Cerro Tronador: Day Trips and Tours from Bariloche

Cerro Tronador is an extinct stratovolcanic mountain towering almost 1,000 meters above the surrounding Andean peaks. Straddling the border of Argentina and Chile, Cerro Tronador is notable for its many glaciers, some of which lie close to the base of the mountain and are accessible on day hikes.

This impressive natural attraction is a popular destination for visitors to the Patagonian region. Day trips to Cerro Tronador from Bariloche, the closest Argentinian town to this impressive landmark, can be booked on most days.

Here's all you need to know about Cerro Tronador, one of the most exciting day trips from Bariloche.

How to get to Cerro Tronador from Bariloche?

Although the road between Bariloche and Cerro Tronador is just over 100 kilometers long, the journey can take more than two hours each way.

From Bariloche to the Cerro Tronador by car

To get to Cerro Tronador by car, travel south along Route 40 for around 40 kilometers to the small town of Puerto los Reyes. Here Route 40 intersects with Provincial Route 82.

The drive along Provincial Route 82 ends at Pampa Linda where the entry road to Los Rápidos and Cerro Tronador begins. The entry road is a one-way road and entry and exit times are strictly controlled.

Guided tour to Cerro Tronador from Bariloche

A full-day tour with an experienced local guide is the ideal way to visit Cerro Tronador and see the sights on the route between Bariloche and the Nahuel Huapi National Park.

What is the typical itinerary?

A day trip to Cerro Tronador begins with an early morning hotel pickup. Your group will travel by coach or minibus along a scenic route past Nahuel Huapi Lake and the Manso River to Pampa Linda.

On a brief hiking excursion with your guide out towards the peak and the Ventisquero Negro glacier, you may hear the cracks of the calving ice chunks that give the mountain its name.

Weather permitting, tours might visit La Garganta del Diablo and the hidden Saltillo de las Nalcas waterfalls. After exiting the park, your tour returns to Bariloche in the late afternoon.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Cerro Tronador?

Full-day guided tours travel to Cerro Tronador on most days. Group sizes differ between operators.

Guided tours to Cerro Tronador from Bariloche

On a guided tour to Cerro Tronador, you are collected from your accommodation in Bariloche. The tour travels to Pampa Linda where you will join your guide for a short hike closer to the mountain and the Ventisquero Negro.

After some time spent exploring, and with time for lunch, you will return to Bariloche in the late afternoon.

Private kayak tour near Cerro Tronador from Bariloche

A full-day private guided kayaking tour on Mascardi Lake from Bariloche includes return transfers from the town and a 3.5-hour kayaking experience.

On a clear day you will be spoiled with scenic views of Cerro Tronador as you paddle the full one-way length of the lake.

A pre-packed lunch is included in this excursion and you return to Bariloche in the afternoon.

How much does a day trip to Cerro Tronador from Bariloche cost?

Seats on guided coach tours to Cerro Tronador from Bariloche start at US$40 per person excluding park entrance fees.

Smaller group tours cost from US$60 per person. You can book some tours on a private basis and will then pay from US$180 per person depending on group size.

A private guided kayak tour near Cerro Tronador costs from US$500 per person.

What will you see and do?

The primary purpose of a Cerro Tronador day trip is to see this imposing mountain and its various aspects, including several of its glaciers, up close.

Other sights you might see while on your tour include the Nahuel Huapi National Park. This park consists of several ecological zones and includes the glacial Lake Nahuel Huapi.

The Manso River originates from the Ventisquero Negro glacier on the slopes of Cerro Tronador and is a popular whitewater rafting destination from Bariloche. It eventually joins Chile’s Puelo River.

Pampa Linda is a small settlement located at the entrance to the main valley of the Tronador foothills. It is a typical starting point for hikes to Cerro Tronador.

La Garganta del Diablo waterfall, not to be confused Iguazú’s Devil's Throat waterfall, is a stunning melting cascade at the base of the Ventisquero Negro.

Saltillo de las Nalcas waterfall is a hidden treasure only a short distance from Pampa Linda. This 40-meter freefalling waterfall drops from the Cerro Biblioteca ledge and is surrounded by local forests.

When is the best time to visit Cerro Tronador?

Cerro Tronador is a year-round destination, although adverse weather conditions might result in restricted access. If you are self-driving, you can check with the tourist information office in Bariloche or the Nahuel Huapi National Park before commencing your trip.

What other day trips can you do from Bariloche?

• Day trips to Seven Lakes from Bariloche
• Victoria Island day tours from Bariloche
• Day trips to Arrayanes Forest from Bariloche
• Puerto Blest day tours from Bariloche
• Day trips to Circuito Chico from Barlioche

Travel tips

• Plan your trip carefully if self-driving to ensure access to and from the destination.
• Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for uneven trails and warm clothing.
• Carry sufficient bottled water if you are planning to hike.