Trekking Refuges of El Bolsón - Patagonia | Argentina Extrema

Trekking Refuges of El Bolsón - Cajón del Azul - Patagonia

A classic trekking in Patagonia, joining refuges

Start Date: 2026-Feb-14
End Date: 2026-Feb-17
Hora Inicio: 9 am
Hora Fin: 6 pm
Meeting Point: El Bolsón
Duration: 4 days + trip
Availability: 12 spots
US$ 875
US$ 700 20% OFF
Special price booking until 06 de February!

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.

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.

Difficulty Graduation System

Click on each indicator to see details

40%
Backpack (M)
Backpack (M)

Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.

Clic para detalles
40%
Physical (F)
Physical (F)

Physical demand

Clic para detalles
20%
Technical (T)
Technical (T)

Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.

Clic para detalles
20%
Psycho (P)
Psycho (P)

Psychological Strength

Clic para detalles
20%
Height (A)
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

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

Do you have doubts?

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

Trekking Refuges of El Bolsón - Cajón del Azul - Patagonia

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