The Cerro López trail is a challenging yet rewarding trail near Bariloche in the Lake district in Argentina.

Where is the Cerro López Trail

The trail head is located about 26km west of Bariloche in the Argentine Patagonia in the province of Río Negro.

Cerro López Trail Summary

Distance: 10.1km
Time needed: 6 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Route type: Out and back
Elevation gain: 1250m

How to get there

Catch bus No. 10 or 13 from Bariloache along Fracisco P Moreno street and get off at a place called Arroyo López which is the stop after Colonia Suiza. You will also need a SUBE card to ride the bus that can be bought from the Secretaria Municipal de Turismo which is in the main square “Centro Civico Bariloche”
You can see the bus schedule here

TRAVEL TIP: Make sure to check the bus schedule for your return journey. You don't want to get stuck out here!

When is the best time to visit

The trail is open all year round but can be impassable after Refugio Lopez during winter and shoulder season. Temperatures can be much colder near the summit so be prepared for that.
Spring and autumn: Milder weather with some snow at summit with temperatures between 0 °C (32 °F) – 19 °C (66 °F). Check in with staff at Refugio Lopez for conditions.
Low season (May–August): Cold temperatures with snow on summit making it dangerous to go past Refugio Lopez unless you have the right equipment and skills. Temperatures range between -1 °C (30 °F) – 8 °C (46 °F)
Summer (December–February): Warmer sunny weather with the summit clear of snow with temperatures between 6 °C (43 °F) – 24 °C (75 °F)

Our Verdict: Summer is the best time to experience the trail for the best weather conditions.

What to pack

Clothes for all weather conditions, water, food and sunscreen.

TRAVEL TIP: Don't forget to check in at Refugio Lopez before attempting to go up to the summit!

Our Experience

The bus will drop you off in front of Arroyo Lopez a little kiosk like stall (a good place to stop post hike!) and you will be greeted with the Cerro López sign. From here it’s all up!

The trail doesn’t hold your had it’s incredibly steep as it winds its way up for 1.3km to the first point of interest Refugio Roca Negra. Here you can rest up and take in the amazing views looking back over Lago Nahuel Huapi.

Head on for another steep 1km of climbing before the trail flattens out for a bit before reaching Refugio Roca Negra. Here you will have amazing views once again and picnic tables to grab some a bite to eat and rest up for the final push to the summit. You will need to check in with the staff here and sign the log book so they know who is out on the mountain. Also you will not be allowed to hike the summit if you arrive too late in the day so start this hike early!

The final 1.2km to the summit is incredibly steep and requires some rock scrambling and walking across small ledges with drop offs. There can also be a lot of snow to navigate so bringing crampons along if you have them. When you reach the summit you will be rewarded with amazing 360 degree views looking over Argentine lake district with all the lakes and islands dotted around. You will truly feel on top of the world!

TRAVEL TIP: Leave early so you are able to make it all the way to the summit for these amazing views!

Conclusion

Cerro López is a challenging yet rewarding hike in the beautiful Argentine lake district and definitely consider doing it don’t be put off by the challenge as you will be glad you made the effort! If you are looking for more things to do while staying in Bariloche check out or Bariloche guide!

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Also check out our YouTube video below 👇