• The maximum altitude reached
Hace click el botón y evaluá vos mismo la dificultad ->:

What equipment do I need to take part in the Double Crossing of the Andes Trek - Rio Manso to Lago Puelo - Patagonia?

En cada uno de nuestros programas vas encontrar un apartado de EQUIPO REQUERIDO. contá con nosotros para asesorarte y prepararlo de forma adecuada para maximizar el disfrute de la actividad. Contamos con una tienda de alquiler, para resolver si te falta algo.
Chequealo ahora! ->

What's included in Double Crossing of the Andes Trek - Rio Manso to Lago Puelo - Patagonia?

Internal transport (starting and ending in  Bariloche). 5 nights of tent accommodation, at wilderness campgrounds or local settlers' homes depending on the place and time. General camp logistics (pots, stoves, safety equipment, navigation, communications).  Guides, ongoing coordination and advice. Before and during the trek. Full board, set menu (not a-la-carte), from afternoon tea on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 8 (4 meals a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner + snacks).  tents for 2/3 or 4 people. Subject to availability. Main first-aid kit an

What happens if the trip is suspended due to bad weather or other force majeure?

At AEX, the safety of our travelers and guides comes first. Activities are only suspended or modified when weather, political or geographic conditions put the expedition at risk. The decision rests exclusively with the guide team and technical direction, based on official reports (National Weather Service, National Parks or local authorities).

If the trip is suspended, do I lose what I paid?

No. The amount paid becomes a Credit in your favor (Weather Voucher) valid for 18 months from the suspended date: up to 6 months to choose a new date plus 12 months to take part. You can use it for the same expedition or any of our other destinations and experiences, and if you cannot use it within that period you can transfer it to someone else.

Required equipment

GENERAL EQUIPMENT
  • Trekking backpack (65 to 80 liters)
  • Warm sleeping bag (0° comfort rating) (e.g. 800 g of down or equivalent synthetic fill)
  • Insulating sleeping mat (10 to 15mm)
  • A pair of trekking poles
  • Waterproof plastic bags to store all clothing inside the backpack
  • Plastic rain poncho
CLOTHING
  • Socks: several pairs of trekking socks
  • Underwear
  • 1 pair of trekking shoes-boots (in good condition)
  • 1 light spare pair of footwear for wading (crossing rivers) and getting wet. Can be crocs or full sandals, though shoes are better
  • Long trekking pants (NOT jeans)
  • 1 pair of long underwear or leggings
  • 2 short-sleeve synthetic dry-fit type shirts
  • 1 long-sleeve shirt
  • 2 warm layers (fleece jacket)
  • Warm jacket (down or synthetic fill)
  • 1 waterproof/breathable parka-type jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • 1 sun hat/cap (with brim)
  • Warm gloves
  • Warm hat 
PERSONAL ITEMS
  • Passport or ID card. Mandatory for immigration procedures.
  • Health insurance card.
  • Travel assistance insurance. Mandatory. To be in Chile. Ask us. 
MISCELLANEOUS
  • Headlamp with batteries (with spare batteries)
  • Sunglasses (Category III or IV)
  • Sunscreen (SPF 45 or higher). Lip balm
  • Toilet paper. Tissues. Wet wipes
PERSONAL COOKWARE
  • Water containers for at least 2 liters (can be a plastic bottle)
  • Cutlery, plate or tupperware, and cup. (Not glass or metal)
OPTIONAL, not mandatory (depending on space and weight)
  • SILVER TAPE, for blisters and repairs.
  • Camera or video equipment.
  • Book, notebook, travel journal, pencil, pen.
  • Games; cards, dice, etc
  • Pocket knife
  • Whistle and lighter.

Rental Equipment

Trekking sleeping bag Available
Trekking sleeping bag
Pair of Trekking Poles Available
Pair of Trekking Poles
Mittens Available
Rental mittens
Crampons - Pair of Crampons Available
Pair of Crampons
Climbing II - helmet, crampons and pickaxe Available
Rental : helmet, crampons and ice ax
Climbing Combo I - helmet, crampons, pickaxe, harness, carabiners, plate, straps, cords Available
Combo Top: helmet, crampons, ice ax and full harness
Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom Available
Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom
Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman Available
Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman

4.8

147 Google reviews

GA
Guillermina Augustu

Tilcara Calilegua es la travesía mas hermosa que hice, tiene unos paisajes maravillosos . La inmensidad en la montaña es increible. Pero lo que realmente lo hizo mágico fueron los lugares donde nos hospedamos, los compañeros de montaña y el amor y el cuidado de los guías. Euge y Gus estuvieron en cada detalle, pendiente de cada uno de nosotros, realemente ellos fueron el viaje. La comida increible. Agradecida eternamente con ambos..

AS
Alex Sangregorio

Viajé hace un mes con ellos y la experiencia fue impecable. Muy buena organización por parte de toda la agencia y excelentes los guías, siempre atentos y con la mejor predisposición. Totalmente recomendable.

LD
Luciana Durante

Fui a Tres Picos con Mati y Fer de AEX. Todo sucedió como estaba organizado. Tanto los guías como Euge estuvieron disponibles desde el día 1 de la reserva para evacuar todas nuestras dudas y llegar de la mejor manera al trekking. Súper recomendable viajar con AEX.

Do you have doubts?

If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hearing from you!

Double Crossing of the Andes Trek, from Argentina to Chile

Cell Phone
Formato: 11 1234 5678 (sin 0 ni 15)
Mínimo 4 caracteres para una mejor respuesta 0 / 1000
Tus datos están protegidos y no serán compartidos

¡Message Sent!

We will respond to you promptly, so you can prepare for your next great adventure 🏔️

Average response time: 2-4 hours on business days
Contact via WhatsApp