Backpack Across the Northern Patagonian Andes through Argentina's Nahuel Huapi National Park

Starting in the cosmopolitan adventure hub of Bariloche, Argentina, explore deep into Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, the largest and oldest of Argentina’s national parks, which protects a huge chunk of the Andean cordillera and innumerable large and small lakes as well as the imposing massif of an extinct volcano, Cerro Tronador "The Thunderer" (11,453 ft) straddling the Argentine–Chilean border.  (This area is known as “Argentine Switzerland” for its snowy peaks and lakes surrounded by verdant meadows and forest.) Its snowy top reflects in lovely lakes at its base, and glaciers cling to its heights in all directions.   The park’s name comes from the native Mapuche language for “Isle of the Tiger” and refers to the jaguars that once roamed the region. Heavy rainfall supports thick temperate rainforest in the lowlands, including rare tree species such as the alerce, which can reach a great size and age, along with other species typical of sub-Antarctic Patagonia.   The park offers trekkers and backpackers a well-developed infrastructure of trails and refuges among its peaks, lakes and waterfalls, including extended trails that sample the full range of terrain and extraordinary views.   Stay and enjoy full board at refugios, or camp in undeveloped backcountry beside remote lakes.

Then,  join the famed “Cruce Andino” (the Andes Crossing) ferry across two of the area's huge lakes back to Bariloche, or on into Chile to explore its  many volcanoes and hot springs.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Global Adventures, Naturalist
• Seasons: January, February, March, April, November, December
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Length: 75.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 15,000 ft
• High Point: 6,572 ft

• Parking Permit Required:
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 14
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 14