Cerro Tronador
This Peak in the Río Negro province, near to the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, is the mountain most climbed by those seeking a high summit and glacier traverse. Also known as Volcano Tronador, this will be the meeting place with the trip mountain guide.
Monte Tronador
This impressive mountain has three peaks – Pico Argneinto, Pico Internacional and Pico Chileno – and is striking when first seen from Pampa Linda, which is where we leave our transport and bering trekking to the Otto Meiling Hut. Pampa Linda is 77km from Bariloche and 8km from the base of Cerro Tronador, within Nauel Huapi National Park
From our starting point we will climb through forest for 3-4 hours before arriving at ‘La Almohadilla”, where we will find our food and equipment previously transported by horses. Having packed the supplies into our backpacks we continue on to the hut for approximately an hour, now above the bushline on rocky terrain from where we get a spectacular view of Tronador’s glaciers.
Meiling Hut (1,900m) has bunk beds, heating, and dining and kitchen areas where we will enjoy drinks and refreshments. Although this is a mountain hut, it’s a very comfortable one and the views from the large windows are spectacular.
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Pico Argentino - 3200 m.s.n.m.
This is a climb of 8-12 hours to the summit, depending on the speed of the group and the condition of the glaciers. Given the demands and length of the climb, a good level of fitness is required although technical experience is not necessary.
On leaving the hut we being climbing towards Filo de le Vieja, which involves crossing Glaciar Castaño Overo and part of Glaciar Manso. 9km of walking and a 1,350m climb. This glacier trek is INTERMEDIATE – DEMANDING level. It involves variable snow-covered glacier conditions, precipitous ridges, short steep climbs and descents and crossing crevasses in order to reach the ‘Depresión’, a flattish area between Pico Argentino and Pico Internacional, at the foot of the summit.
From the ‘Depresión’ we go up to the col between the Internacional (3.554m) and Argentino peaks. From this point onward the climb and exposure become more pronounced, so the safety measures increase. Depending on the ice conditions, fixed ropes will be used to cover the final 40m below the summit from where a short and safe ice climb takes us to the top. Nothing impossible and supervised at all times by the guide with a maximum of three people per group. The changes and difficulties encountered in this ascent make it an enjoyable but not easy one, physically demanding but perhaps less so than Lanín.
Approximate time for return trip (via the same route): 12-14 hours.
Pico Cóndor - 2800 m.s.n.m.
This is an ideal starting point for an ascent of Tronador. INTERMEDIATE level.
This trip reaches one of the most panoramic points of Mt Tronador. From the top you can see the northern slope of this huge mass of ice, the Casa Pangue glacier, which drops a dizzying 2,000m to the base of the valley.
We leave Meiling Hut and cross the Alerce glacier, reaching the north side of the La Motte ridge. Crossing the ridge we descend over rock and snow for about 500m in a straight line and end up on the Frías glacier, which we cross roped together. The Frías glacier is fairly flat and has short routes but is very enjoyable walking with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
We come to Pico Cóndor and climb a steep slope (about 35 degrees) to reach the highest point, from where we get an excellent view of Chile.
Arriving at one of the Pico Cóndor faces we will have a view of the Caspangue glacier and valleys of Chile, as well as the North Face of Pico Argentino.
The beauty and variety of the terrain make for stunning scenery.
Approximate return trip time: 6-8 hours.
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DETAILS:
• Length: 3 days /2 nights in the mountains.
• Season: Dicember to March.
• Mountain Guides are all qualified members of the Argentina Mountain Guide Association (AAGM).
• Group size: between 2 and 3 people, depending on the demands of the trip.
• Proposed dates: one per month between December and March.
• Prior check of all personal equipment and physical fitness.
• Technical equipment.
• Food: We provide four meals each day.
• Communication equipment including ‘handy’ radios and cell phone.
• First Aid: qualified personnel and equipment available.
• Overnight accommodation: hut on bunk bed.
• Weather: Taken into consideration at the time.
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