Paso de las Nubes: a two-day trekking journey from Pampa Linda

A two-day mountain trek that crosses the mountain range on foot, from Pampa Linda to Puerto Frías, with an overnight stay in a refuge or camp. He Cloud Passage It crosses the Tronador mountain range amidst hanging glaciers, peat bogs and closed Valdivian rainforest.

It's not a day trip or an easy hike: You hike with your own backpack, sleep in the mountains, and the route crosses two border posts. It requires prior experience on mountain trails, good physical condition, and mandatory registration in the National Park. The finale is unique: you hike out and return by boat across Lake Frías and Lake Nahuel Huapi.

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Spaces for this experience are limited and fill up quickly during peak season. Reservations are coordinated directly with our operations team through our inquiry channel. We will confirm availability and coordinate all the details to ensure you have an organized and safe experience.

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• Itinerary

  Itinerary of the Passage of the Clouds

  The trek begins in Pampa Linda, at the foot of Mount Tronador, and ends two days later in Puerto Pañuelo after the return journey by boat. Transportation to Pampa Linda is not included and must be arranged independently or booked separately. Before starting the trek, it is mandatory to complete the National Park's trekking registration form. This tour must be booked separately and in advance.

  Arrival at Pampa Linda

  Transfer not included

  Trekking log

  Mandatory in the National Park

  Day 1: Ascent to the Pass of the Clouds

  From Pampa Linda, between peat bogs and forest

  Overnight stay at the Agostino Rocca Refuge

  Or in the designated camping area

  Day 2: Frías Glacier viewpoint

  Descent of about 300 meters

  Frías River Valley

  Valdivian rainforest to the lake

  Puerto Frías

  Border control, required documentation

  Navigation on Lake Frías

  From Puerto Frías to Puerto Alegre

  Bus to Puerto Blest

  3 km land section

  Navigation to Puerto Pañuelo

  Through the Blest arm of Nahuel Huapi

  Return to Bariloche

  Optional transfer, not included

  Included in the tour

  Optional service not included

  Day 1: From Pampa Linda to the pass

  The first day starts from Pampa Linda and steadily gains altitude towards Paso de las Nubes (Pass of the Clouds), through lenga forest, peat bogs, and glacial moraines. This is the most demanding section of the trek and is done with a full backpack. The day ends at the Agostino Rocca Refuge or at the designated campsite in the area.

  Day 2: Descent to the Frías Valley

  The second day begins with a descent of about 300 meters to the Frías Glacier viewpoint. From there, the trail descends through the valley of the river of the same name, where the vegetation becomes dense Valdivian rainforest: colihue cane, ferns, and coihue trees, with stream crossings and muddy sections. The descent ends at the shore of Lake Frías.

  The return journey by sailing

  In Puerto Frías, the hiking portion ends and the return journey by water begins: a boat trip across Lake Frías to Puerto Alegre, a three-kilometer bus ride to Puerto Blest, and a final boat trip along the Blest arm to Puerto Pañuelo. These three sections are included. The final transfer to Bariloche is optional.

  This is a two-day mountain trek, not a guided day trip. You'll be carrying your own equipment, sleeping in a refuge or tent, and the route crosses two border checkpoints where everyone's documents will be checked. Registration for trekking in the National Park is mandatory and is a safety measure, not a formality. If you don't have experience on mountain trails, please consult us before booking.

• Information to keep in mind

  The Paso de las Nubes crossing costs from per person and can be booked directly with us, a local operator in Bariloche, without intermediaries or online agency commissions.

  Here's everything you need to know in detail:

  • Tour Details

    Duration

    2 days, with overnight stay

    Two days of hiking with an overnight stay in a shelter or camp, plus the return journey by boat.

    Difficulty level

    Average

    Two-day trek with your own backpack. Requires prior experience on mountain trails and good physical condition.

    Age

    From 18 years old

    Due to the physical demands and overnight stay in the mountains, it is for adults only.
  • Requirements and restrictions

    Prior experience on mountain trails and good physical condition are required: you will be hiking with a full backpack and sleeping on the mountain. This trek is for participants 18 years and older. Registration with the National Park trekking authority is mandatory and must be completed before starting the hike. The trail crosses two border posts, so all participants must carry a valid passport, national ID, or Chilean national identification number. There is no cell phone signal for most of the route, and it is not possible to abandon the trek halfway through: once you start, the only option is to complete it. The pass may be closed due to snow during the off-season.

  • Recommendations

    You'll need full mountain trekking gear: a trekking backpack, broken-in hiking boots with good soles, a sleeping bag suitable for sub-zero temperatures, a sleeping pad, and a tent if you're not staying in a refuge. Add a waterproof and windproof jacket, layered technical clothing, a hat and gloves, a headlamp, a personal first-aid kit, a water filter or purification tablets, and food for both full days. Keep your documents handy in a waterproof bag, as they will be checked at both border crossings. None of this is optional: there's nowhere to buy or rent anything along the route.

  • Includes
    • Navigation on Lake Frías, from Puerto Frías to Puerto Alegre.
    • Bus leg from Puerto Alegre to Puerto Blest.
    • Navigation from Puerto Blest to Puerto Pañuelo.
  • Does not include
    • Transfer from Bariloche to Pampa Linda.
    • Transfer from Puerto Pañuelo to Bariloche, which is optional.
    • Trekking guide. The trek is done independently.
    • Mountain equipment: backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and tent.
    • Meals for both days.
    • Accommodation at the Agostino Rocca Refuge, which is paid for there.
    • Entrance to Nahuel Huapi National Park.
  • Climatic Conditions
    • The pass area is one of the wettest and windiest in the park. Rain and fog are common even in summer, and the temperature drops considerably at night.
    • Cloud Pass is usually closed outside of the summer season due to accumulated snow. The opening window is determined by the National Park each year.
    • In the event of weather alerts or trail closures, the hike cannot be undertaken. This is a decision made by the National Park.
  • Cancellation policy

    Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the start of the service are free of charge and will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the start of the service will incur a 100% penalty, with no refund. If the National Park closes, we will contact you to reschedule or issue a refund.