Trekking 5 lagoons

The crossing 5 lagoons connects Colonia Suiza and Pampa Linda and can be of high difficulty, only for travelers who have some experience and know how to plan in detail. The ideal is to do it in 5 days to have the necessary breaks between complex sections and mountain peaks. This journey links incredible scenery of the Nahuel Huapi National Park and reaches the maximum altitude in Cerro Cristal.

In addition to having some knowledge of the mountains, it is advisable to go in company, since the human factor is essential in such long and complex journeys. We must also consider that the Laguna Negra refuge is the last point of communication. Then it all depends on the team and the sporadic encounters with other walkers. The trekking season in Bariloche is from November to April.

Before heading out to the mountain, complete the trekking record of the Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Description of a surpassing journey

Day 1: from Colonia Suiza to Laguna Negra
Distance: 14 km Elevation gain: 800 m
Walking time: 5 to 7 hours

The crossing 5 lagoons begins in Colonia Suiza and ascends to Laguna Negra, at 1620 meters above sea level, bordering the Goye stream. It is a path of little slope, until you reach the snails prior to the refuge, where the difficulty increases. The prize is the view of the valley that comprises the lagoon at the foot of Cerro Negro. It is advisable to book that night in the refuge, since the next day will be very demanding.

Day 2: from Laguna Negra to Laguna Cab
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain: 640 m
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours

From the Black Lagoon you begin to border the hill

that separates the Black hill from the Bailey Willis hill, with the Tronador in sight, until you reach the edge of the second and continue the steep descent to the valley, where the streams La Chata and then Lluvu will appear to finally find the beautiful Cab lagoon, at 1480 meters above sea level, also called Lluvu. There is a wild campsite to spend the second night.

Day 3: from Cab lagoon to Creton lagoon
Distance: 9 km
Elevation gain: 460 m
Walking time: 9 to 10 hours

The next section is the most difficult, with challenging ascents and descents. For those who do not have experience in the mountains, it may be best to hire a qualified guide. The trail borders the Cab lagoon, ascends to the homonymous hill and then descends to the valley of Mate Dulce. After a well-deserved rest, the last stretch is the ascent to the edge of Cerro Cristal, at 2000 meters above sea level, to continue the descent to the valley of the Creton lagoon, at 1650 meters above sea level. End the day at a wild campsite.

Day 4: from Creton lagoon to Ilon lagoon
Distance: 9 km
Elevation gain: 650 m
Walking time: 5 to 6 hours

The objective of the fourth day is to arrive first at the Jujuy lagoon, at 1850 meters above sea level, with a previous stop at the Blue Lagoon, perhaps the most beautiful water mirror of all, literally blue. The road continues ascending to the edge of Cerro Capitán, at 1950 meters above sea level, with the best panoramic view of Cerro Tronador and its string of glaciers. The consecrating descent is towards the Ilon lagoon, at 1380 meters above sea level, the fifth lagoon of the crossing. There is the camp organized in domesthe wild option.

Day 5: from Ilon to Pampa Linda
Distance: 8 km
Elevation gain: 600 m
Walking time: 3 to 4 hours

Before embarking on the final descent, you can choose to visit the panoramic point "Doctor's Look", 4 km from the Ilon lagoon, and have a wide view of the national park and, perhaps, some curious condor. The final journey is easier, between lenga forests, mallines and fording of the Alerce River, to Pampa Linda to take the bus to Bariloche.