Mount Tronador and Black Glacier: Full-day excursion from Bariloche
The highest mountain in Nahuel Huapi National Park, with its 3,478 meters, its hanging glaciers and the only black glacier accessible by land in the region. He Mount Tronador It owes its name to the thunderous sound produced by the ice calving from its glaciers, which can be heard for miles around.
The excursion covers approximately 170 km round trip to Pampa Linda and the Black Glacier, crossing the Manso River and traversing Andean forest. It is from low difficulty Because almost the entire journey is by vehicle, but it's a long day: the final access road is one-way with fixed traffic times, and that affects the timings for the whole day.
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Itinerary
Itinerary of Cerro Tronador and Ventisquero Negro
The day begins early with pick-up from your accommodation in San Carlos de Bariloche. The exact time is confirmed upon booking and depends on traffic conditions on the road to Pampa Linda, which is a one-way street. The total journey time, including transfers, stops, and free time, is approximately 10 hours.
Pick-up at your accommodation
Early departure from Bariloche
Route 40 and Lake Gutiérrez
Exit south along the lakes
Crossing the Manso River
One-way road to Pampa Linda
Pampa Linda
Stop with free time for lunch
Black Glacier
The dark sediment glacier and its lagoon
Return to Bariloche
Approximately 10 hours after pick-up
Included in the tourThe road to Pampa Linda
The excursion departs from Bariloche heading south, skirting Lake Gutiérrez and Lake Mascardi, and then enters the Manso River valley. The final stretch to Pampa Linda is a one-way gravel road with fixed entry and exit times regulated by the National Park. This restriction determines the duration of the day and explains why the schedule is not flexible.
Pampa Linda at the foot of the hill
Pampa Linda is an open valley surrounded by forest, with Mount Tronador dominating the horizon. This is the day's main stop: there's free time for lunch, taking photos, or simply admiring the mountain. Multi-day trekking trails to high-altitude mountain refuges also depart from this point.
The Black Glacier
The final stretch leads to the Ventisquero Negro viewpoint. It's a regenerating glacier: ice calves from the hanging glaciers on the summit, falls into the valley, and reforms below, dragging along so much rock and sediment that the surface ends up completely dark. At its base, a turquoise glacial lagoon has formed with floating icebergs, the result of the ice retreat in recent decades.
Why is it called Tronador?
The name comes from the noise. Ice calving from hanging glaciers produces a deep roar that echoes throughout the valley and can be heard for miles. On warm days, if you listen carefully, you'll likely hear it during your stop.
Entrance to Nahuel Huapi National Park is not included and must be paid in cash on the day of the excursion. Food service is not guaranteed during the tour, so it's advisable to bring your own lunch.
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Information to keep in mind
The excursion to Cerro Tronador costs from $100,000 ARS 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:
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Tour Details
Duration
10 hoursIt's a long journey due to the restricted hours on the road to Pampa Linda. The pick-up time will be confirmed upon booking.Difficulty level
LowAlmost the entire route is by vehicle. The walks to the viewpoints are short.Age
Suitable for all agesIt's a long day with many hours on gravel roads. It's worth considering with very young children. -
Requirements and restrictions
No prior experience or special physical condition is necessary. However, keep in mind that it involves many hours of driving, much of it on a gravel road, so anyone prone to motion sickness should bring medication. The final access road to Pampa Linda is one-way, with hours regulated by the National Park: these times are fixed and cannot be changed. Bring cash for the park entrance fee, as it is not accepted by card.
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Recommendations
Bring food and water: it's a 10-hour hike and food options along the way are limited. Pack layers of clothing, a windproof and waterproof jacket, and comfortable, closed-toe shoes, because it's usually much colder in Pampa Linda and at the glacier viewpoint than in the city. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential year-round. If you have a camera with a zoom lens, this is one of the best days to use it.
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Includes
- Transfer to and from your accommodation in Bariloche.
- Bilingual tour guide throughout the tour.
- Stops at Pampa Linda and at the Ventisquero Negro viewpoint.
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Does not include
- Entrance to Nahuel Huapi National Park, which is paid in cash on the day of the excursion.
- Food and drinks. It's a good idea to bring your own food.
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Climatic Conditions
- The excursion proceeds as normal regardless of weather conditions. Rain, snow, and wind are common in the area and are part of the experience.
- In winter, the road to Pampa Linda may be closed due to snow. This is a decision made by the National Park and the Road Authority, and in that case, the trip is rescheduled or refunded.
- With overcast skies, the summit of Tronador may not be visible, although the Ventisquero Negro and the valley can still be visited.
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Cancellation policy
Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the start of the service are free of charge and 100% of the amount paid will be refunded. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the start of the service will incur a penalty of 100% of the total amount, with no refund.
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Route
Mount Tronador
Full day at the foot of the highest mountain in the national park, with the black glacier and its iceberg lagoon.
Book your spot on the Cerro Tronador excursion
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the transfer from Bariloche included?
Yes. The tour includes transportation to and from your accommodation in Bariloche, with a bilingual guide throughout the tour. It's one of the few tours in the area where transportation is included in the price.
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What is the Black Glacier and why is it dark?
It's a regenerating glacier: ice falls from the hanging glaciers on the summit and reforms in the valley below. As it falls, it carries rock and sediment, which mix with the surface, giving it its dark color. At its base lies a turquoise lagoon with icebergs.
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Why does the excursion last so many hours?
Because the final stretch to Pampa Linda is a one-way gravel road with fixed entry and exit times regulated by the National Park. This forces you to wait for the designated window, making for a long day. This restriction applies to all tour operators.
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Is there anywhere to eat or do we need to bring our own food?
It's advisable to bring your own food. Meals are not included, and the food options along the route are limited. The free time at Pampa Linda is the designated lunchtime.
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Is there an entrance fee to the National Park?
Yes, it's not included and must be paid in cash on the day of the excursion. You can check the current rate at the official website of Nahuel Huapi National Park. As it is a land excursion, there is no boarding fee.
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Is the excursion cancelled due to rain or snow?
It still goes even in the rain. In winter, if the road to Pampa Linda is closed due to snow, the trip is rescheduled or refunded: that decision is made by the National Park and Road Authority, not the tour operator.
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What clothes should I wear?
Pack layers of clothing, a windproof and waterproof jacket, and comfortable, closed-toe shoes. It's considerably colder in Pampa Linda and at the glacier viewpoint than in the city, even in summer. Add sunglasses and sunscreen.
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Which one to choose? Full-day excursions from Bariloche
They all depart from your accommodation, but go in opposite directions.
| Mount Tronador | Large Circuit | Villa La Angostura | Port Blest | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🧭 Address | South, towards the mountain range | North, ring of lakes | North, 85 km | West, by water |
| ⏱ Duration | 10 a.m. | 10 a.m. | 10 a.m. | 8 h |
| 🏔 Main attraction | Glaciers and high mountains | Lakes and villages | Mountain village | Valdivian rainforest |
| 🚐 Transfers | Included | Included | Included | Optional, not included |
| 🎫 Extras to pay | Entrance to the National Park | None | Optional lifting equipment | Boarding and entry fee |
| 📍 Highlights | Ventisquero Negro, Pampa Linda, hanging glaciers | Enchanted Valley, Villa Traful | The Messidor, Cerro Bayo | Cascada de los Cántaros, ancient larch tree |
| 💰 Price from | $100,000 ARS | $100,000 ARS | $110,000 ARS | $155,000 ARS |
Which one suits you best?
Want to compare with other options? Find all the excursions in Bariloche available on our homepage.
Cerro Tronador and Ventisquero Negro
$100.000
Full day trip to Ventisquero Negro and Pampa Linda, with transfer included
Special offer
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