Steps for going trekking in the mountains

• Is it a loop trail or a one-way traverse? Can you complete it as a day hike (go and come back in the day)? Create a detailed itinerary. Remember that every route has a specific difficulty level, and only you know your physical capacity and trekking experience.
• Verify the trail status (whether it is open, and current conditions).
• If you plan on an overnight stay, confirm availability and make a reservation at the mountain hut / refuge, or campsite in advance. Reservations are made directly with each refuge via their specific website (each has its own booking system).
• Calculate the hiking time, considering: daylight hours (summer/winter), terrain conditions (ice, snow, mud), vertical gain and loss, and strong wind forecasts.
• Prioritize an early start.

All information related to the technical gear required, depending on the time of year, the trail’s difficulty level, and whether a guide is necessary or not, is available on the barilochetrekking.com website.

Since weather conditions are highly variable in the mountains, it is important to check the extended weather forecast. The temperature varies greatly with altitude and between day and night.

Completing the trekking registration is mandatory and free in www.nahuelhuapi.gov.ar or www.barilochetrekking.com It allows authorities to keep a record of people entering the trails and obtain valuable information for environmental conservation. And most importantly: the data provided will greatly facilitate search and rescue operations in case of an emergency.

Bring enough water (some trails do not have water sources along the entire way), food, sunglasses, a hat/cap, thermal clothing (if necessary), an extra pair of socks, sunscreen (even in winter), warm clothing and waterproof/rain gear, a bag for your trash, a headlamp/flashlight, and a first aid kit. Also carry a map (printed or downloaded) and, if possible, some form of equipment to communicate or provide your position in case of an emergency.

Use appropriate footwear for trekking and not urban sneakers.

Carry your cell phone with a full battery charge.

Your cell phone battery drains faster when searching for signal.

Carry the following numbers written down: 103 (Municipality of Bariloche), 105 (National Parks), and 911 (National Emergencies). Remember: even if there is no cell signal on most trails, 911 may work on certain emergency networks.

Always inform a friend, family member, acquaintance, or your accommodation about your outing, indicating the places you plan to visit, and the estimated date and time of return.

The goal is to enjoy the experience and return safely. If the hours pass and daylight is fading, or if it starts raining and you are not prepared, it is better to return and save the trip for another day. The mountain will always be there!

Staying on the trails prevents damage to the vegetation and soil of the entire area, and also prevents you from getting lost. Do not take shortcuts or cutbacks on switchbacks or zigzags; they cause severe soil erosion.

It is not recommended to hike alone in wild/remote areas.

The water is freezing cold and the currents can be dangerous. Do not let children enter the water alone, avoid sudden dives or jumping in, and be aware that the water level at the shore can change abruptly.

By only using designated camping areas, we avoid damaging the surrounding vegetation and soil with repeated trampling. Regarding abandoned constructions, some rodents transmit Hantavirus, which is endemic to the Andean Patagonia. These animals seek shelter, especially in winter, and abandoned places are ideal for them. Also, do not walk through grassland areas without marked trails.

Provide help if you find someone on the trail who needs it.

Communicate with the authorities as soon as possible to report risks or accidents.

Ask about the trail status and inform the refugiero (refuge attendant) upon leaving and upon arriving.

Return with all your trash. It is forbidden to bury or burn it. This includes organic waste (fruit scraps, yerba mate) and toilet paper, tampons, diapers, and sanitary pads. Bring trash bags for this purpose

In areas without a bathroom or latrine, you must bury solid human waste in a cathole that is 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) deep, located at least 70 steps (about 200 feet / 60 meters) away from water sources, campsites, and trails.

Toilet paper can be buried in the hole or carried back out in a sealed plastic bag (like a Ziploc or similar). In places where digging is not possible, everything (waste and toilet paper) must be carried back out (for example, in a “waste tube” or, as commonly called, a “poop tube”).

It is forbidden to make fire, except in authorized campsites and designated areas. Extinguish the fire with plenty of water until the ashes no longer emit heat and can be touched.

If you like something, take photos as a souvenir. Do not feed or touch the wild fauna, or alter or take native flora species.

Pets can damage and alter wild fauna and flora and ecosystems, in addition to disturbing other visitors. Respect the environment and other hikers.

Drones, in addition to disturbing visitors, can alter or injure the local wildlife.

Respect the tranquility and the opportunity to hear the sounds of nature by avoiding loud music and the use of speakers on the trail or at the campsite. Use headphones to listen to music.

Be respectful of other people and the environment