The crossing of the Paso de las Nubes begins in Pampa Linda and ends in Puerto Frías to complete the return by boat to Puerto Pañuelo. When scheduling this tour, it is necessary to hire transportation to Pampa Linda and return by catamaran. With time it is convenient to find out the prices of the Rocca refuge and the transfer from Frías, since all the expenses make up an expensive package, and the return by catamaran can not be ignored. Before going out to the mountain, complete the shore trekking register of the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
A journey through forests and valleys
Pampa Linda can be reached by daily bus from the city of Bariloche on route 40 to the south, which usually leaves at 8 in the morning and takes about 2 hours to the destination.
In the upper valley of the Manso River, Pampa Linda is the starting point for different walks. The trail to the Agostino Rocca refuge starts at this point bordering the Alerce stream. The last section has a little more slope in a wooded area, but in general it is a route of medium to low difficulty. The shelter is a modern construction with capacity for 80 people. From there you can have a panoramic view of the valley of the Frías River and the Tronador, Constitución and Parque hills. The Frías glacier s threads of water through the rocky walls to form numerous waterfalls, an optional walk to enjoy contact with nature and listen to the sound of water.
The second day should start very early if the decision is to take the boat. Leaving the refuge, the trail descends steeply to the valley and the source of the Frías River, under the wall that brings waters from the glacier. The road becomes wooded and humid, a transition to the Valdivian jungle by the vegetation and the characteristic strata of the rainy zone. In autumn it is possible to observe different fungi typical of the region. Mosses, lichens and ferns accompany the walker in a horizontal chop, dodging streams and fallen logs. The cold jungle blends with the watercourse until you reach a metal bridge that crosses the river, a sign of being less than an hour from the destination.
From Puerto Frías you can continue by boat to Puerto Alegre with the operating company that completes the return to Puerto Pañuelocontinue through the Raulíes Pass, a 4-hour walk to Puerto Blest where this time you have to embark to return to Bariloche.
In general, it is not such a demanding hike, however, those who dare to enjoy the Paso de las Nubes must have some experience in hiking and energy to walk about 5 to 6 hours each day. It is a journey of 2 days if you take care of the times to get to take the boat. Another important fact is that the catamaran from Puerto Frías to Puerto Alegre is subject to the opening of the Rocca refuge, which is from November to April.
Season: November to April
Day 1 to Refugio Agostino Rocca
Distance: 14.3 km
Slope: 530 m
Walking time: 4 to 6 hours
Day 2 to Puerto Frías
Distance: 12 km
Walking time: 3 to 5 hours
Miriam Coronel 
Interpatagonia.com 
Cell Phone: +54 294-4110390
Phone: +54 294-4426109 
Level of Difficulty: Medium-low
Duration: 2 days
Check the weather before you leave. It is important to protect yourself from inclement weather: wear glasses, sunscreen and sun hat, warm gloves, windbreaker jacket, a warm fleece, warm socks and spare socks.
