Set on the base of Mount Tronador, our lodge can offer visitors all kinds of recreational and adventure activities.
This impressive 12,000 feet high mountain is the highest in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Its highest summit establishes the international boundary between Chile and Argentina.
Even though Mount Tronador does not have the classical cone shape, it is an old volcano, which became extinct many years ago. During its first eruptions, lava must have been blocked by some granite formation, which then created its typical three-peaked summit. Nowadays this summit is surrounded by approximately 37 square miles of ice, snow and glaciers and is really a fantastic area for mountaineers.
Mount Tronador (“Thunderer”) was named for the rumbling noise produced by avalanches and ice falling from the mountain peaks. This name gives us an idea of how impressive it actually is.
Pampa Linda offers a wide variety of trekking and horseback riding excursions to some of its unimaginable geographical corners. These trips vary depending on each season, its weather conditions and its own charms.
Birdwatching programs and Kayak promenades are also offered as a part of alternate activities.
As a guest in Pampa Linda, you can benefit from our privileged location. You can go trekking in the morning and come back in the afternoon so as to enjoy the warmth of all our services without the need of taking any means of transport.
Nalcas Waterfall.
Time :1 to 2 hours Season :all year round. Distance :1.25 miles. Clothes :comfortable trekking shoes. General comments :its flat terrain makes it fairly easy.
It is made up of two falls of about 131 feet each. From the path it is only possible to have access to the lower one. You can walk behind the waterfall as it is 49 feet away from its rocky wall.
The trail leading to this waterfall starts 1640 feet away from the lodge on the way to Mount Tronador base. A signpost is found at this turning point.
“Nalca” or “pangue” is the name given to a perennial plant with big dark green rosette-shaped leaves which can be up to 3.3 feet in diameter. It is often found in the wettest areas in the Andes Range.
Black Glacier · Devil´s Throat Waterfall · Mount Tronador Base
Time :4 hours Season :all year round. Distance :5 miles. Clothes :comfortable trekking shoes. General comments :do not get too near the ice.
The Ventisquero Negro is found 7 km away following the car road. Constantly stretching back, it is fed by the ice avalanches coming from the summit of Mount Tronador.
This black glacier is a huge mass of moving ice which has its source in the snowcap accumulated in the mountain peaks. It is named for the colour it gets when all the sediment is dragged as it slides down slope making it impossible for its composition to be crystalline. In summer 0.6 miles further close to the foot of Mount Tronador, public bathrooms as well as other facilities are offered.
A short hike to cascada "Garganta del Diablo" is also possible.
Castaño Overa Glacier.
Time :2 hours to go and 2 hours to return. Season :all year round. Distance :5.6 miles. Clothes :comfortable trekking shoes. General comments :Prior registration at National Parks Information Office required. Follow park ranger´s instructions.
Following the trail to the Otto Meiling Refuge, go for about less than 2 miles until you cross the Castaño Overa River. Right there you get into a forest made up of some very high “coihue” and “colihue” species.
After 3.7 miles, a turning point with a signpost showing where the Castaño Overa River is, will be found to your left. If you go along this trail for about 45 minutes you will get to some 2,000 feet high steep walls from which this glacier hangs.
Ice parts slide down the wall and make thundering avalanches when breaking into thousands of pieces.
Alerce Glacier Waterfall.
Time :2 hours to go and 2 hours to return. Season :end of spring to beginning of autumn. Distance :5.6 miles. Clothes :comfortable trekking shoes, jacket, sun-blocking cream, sunglasses and small backpack General comments :Follow all of the signs found along the path.
This glacier gets its name because of the millenary larch forest (Fitzroya Cupressoides) found on the east side of this valley. This is the second most longevous tree species in the world with ages ranging around 3600 years old.
This forest is well known for its pointed top, which outstands from the “coihue” forest. The path goes along the border of the Alerce River, an emerald green one with some beautiful pools. After a two to three hour-long walk from Pampa Linda, you get to the foot of the narrowed Alerce waterfall with its clear water coming with all its strength from the highest part of this glacier.
Valley´s Viewpoint.
Time :2 hours to go and 2 hours to return. Season :all year round. Distance :less than 2 miles. Clothes :comfortable trekking shoes. General comments :its slope is very steep.
Follow the path that takes you to the Otto Meiling Refuge for about half a mile. There you find a signpost showing where you should turn left. This path gets into the “coihue” forest. It gets steeper while the bamboo grows denser.
About 1.30 hour from Pampa Linda you get to the upper part of a cliff. The path surrounding it takes you to its highest wall. From this viewpoint a splendid sight of the Pampa Linda Valley can be appreciated.
You must take the same way back.
Otto Meiling Refuge.
Time :5 hours to go and 4 hours to return. Season :end of spring to beginning of autumn. Distance :11,2 miles. Clothes :comfortable trekking shoes, jacket, sun-blocking cream, sunglasses and small backpack. General comments :Prior registration at National Parks Information Office required. Follow park ranger´s instructions.
The path is the same as that of the Castaño Overa Glacier. Then once you get to the above mentioned turning point, turn right and follow the way up through a centenary “coihue” forest which actually makes up the so called Selva Fría (Cold Jungle).
It takes around a five hour walk to get from Pamapa Linda to this refuge from where a spectacular view of both the Castaño Overa Glacier and its ice slides can be appreciated. The Otto Meiling Refuge, where you can have lunch as well as go trekking around its surroundings, belongs to the CAB (Bariloche Andean Club).
At an altitude of about 6,600 feet above sea level, it is a real pleasure to be able to play in the snow of the Mount Tronador heights.
Ilón Lagoon.
Time :4 hours to go and 3 and half hours to return. Season :end of spring to beginning of autumn. Distance :7,5 miles. Clothes :comfortable trekking shoes, jacket, sun-blocking cream, insect repellent, sunglasses, small backpack and bathing suit. General comments :On warm days be ready to go for a swim in the lagoon.
This path starts in Pampa Linda on the way to Otto Meiling Refuge and it turns right around 328 feet away from there. 1,640 feet along the path, you find the Alerce River, which needs to be waded across twice. There is no bridge. The trail gets into the high forest and the slope gets really steep reaching thus altitude very easily. Up there the path turns to the left connecting itself with the main valley, which comes from the lake.
These waters, which are surrounded by some fine yellow sand, reflect all the splendour of the view around as well as the imposing presence of Mount Tronador on the horizon. On summer days the lake invites everyone to go for a swim.
Our horseback riding excursions can take half a day, a full one or even a week. The first ones, as long as the weather conditions are appropriate, can take place all year round. They are easy and children can join them. This is an unforgettable experience for most of them. The others options can only take place in summer when there is no snow in the upper part of the mountain. These are of medium difficulty not because of the challenge they offer but because of their length. Horseback riding experience is not absolutely necessary but enthusiasm to face up the whole day in the mountains is required.
Alerce Glacier Waterfall.
Difficulty level :easy. Time :5 hours. Season :all year round as long as weather conditions are appropriate. Distance :almost 6 miles. Clothes :comfortable trekking shoes, jacket, sun-blocking cream and sunglasses. General comments :It is really nice and enjoyable. Pay special attention to the green colour the Alerce river has.
After lunch and once on our horses we head north by taking the trail leading to Meiling Refuge. We wade across the Castaño Overa River and then continue along the path to Paso de las Nubes. The landscape around is full of rivers and swamps, coihue forests (Nothofagus Dombei) and colihues and berberis as well. These hundred-year-old plants reach 82 feet high and almost 9.8 feet in trunk diameter. Along the path one can appreciate a larch forest, which is rarely found in this area and then the beauty of the Alerce Glacier, which we can approach. Finally we come across a white waterfall descending with all its might form the highest parts of this glacier.
Black Glacier.
Difficulty level :easy. Time :5 hours. Season :all year round as long as weather conditions are appropriate. Distance : 4,35 miles. Clothes :comfortable trekking shoes, jacket, sun-blocking cream, insect repellent and sunglasses. General comments :Do not get close to the wall bottom part as dangerous slides may unpredictably occur.
This ride takes us to the source of the Manso River in the Black Glacier. The constant and noisy avalanches that slide from 2,300 feet high feed this glacier. Ice falls and consequently erodes the slope. Then it gets accumulated in the valley and as it presses up all the loose fragments of rock disintegration it originates the so-called Black Glacier. This name is given due to the colour ice acquires as it becomes saturated by rocks and sand. Light barely goes through its depth and therefore it cannot give it the typical brightness glaciers have.
For more than half a mile the path goes parallel to the car road and then it gets immersed into the forest. The trail then borders the Manso River upstream along a pebbled path. Then, always facing both the immense rocky ice wall as well as Mount Tronador, the glacier can be spotted. This is by far the best place for observing the glacier in its full. People can only get here on horseback, as the river needs to be waded across.
Castaño Overa Glacier.
Difficulty level :easy. Time :5 hours. Season :all year round as long as weather conditions are appropriate. Distance : almost 6 miles. Clothes :comfortable trekking shoes, jacket, sun-blocking cream and sunglasses. General comments :Do not get close to the wall bottom part as dangerous slides may unpredictably occur.
Leaving Pampa Linda and following the path to Otto Meiling Refuge for about less than 2 miles, we cross the Castaño Overa River.
Little by little more lenga species (Nothofagus Pumilio) appear. In autumn these trees make their vivid colours outstand. They are deciduous while the coihue species is perennial. At the end of the path and through the treetops, you get a spectacular view of an ice wall reflecting its white and blue colours all over the area. Also through the forest it is possible to make out a fantastic 1,640 feet high waterfall, which emerges from the hanging glacier. Further away the summits of the Tronador Mount make of this a unique sight.
The threatening and barely balanced Castaño Overa Glacier hangs from the upper part of the rock wall. Ice parts are pushed into the void due to the fact that the glacier advances from its top. Constant and unpredictable ice slides strongly impact on the valley walls thus honoring the name of the mount that causes them: Mount Tronador. If patient enough, one is able to witness the fall of one of these huge ice masses, which weigh around some hundred tones.
Volcanic Mount.
Difficulty level :difficult. Time :9/10 hours. Season :summer. Distance : 12,40 miles. Clothes :comfortable trekking shoes, jacket, sun-blocking cream, insect repellent and sunglasses. General comments :It is advisable to go on this excursion on a light day, as good visibility is necessary.
Departure takes place in the corral at about 9.00 am. Heading south of Mount Tronador, we go along a path in the forest. After crossing rivers, streams and canyons in about 2 hours time we go around La Laguna Rosada and then continue for another hour. The landscape here starts to vary from green plains to steep slopes. The last part is the most amazing as it gets into a lenga forest with its ground all covered by volcanic pebbles and flat rocks. From the magnificent viewpoint found in the summit we can see to the north the spectacular Mount Tronador and its three peaks called Argentinean, International and Chilean. Then to each side the Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanoes; downwards, the Cauquenes Swamp which looks like a broken mirror and finally to the southeast, the Fonck Lake.
This means that from this spot one is able to appreciate almost the whole Andean Range.
Ilón Lagoon.
Difficulty level :difficult. Time :between 9 & 10 hours. Season :summer. Distance : 9,3 miles. Clothes :comfortable trekking shoes, jacket, sun-blocking cream, insect repellent, sunglasses and bathing suit. General comments :Be ready for a swim on warm summer days.
At 9.00 am the local guide will be waiting for us with all horses ready to leave. No experience in horseback riding is needed as these horses are all tamed and the guide takes great care of the whole group and constantly tells everyone what to do during the excursion.
The path goes along the Manso River, which needs to be waded across once and again. The way up starts in a coihue forest and gets deep into lenga forests and high altitude swamps. After about 2 hours, we get to the Laguna Ilón where we will enjoy a highly deserved rest as well as a great view of this idyllic setting. These waters are embraced by some fine yellow sand that reflects not only all the area around but also the imposing presence of Mount Tronador on the horizon.
After lunch the excursion can continue for another hour up to La Mirada del Doctor. The choice whether to continue or not is then made by those taking part in the excursion. This balcony has steep granite walls which are eroded by the strength of the glaciers that used to cover all these valleys. From there the Frey Lake can be spotted and further north the lead coloured waters of the Brazo Tristeza in the Nahuel Huapi Lake.
6 days / 5 nights: Horseback riding through Valleys, Lakes & Glaciers.
Difficulty level : average to difficult. Time :rides from 5 to 9 hours. Season :november through april. Clothes : comfortable trekking shoes, weatherproof jacket, sun-blocking cream, insect repellent, sunglasses and bathing suit. Recommendations :program schedule may change depending on weather conditions.
The promenade starts as soon as we arrive at Bariloche International Airport, and from there to Pampa Linda through beatiful landscapes. In the afternoon we'll have our first horseback riding to a marvelous spot: The Black Glacier.
During successive days, we will alternate rides through Lakes, Mountains, Valleys & Glaciers along various spots of the Pampa Linda area, often spotting the tallest mountain in the region: Mount Tronador.
We will also have free time for suggested short hikes, as well as free entertainment, maybe a break to read your favorite book.
It is also proposed -in option- either rafting or kayaking recreational activities to complete this 6 days tour package. See Program Detail (day by day)
Walking the trails around Pampa Linda is a great adventure, as the environmental characteristics of the valley make it the ideal habitat for a wide variety of birds.
The avifauna of the area is made of several water birds, such as the huala, grebe, neotropic cormorant, egret and duck, which can be seen only on the coast of Lake Mascardi and the bank of Río Manso Superior. You can also see the emblematic Andean Condor, Woodpecker and Kingfisher, on the high slopes, rivers and lenga, ñire and coihue forests on Mt Tronador.
The Ground-Tyrant, Chilean Pigeon, Huet Huet, Chucao and the Tapaculo live in the bamboo forests, which are common in the area. The owl, hawk and the falconet can also be found in the forests, such as the one on the way to the Glacier Castaño Overa.
Walking around glaciers, lagoons and forests, watching birds.
DAY 1: Departure from the hotel will be around 9 am, we will go from Bariloche to Pampa Linda. The journey takes around 2 and a half hours, as we will stop at interesting points to watch lake birds, such as the grebe, huala, neotropic cormorant and duck. Our stops will be at Playa Negra (the Black Beach), Camping Los Rápidos (campground The rapids), Mirador de la Isla Piuké (Piuké –heart- island watch-point) and Hotel Tronador.
Welcome to Hostería Pampa Linda, we will take our rooms and enjoy lunch with a panoramic view of the glaciers.
In the afternoon, we will walk to Saltillo de las Nalcas and Ventisquero Negro, where we will discover more birds and observe the wonderful landscape at Mt Tronador. By the mountain, we will see sparrows, sierra-finch, rufous-backed negrito and more birds.
DAY 2: Before breakfast, we will have the chance to take pictures of the ibis and geese that feed themselves in the gardens of the Hostería, while the condors and vultures over-fly the valley.
After breakfast we will start the hike to the Glacier Castaño Overa (9km. from the Hostería), where we will have lunch watching the waterfalls from this hanging glacier. In the afternoon we will go back to the Hostería and have some time to rest. Dinner will be served later. Our meals are home-made and the day will end watching a movie about the Condor.
DAY 3: This is a free day and you can pick one of the activities that the Hostería offers (we recommend a horse back riding trip to Laguna Ilón and the watch point Mirada del Doctor). You can also take the day to relax and enjoy this special environment.
DAY 4: Today we will have breakfast early (8 hs.) and will get ready to leave the Hostería before 9 hs. After the 2 hour-journey, we will be in Bariloche and visit the Museo de la Patagonia to add some information to our experience on the field. We will finish the excursion at the Hotel at midday.
The program can be extended and those who are interested can go to the Patagonian Steppe. One option is to visit the Laguna Perito Moreno, for instance. Do not hesitate to ask for more information on this and other trips.
The campground LOS BAQUEANOS is located at only 22 km from Bariloche.
This unique place has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Park, where you can enjoy the calm and clear waters of Lake Gutierrez.
LOS BAQUEANOS offers the perfect combination of nature, adventure, leisure and fun.
From here, you can go on a kayaking trip to Bahía de los Chilcos. The excursion takes 1 hour.
This strategic location, on your way to or from Pampa Linda, is the ideal complement to your stay in the mountains.
Send your message. You will hear from us soon. Thank You!
