Search
Close this search box.

Cerro Tronador Tour: Day Trip From Bariloche

Cerro Tronador Tour Day Trip From Bariloche

Most Popular Day Trips to Cerro Tronador from Bariloche:

Powered by GetYourGuide

What to Expect on a Day Tour from Bariloche to Cerro Tronador and Ventisquero Negro?

A day trip from Bariloche to Cerro Tronador and Ventisquero Negro is an unforgettable experience that showcases the natural beauty of Argentina’s Patagonia region. These tours typically last around 8-9 hours, departing in the morning (usually around 9:00 AM) and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Most tour operators offer hotel pickup and drop-off services for centrally located accommodations in Bariloche, often extending to areas up to 8 km along Bustillo Avenue. If you’re staying outside the pickup zone, you may need to arrange transportation to a designated meeting point. It’s advisable to confirm your exact pickup time and location with the tour operator a day or two before your trip.

The journey to Cerro Tronador takes you through Nahuel Huapi National Park, offering breathtaking views of lakes, forests, and mountains along the way. You’ll travel along National Route 40 and well-maintained gravel roads, making stops at scenic viewpoints such as Lake Mascardi and Isla Corazón. The highlight of the trip is reaching the base of Cerro Tronador, the highest peak in the area at 3,478 meters, where you can admire the impressive Ventisquero Negro (Black Glacier) and potentially hear the thunderous sounds of falling ice that give the mountain its name (“Tronador” means “Thunderer” in Spanish).

Many tours include additional stops at waterfalls like Los Alerces or Garganta del Diablo, as well as opportunities for short hikes or walks in the surrounding area. Lunch is typically not included in the tour price, but there’s usually a stop where you can purchase food or enjoy a packed lunch.

The price range for these day trips varies, but you can expect to pay between $45 to $60 USD per person, depending on the specific tour and inclusions. Keep in mind that the entrance fee to Nahuel Huapi National Park is often not included in the tour price and must be paid separately in cash (around 6500 Argentine Pesos or $16 USD).

It’s important to bring comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, a camera, and cash for park fees and any additional expenses. Most tour operators provide transportation, a knowledgeable guide (often bilingual in Spanish and English or Portuguese), and basic insurance. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check what’s included when booking your tour.

Remember to book your trip in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, and be prepared for potential weather changes in the mountainous region. These day trips offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes of Patagonia and create lasting memories of your visit to Bariloche.

About Cerro Tronador

Cerro Tronador is a majestic mountain located in the Andes, straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. Standing at an impressive height of 3,478 meters (11,411 feet), it is the highest peak in the Nahuel Huapi National Park and a prominent landmark in the Patagonian region. The mountain’s name, which translates to “Thunderer” in English, is derived from the loud, thunderous sounds produced by falling ice and snow from its glaciers.

This extinct stratovolcano is characterized by its three distinct peaks: the Argentine peak (3,410 meters), the International or main peak (3,554 meters), and the Chilean peak (3,474 meters). The mountain’s unique geological formation and its glaciers make it a captivating sight for visitors and a challenging destination for mountaineers.

One of Cerro Tronador’s most distinctive features is the Ventisquero Negro, or Black Glacier. Unlike typical white or blue glaciers, this glacier appears dark due to the accumulation of rock and sediment on its surface. The contrast between the dark ice and the surrounding snow-capped peaks creates a striking visual spectacle that draws tourists from around the world.

The mountain plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, serving as a water source for numerous rivers and lakes in the region. The meltwater from its glaciers feeds into the Manso River system, which eventually flows into the Pacific Ocean. This hydrological importance underscores the mountain’s significance not just as a tourist attraction, but as a vital component of the Patagonian environment.

Cerro Tronador is a popular destination for various outdoor activities. While climbing to the summit is reserved for experienced mountaineers, the base of the mountain and its surrounding areas offer numerous opportunities for hiking, trekking, and scenic walks. Visitors can explore well-maintained trails that lead to viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the mountain, its glaciers, and the surrounding Andean landscape.

One of the most popular routes is the trail to the Refugio Otto Meiling, a mountain hut located at about 2,000 meters altitude. This challenging hike rewards trekkers with close-up views of the mountain’s glaciers and a chance to experience the raw beauty of the high-altitude environment.

The area around Cerro Tronador is also home to diverse flora and fauna. The lower slopes are covered in dense Valdivian temperate rainforests, featuring ancient alerce trees, while the higher altitudes transition to alpine vegetation. Wildlife in the area includes pumas, huemuls (Andean deer), condors, and various bird species.

For many visitors, a day trip to Cerro Tronador from nearby Bariloche is a highlight of their Patagonian adventure. These excursions typically include a scenic drive through Nahuel Huapi National Park, stops at viewpoints along the way, and time to explore the base of the mountain and the Black Glacier. The journey to Cerro Tronador offers a microcosm of Patagonian landscapes, from lush forests and crystal-clear lakes to rugged mountain terrain.

The mountain’s accessibility has made it an important site for scientific research, particularly in the fields of glaciology and climate change. Researchers study the mountain’s glaciers to understand broader trends in Andean ice fields and global climate patterns.

Cerro Tronador, with its thunderous glaciers, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking vistas, stands as a testament to the raw beauty and power of the Patagonian Andes. Whether viewed from afar or explored up close, it leaves an indelible impression on all who encounter it, serving as both a natural wonder and a reminder of the majestic forces that have shaped our planet.