We are ready, carrying a bottle of water, a small backpack, we check our shoelaces and start hiking to Mount Bella Vista at Bariloche. It isn’t a renowned name in Bariloche such as the Tronador, Cerro Negro, Catedral, Cerro Lopez, and Cerro Otto, but it can be seen from all those well-known peaks and many parts of town, especially Avenida Bustillos.
The climb is fairly easy, and quite popular, with a well-kept trail leading to the summit. The views are spectacular. In addition to the peaks above mentioned, you can see Cerro Navidad, Cerro Campanario, Cerro Ventana, and Cerro Ñireco, as well as Lago Nahuel Huapi, Lago Moreno, Isla Victoria, and Península Llao Llao.
This day´s hike is perfect for those who like gaining elevation quickly and are not afraid of a steady 2 hour uphill trek. Beginning at “Refugio Jacob” trailhead, also called “El Tambo” a slowly climb to the Southeast ridge of Bella Vista Mount. The climb starts in an old “Coihues” grove with a dense undergrowth which offers plenty of flowers and bird watching opportunities. The landscape is amazing and we were enthralled by the colours and the work of nature during the Hike.
A couple of beautiful viewpoints are waiting for us up the road where, like us, you will take water breaks and rest for a few minutes. We keep hiking gaining more elevation, a few minutes later we enter the deciduous “Lenga” tree forest, where it is common to see some Magellanic Giant Woodpeckers.
It is impossible not to be amazed at the views of Lago Moreno that catches our eyes while continuing climbing the mountain and gaining the alpine terrain and appreciating the immensity of the Andes and the complex lake systems characteristic of this region.
At the summit ridge, we found a comfortable area where we had lunch enjoying some delicious sandwiches with some traditional Mate tea. From this point, people who want to continue the climb to the summit of Bella Vista Mount will climb for one more hour.
The summit offers a 360 degrees view of the mountain ranges and valleys around Bariloche, appreciating the changes of environment of the Andes; from the rainforest at the West to the steppe toward the East with its reddish brown hues. After resting and taking pictures at the summit you will begin the descent following the same route downwards.
Once at the base of the mountain, we decided that the best way to end the day is to head towards “Berlina” a craft brewery for a well Patagonian beer sharing our impressions about this amazing hike which gave us one of the most beautiful views of the region.
FACT SHEET
Level of Challenge: Medium
Recommended Season: Spring – Summer – Autumn
Considerations: During the Spring, the top of the mountains are still covered in snow.. Good hiking boots and gaiters recommended.
Duration of the activity: 6-8 hours
Length of the Trek: 7,6 kms
Starting Altitude: 860 msnsm
Max Altitude Climbed: 1770 msnsm
Elevation gained: 750mts till the skyline (at 1610 msnsm) and 890 mts if you reach the summit (at 1770 msnsm)
Service includes:
Bilingual Certified Mountain Guide (we add an Assistant Guide during Spring season for groups larger than 7 hikers)
Box Lunch + water + tea + snacks
First Aid Kit + VHF Radio + GPS
Insurance
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Vinciguerra Glacier is one of the largest in Tierra del Fuego. If you had a prior experience of doing an ice trekking you know how it feels walking on the ice, it’s fascinating, watching the surrounding landscape and hearing the sound of nature. If you did not, this is a great opportunity.
Early in the morning the transfer picks us up at the Hotel and leave town towards the mountains, to the starting point of the Trek. After a briefing and some safety tips we start walking on the trail, through native lenga forest. The trail goes softly near the river for the first few kilometers. And then starts to softly ascend across the forest. And all of a sudden we are above the forest and the views begin to amaze us.
We were able to understand more deeply the Fueguinian nature and enjoy a great day skirting rivers, going through forests, lagoons and the glacier. Another highlight we were able to see is the Laguna de los Témpanos (Icebergs lagoon) at the foot of the Glacier.
The guide leads the way, he knows very well where to walk, it is important to follow him cause the ice can be tricky and sometimes we can put ourselves at risk if we follow our own path,. While we are walking we can hear about different moments of the geological evolution and the rich history of the Glaciers which can be found in Southern Patagonia. Each step we take, we can hear the sound of the ice in contact with crampons, cracking as they are sticking in the ice. There is like a silence dominating the environment and we only hear our breath and steps as we walk.
A unique landscape, places and sceneries portrayed in a perfect picture, unshaken lakes, mountains with perpetual snowed peaks and mountain streams are awaiting for you to contemplate in awe in front of them.
Owing to its mild climate and isolation, the marsh is an area where wild animals are still the stars. Within Argentina and South America, the Iberá Wetlands are the Ornithologist’s Mecca. Over 350 species of birds live in this virgin landscape and most of them can be easily spotted.
Please contact our Kallpa Account Executives for more information. They are full of ideas to help you design the best itinerary for your travelers to the Iguazu Falls, Ibera Wetlands and Mocona Waterfalls.