This five day traverse begins with one of the most classic treks in the area, the Cathedral Skyline. The adventure starts at Catedral Mountain Ski Villa, here you take the lifts up to the mountain. At this point you will be amazed by the views of the National Park. The hike follows the ridge of Catedral mountain heading West.
The first half an hour is an easy hike. As soon as we leave the ski resort area the trail becomes more challenging though fun. The progression involves some scrambling across boulder fields and loose rock. It is very scenic pass and enjoyable for those searching more than just an easy mountain trail. Andean Condors often flying closely to the ridge, stop to appreciate their size and calmness while they use the ascending winds to cruise over the mountains. After two hours you will reach a small saddle, here the descend begins. The trail continues West descending into Rucaco Valley through a loose talus field into an old growth beach tree forest. Here is where we will find camp for the first night. The total trek should be 5 hours.
Our second day begins after breakfast and braking down camp, then trek up Rucaco valley, a wide beautiful landscape with open meadows and a clear creek running through it. Climb to the ridgeline of Brecha Negra peak. Once you reach this high point you will get a beautiful view of Jakob Lagoon and San Martin Mountain Hut. The descend demands some scrambling through rocks till you make it down to the hut. The terrain is quite loose so attention. Once at the valley, it is time for lunch by the shore of the alpine lake. During the afternoon we move along another alpine lagoon called “Laguna de Los Tempanos” before reaching the pass. Once there the trail descends to this deep “U” shape valley with “Casalata” creek flowing through it. This trail is a less travelled one and crosses the creek and marshes along the valley. We will find a nice camp in the trees to relax for our night rest.
The last day carrying our packs begins with a long trek down to Mascardi lake. The clear meadows allow you to enjoy beautiful views of the mountains above you. By the end of the day you will find yourself by the shore of this amazing turquoise color lake with Tronador glaciers overtaking the horizon. Camp will be set by the shore and you will enjoy delicious dinner with fresh vegetables and wine below the southern constellations.
Inside your tent, a hand reaches you a “mate”, It is time to start the day. Your forth day of traverse will be spend on water. You will get a briefing talk regarding kayak touring and some safety tips. The Western bay of the lakes offers a great place where to practice the basics of kayaking. Once you feel comfortable on the kayak, we begin paddling East. Behind you Tronador Mountain shapes an incredible view from the water. Slowly as you navigate East the lake starts to change color, from that intense turquoise to a beautiful blue. You stop on a isolated beach for lunch and to relax by the sun. Maybe it I time for a swim in the lake.
After making good progress in the water, it is time to find a nice beach where to camp and rest. Kayaks are pulled out of the water and tents up! Time to chill and enjoy the peacefulness of the wilderness.
Last day begins with some freshly made waffles made on the camp stove. After some mate or coffee you get ready to pack the kayaks and into the water. Today you paddle to the pick-up point where a transport will be waiting to drive you back into Bariloche city. You will paddle across empty bays where you might get to see some species of ducks and cormorants. Hopefully you will feel much more comfortable on the kayak and if the wind picks up some, you will enjoy surfing some small wind waves towards the end of the trip.
Back on the drive to Bariloche, time to digest this amazing traverse and adventure in Patagonian land.
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