Trekking in Bariloche, Patagonia

Before heading into the Mountains check up-to-date trail info, and register your trek intentions with the National Park office in Bariloche, Pampa Linda or online.

Frey - Jacob Trek

2 Long days or 3 Shorter days, one of the best treks in the Naheul Huapi National Park

	Duration	2-3 days
	Distance	38 km's
	Height Gain	1200m
	Start	Villa Catedral
	Finish	Picada de Frey
	Difficulty	Medium
	Access	Easy
	Park Entrance Fee	none
	Notes	The most straight forward 2 - 3 day trek

Transport:
Bariloche - Villa Catedral: During summer there are about hourly services between about 7.00am and 8.00pm starting from the Centre and alternately going along Bustillo and Pioneros. $6 one way. Retun by same way
Getting to/from the Picada de Jacob (the trail head to/from the Jacob refuge) - There is a pickup service from the centre of Bariloche to the Picada for about AR$25 per person it leaves at about 8.30am and needs to be reserved, there is a contact number under the services section on the Jacob refuge website (may not speak English?). There may be a return service in the evening (enquire). When I called to make a reservation there was no response. Don't rely on this service.
The other option that I personally used is. Take the local bus to KM 12,5 on Bustillio to Remises (taxi) Bustillo (02944) 463003. They charged AR$38 for the trip (Jan 2011).
(The trek may be easier logistically to start from here as there is a more frequent service if you finish at Colonia Suiza.

Camping:
Free camping at Refuge Frey, near Cascada Rucaco and at Refuge San Martin (Laguna Jakob)
Don't want to take a tent: Refugio Frey & Refugio San Martin (about $30 night)

Route: (can be walked in either direction)
Villa Cathedral - Refuge Frey: 4 Hours
Refuge Frey - Refuge San Martin (laguna Jacob): 6 Hours
Refuge San Martin - River Casa de Piedra: 6 Hours