Argentina - Northern Patagonia Lake District 

Mount Tronador Lodge Ride

Just 50 miles south of Bariloche we offer one of the most spectacular scenic rides in Argentina at the base of Mount Tronador. This impressive 12,000 feet high mountain is the highest in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Its highest summit establishes the international boundary between Chile and Argentina. Even though Mount Tronador does not have the classical cone shape, it is an old volcano, which became extinct many years ago. During its first eruptions, lava must have been blocked by some granite formation, which then created its typical three-peaked summit. Nowadays this summit is surrounded by approximately 37 square miles of ice, snow and glaciers and is really a fantastic area for mountaineers. Mount Tronador (“Thunderer”) was named for the rumbling noise produced by avalanches and ice falling from the mountain peaks. This name gives us an idea of how impressive it actually is.
The lodging for your trip will be a Pampa Linda lodge, which offers a wide variety of  horseback riding and trekking excursions to some of its unimaginable geographical corners. These trips vary depending on each season, its weather conditions and its own charms.

IT-ARRT07
Rates incl. all meals in Pampas Linda lodge, 5 riding days, all meals
7 days/ 6 nights $ 675     Single + $225
extra days incl. meals and riding/hiking  $115
for a whitewater rafting trip on the last day .. add $95
2008 Dates: Any time November - April
Airport:    Bariloche
Transfer:  Private transfer from Bariloche
                 $125 (ARS 350) per car one way
or by shuttle bus (~ $15 pp) in high season
                        ... transfers are to be paid locally
Level:       Good novice+ 
Pace:        Slow, some trots
Tack:        South American
Horses:    Criollos cross
Min/Max:  2-12 riders
Rate does not include:
Airline / bus tickets, apt taxes.
Gratuities, optional tips for guides and crew.
Extras and personal expenses in Bariloche   Any kind of insurance. Entrance fee to the National Park ~$5.

DAY 1
BARILOCHE – Mt TRONADOR.
 Transfer from Bariloche to Pampa Linda Mountain Lodge. The lodge is 49 miles SW from downtown Bariloche and 5 miles from the base of Mt. Tronador (highest peak in the area, bordering Chile and an extinct volcano of 11,722 feet). This beautiful scenic drive parallels the entire length of Gutierrez and Mascardi lakes and follows the north fork of the Rio Manso to its source, with wonderful views over Mt. Catedral.  Dinner and overnight.
 DAY 2   BLACK GLACIER RIDE
 This ride takes us to the source of the Manso River in the Black Glacier.  
Ride along and into the forest.  We will then follow the Manso River trail, upstream along a pebbled path. Then, facing the immense rocky ice wall and Mount Tronador, the glacier comes into view. The glacier appears ‘black’ as it becomes saturated by rocks and sand falling from the frequent avalanches. Our view of the glacier is only reachable by horseback.
DAY 3  CERRO VOLCÁNICO
 We saddle up and ride out of the corral at 9 am. Heading south of Mount Tronador, we ride along shaded forest paths. The ride will take us across rivers, streams and canyons, and around La Laguna Rosada.  The landscape here begins to vary from green plains to steep slopes. The horses will take us through an amazing lenga forest, its ground completely covered by volcanic pebbles.  At the summit there are magnificent views of Mount Tronador’s three peaks, the Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanoes, and Fonck Lake. From this vantage point we are able to see almost the whole Andean Range.
DAY 4    VALLE DEL ALERCE
After lunch we ride north along a trail towards the Meiling Refuge. Wading across the the Castaño Overa River we head on towards Paso de las Nubes.  The surrounding landscape consists or rivers and Coihue forests (Nothofagus Dombei) as well as Colihues and Berberis. These hundred-year-old plants reach 82 feet high and almost 9.8 feet in trunk diameter. Along the path one can appreciate a larch forest, which is rarely found in this area and then the beauty of the Alerce Glacier. Finally, we come across a white waterfall, descending with all its might, forming the highest parts of this glacier. 4 to 5 hrs riding.
DAY 5    LAGUNA ILON
At 9.00 am the local guide will be waiting for us with all horses saddled up and ready to ride. We wade across the Manso River, riding into a coihue forest and then deep into lenga forests and high altitude swamps. After about two hours we will reach the Laguna Ilón where we will enjoy a highly deserved rest as well as great views of this idyllic setting. These waters reflect the imposing presence of Mount Tronador on the horizon. After lunch we ride on for another hour to La Mirada del Doctor. This balcony has steep granite walls which have been eroded by the strength of the glaciers that used to cover the valleys. From there the Frey Lake can be spotted and, further north, the lead coloured waters of the Brazo Tristeza in the Nahuel Huapi Lake.
Day 6  
CASTAÑO OVERO GLACIER
Departing Pampa Linda we follow the path to Otto Meiling Refuge for about 2 miles, crossing the Overa River.  Little by little more lenga species (Nothofagus Pumilio) appear. In Autumn these deciduous trees display vivid colours. We will ride on until the spectacular view of an ice wall is before us, reflecting its white and blue colours. Through the forest it is possible to make out a fantastic 1,640 feet high waterfall, which emerges from the hanging glacier. Further away, the summits of the Tronador Mount make of this a unique sight. Constant and unpredictable ice slides strongly impact on the valley walls, thus honoring the name of the mount that causes them: Tronador. If patient enough, one is able to witness the fall of one of these huge ice masses, which weigh around a few hundred tones. Riding time about 5 hrs  -- this trip itinerary can be extended with an overnight stay at Otto Mailing Refuge on top of the mountain (extra charges will apply).
DAY 7   
PAMPA LINDA - BARILOCHE
 Early morning transfer to Bariloche in a private car to catch the flight out (extra) - or take the 5 PM shuttle bus (lunch not included today).

**** Alternatively, we can arrange an extra activity this last day - a very nice and fun rafting on the MANSO INFERIOR (grades II - III)

Pampa Linda:
The "Hostería Pampa Linda" is very special in its kind. Located in a fantastic place, it offers guests a wide range of recreational activities as well as an ideal refuge for those who really want to enjoy the spell of the Patagonia Andes.
Opened in the 1992 – 1993 season can accommodate up to 35 guests (9 double rooms + 2 triple rooms + 2 apartments for 4 passengers each all of them with private facilities).
The hosteria has its own restaurant where guests can enjoy not only the local dishes but also the panoramic dining room overlooking Mount Tronador and its glaciers. Most of the food is homemade, delicious dishes are prepared with fresh vegetables from the orchard, fruits, dairy products and homemade bread, cheese and cream.

The hosteria:

   see Slide Show