Trekking in El Bolsón - Hielo Azul, Cajon del Azul - Rio Negro, Patagonia

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.

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

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.

• 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

• Trip to El Bolson
• Porterage of equipment with horses (consult)
• Tips
• Expenses caused by abandoning the program

In mountain shelters with mattresses and beds. You must bring a sleeping bag.

In all our expeditions we offer the service of meals IN FULL BOARD PLAN:

• March lunches (cold meals): Milanese and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, appetizers, salads, tapas, etc.
• Dinners: Vegetable-bacon-red chorizo stews, Chicken and vegetable casseroles, Pasta with various sauces or stew, Roast meat (Chivito), Chaw Fan, Chicken with rice in a saucepan....
• Breakfasts and snacks: Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, Mate Cocido, Mate, Milk powder; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereals, fruit

It is necessary to complete the personal/medical record to clarify if someone does not eat any type of food.

• 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

• 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

• Passport, identity card, ID.
• Medical insurance, social work.
• Completed personal and medical record, authorization.

• Headlamp with batteries.
• Sun glasses.
• Sunscreen, Lip balm
• Toilet paper. handkerchiefs Baby wipes.

• 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

• 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.

No, they are uphill and downhill trails, but without technical difficulty.

No, we go with companion animals that carry some of the personal equipment and mainly the general one.

Although the time of year is summer, mountain ranges and/or wild areas, temperatures tend to drop at night.

The stops are given with a frequency and graduation according to the intensity. There are stops for lunch, snack, and rest.

From 13 years of age.