Trekking to La Buitrera from Bariloche

Half a day's walk through the Patagonian steppe, among eroded volcanic rock formations and with condors flying overhead. He Cerro La Buitrera It is off the classic Bariloche circuit, in the dry landscape that begins where the forest ends, and offers something that is not seen on any other excursion in the area.

They are some 1,600 meters high which are reached after a 3 to 4 hour hike medium difficulty, without technical sections but with a sustained incline. Above appear the stone mushrooms, blocks of volcanic tuff sculpted by the wind over millions of years, and from the summit you can see the Lake Nahuel Huapi, he Ñireco Hill, he Cerro Carbón and the Cerro Villegas. Access is through Estancia La Lucha, a private property.

from

ARS 138.000 per passenger

Flexible cancellation Certified guides

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Trekking a La Buitrera quantity

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• Itinerary

  Trekking itinerary to La Buitrera

  The trip begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Bariloche and heads southeast, leaving the forest behind and entering the steppe. Access to the trail is through Estancia La Lucha, a private ranch that charges a separate entrance fee. The total trip takes about 5.5 hours, of which 3 to 4 are hiking. The departure time will be confirmed upon booking.

  Pick-up at your accommodation

  Transfer included from Bariloche

  Road to the steppe

  The landscape changes from forest to steppe

  Access via Estancia La Lucha

  Entry is mandatory, payable on site

  Ascent to Cerro La Buitrera

  3 to 4 hours up to 1,600 meters

  Stone mushrooms

  Tuff formations and condor sightings

  Return to Bariloche

  Approximately 5 and a half hours after pick-up

  Included in the tour

  It is paid separately

  Where the forest ends

  Most excursions from Bariloche head west, towards the mountains and the lakes. This one goes in the opposite direction. In just a few kilometers, the coihue and lenga trees give way to coirón and mata negra, and the landscape opens up. It's the same change you see when traveling towards the plateau, but concentrated in a half-hour drive.

  Stone mushrooms

  The summit is crowned with blocks of volcanic tuff, a rock formed from ash compacted millions of years ago. Wind, rain, and cycles of freezing and thawing have eroded it, leaving it riddled with cavities, some the size of a fist and others large enough for a person to fit into. Seen from a distance, the formations resemble mushrooms perched on the hillside.

  The condors

  The hill's name is no coincidence: its cliffs are a nesting and resting site for Andean condors, and it's common to see them soaring, taking advantage of the thermal currents that rise up the slope. Seeing one up close, with its nearly three-meter wingspan, is one of those things you never forget.

  The view from above

  From 1,600 meters, the entire panorama unfolds: Lake Nahuel Huapi to the northwest, Cerro Ñireco, Cerro Carbón, and Cerro Villegas, and the pine plantations that carpet the valley. It is one of the few places where you can see both the forest and the steppe at the same time.

  Access to the trail is through Estancia La Lucha, a private ranch that charges a mandatory entrance fee not included in the tour price. It's advisable to bring cash. Food and drinks are also not included: bring your own food and at least 1.5 liters of water per person, as there are no places to refill along the trail.

• Information to keep in mind

  The trek to La Buitrera costs from $138,000 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:

  • Tour Details

    Duration

    5 and a half hours

    Of which 3 to 4 hours are actual walking. The rest is travel and stops.

    Difficulty level

    Average

    No technical sections, but with sustained inclines and loose terrain. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

    Age

    Suitable for all ages

    With children, it's advisable to assess the walking pace. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Requirements and restrictions

    No prior trekking experience is necessary, but you must be able to walk for 3 to 4 hours with a sustained incline. The terrain is steppe: loose, rocky, with no shade, and exposed to the wind. Closed-toe shoes with good soles are essential; casual sneakers won't work on the descent. Bring cash for the mandatory entrance fee to Estancia La Lucha. There is no water or other services along the trail, so you must carry everything you need.

  • Recommendations

    Closed-toe hiking boots with good grip. Layered clothing and a windbreaker: the steppe is drier than the forest, but the wind is constant and it gets chilly at higher elevations. A hat with a visor, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, as there is no shade on the entire ascent. Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person and some snacks. If you're interested in birds, binoculars are worthwhile: this is one of the best places in the area to see condors. And a trekking pole if you find the descent on loose terrain challenging.

  • Includes
    • Transfer to and from your accommodation in Bariloche.
    • Certified tour guide throughout the hike.
  • Does not include
    • Entrance to the trail through Estancia La Lucha is mandatory and must be paid in cash.
    • Food and drinks. It's advisable to bring your own food and water.
  • Climatic Conditions
    • The steppe is noticeably drier than the mountain region, so the weather is usually good even when it rains in Bariloche.
    • The wind is the factor to consider: it blows constantly and up above, without shelter, it feels much colder than down below.
    • In case of heavy rain or snow, the terrain becomes slippery and the departure may be rescheduled.
  • 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.