Trekking Refuges of El Bolsón - Patagonia

Name: Trekking Refuges of El Bolsón - Cajón del Azul - Patagonia
Start: 2026-12-01T09:00:00-03:00
End: 2026-12-04T18:00:00-03:00
Location: El Bolsón
Rating: 4.8

Proposal

A classic of trekking in Patagonia that everyone wants to know

A paradise that always gives new sensations: Río Azul Protected Natural Area - Lago Escondido.

In this program we invite you to get to know several of the most famous refuges of this wonderful route on a medium difficulty trail, between forests, crystal clear and deep blue waters, eternal snow, glaciers, condors and many emotions.

Itinerary:

We recommend sleeping the night before in El Bolsón, to be ready for the next day, the start of the trek.

Day 1: Meeting in El Bolson early. Presentation of guides and equipment check. Transfer to Mallín Ahogado. Start of the first stretch of trekking to the Hielo Azul refuge. Rest, snack and dinner in the refuge. Overnight.

Walking hours: 8

Day 2: Breakfast. Early we will visit the Hielo Azul glacier and return to the refuge; After lunch we will continue up a long ascent to the great plain that takes us to the Swimming Refuge, on the shores of the homonymous lagoon. Rest, enjoy the place. Dinner and overnight in the refuge.

Walking hours: 5

Day 3: Breakfast. The route, parallel to the mountain range, now takes us, first on the flat and then on a steep descent, to the magical Cajón del Azul refuge. From there we will continue to the El Retamal Refuge. Rest, enjoy the place. Dinner and overnight in the refuge.

Walking hours: 6

Day 4: Breakfast. We say goodbye to the refuge and slowly to the mountain. We descend passing through the great Cajon del Azul and its water pools. Finally we descend and access Mallín Ahodado where our transport will be waiting for us to take us, after a well-deserved toast for what has been done, to the town of El Bolsón. End of the program and our services. Approx 18 hours.

Walking hours: 5

Included Services

Transfers to and from El Bolsón
Professional mountain guides
3 nights overnight in mountain refuges: Hielo Azul, Natacion and El Retamal or Hielo Azul.
Full board during the crossing
General camping equipment, kitchen and communication
VHF communication equipment and emergencies.
Permanent assistance

Services NOT included

Trip to El Bolson
Porterage of equipment with horses (consult)
Tips
Expenses caused by abandoning the program

Note

Trekking carrying backpack of medium difficulty. Each one must carry their own backpack throughout the tour. Steep ups and downs. Consult porterage of equipment with horses.

March lunches (cold meals): Milanese and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, appetizers, salads, tapas, etc.
Dinners: Vegetable-bacon-red chorizo stews, Chicken and vegetable casseroles, Pasta with various sauces or stew, Roast meat (Chivito), Chaw Fan, Chicken with rice in a saucepan....
Breakfasts and snacks: Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, Mate Cocido, Mate, Milk powder; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereals, fruit

It is necessary to complete the personal/medical record to clarify if someone does not eat any type of food.

Where to sleep

In mountain shelters with mattresses and beds. You must bring a sleeping bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a trek with difficulty?

No, they are uphill and downhill trails, but without technical difficulty.

Do you have to carry a lot of weight in the backpacks?

No, we go with companion animals that carry some of the personal equipment and mainly the general one.

What is the weather or temperature?

Although the time of year is summer, mountain ranges and/or wild areas, temperatures tend to drop at night.

Are there rest stops?

The stops are given with a frequency and graduation according to the intensity. There are stops for lunch, snack, and rest.

From what age can they do this activity?

From 13 years of age.

Who's a good fit for Trekking Refuges of El Bolsón - Patagonia?

Trekking Refuges of El Bolsón - Patagonia is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde El Bolsón , in the region Patagonia, Argentina, Argentina. It lasts 4 days + trip. Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.

What physical fitness level is required for Trekking Refuges of El Bolsón - 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 Trekking Refuges of El Bolsón - 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 Trekking Refuges of El Bolsón - Patagonia?

Transfers to and from El Bolsón Professional mountain guides 3 nights overnight in mountain refuges: Hielo Azul, Natacion and El Retamal or Hielo Azul. Full board during the crossing General camping equipment, kitchen and communication VHF communication equipment and emergencies. Permanent assistance

Difficulty Graduation System

Click on each indicator to see details

40%

Backpack (M)

Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.

Clic para detalles

40%

Physical (F)

Physical demand

Clic para detalles

20%

Technical (T)

Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.

Clic para detalles

20%

Psycho (P)

Psychological Strength

Clic para detalles

20%

Height (A)

Height Exposure

Clic para detalles

How to interpret these values?

Each aspect is evaluated from 20% to 100%, where:

20-40%: Basic or beginner level
60%: Intermediate level
80-100%: Advanced or expert level

Ideal for beginners

This adventure is perfect for those starting in outdoor activities.

Required equipment

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

Special backpack for trekking (60 to 80 litres)
Warm sleeping bag (0 degrees comfort) (eg 700gms of feather or good synthetic).
Insulating mat (10 to 15mm).
Trekking sticks

CLOTHING

Socks, (thin + two thick, ski or synthetic).
1 pair of shoes-trekking boots (in conditions)
1 second light replacement shoe.
long trekking pants (NO JEAN)
1 long coat or leggings.
changes of underwear.
3 t-shirts and/or shirts (one long-sleeved)
2 coats (fleece jumper, or wool pullover)
1 waterproof kit (jacket)
1 sun hat (with flaps) and another coat
1 scarf to cover the neck from the sun
Warm gloves and scarf or fleece neck.
Warm hat

PERSONAL ELEMENTS

Passport, identity card, ID.
Medical insurance, social work.
Completed personal and medical record, authorization.

OTHER ELEMENTS

Headlamp with batteries.
Sun glasses.
Sunscreen, Lip balm
Toilet paper. handkerchiefs Baby wipes.

KITCHEN

Water containers for at least 2 liters (it can be a plastic bottle)
Cutlery
Plate or tape (not glass or aluminum)
Plastic or metal jar and pottery (not glass or aluminum).
dish towel

OPTIONAL, not mandatory (see space and weight)

Warm jacket.
SILVER TAPE, for blisters and repairs.
Mate, bombilla and yerba.
Steel thermos.
Telescope, monocle. Photographic or video equipment.
Book, notebook, travel diary, pencil, pen.
Games; cards, dice, etc.
Penknives (eg Victorinox).
Whistle and lighter.
Strong plastic bags to store clothes.

Rental Equipment

Available

Trekking sleeping bag

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Available

Pair of Trekking Poles

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Available

Rental mittens

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Available

Pair of Crampons

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Climbing II - helmet, crampons and pickaxe

Available

Rental : helmet, crampons and ice ax

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Climbing Combo I - helmet, crampons, pickaxe, harness, carabiners, plate, straps, cords

Available

Combo Top: helmet, crampons, ice ax and full harness

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Available

Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom

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Available

Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman

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Photo and Video Gallery

4.8

147 Google reviews

Mariano Marchioni

Excelente servicio de principio a fin, te ayudan y acompañan en todo el proceso de preparación para tu salida y tienen los mejores guías, por servicio y calidad humana

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.

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..