Trekking in Bariloche, Patagonia | Italia

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.

The section of the trek between Refugio Italia & Refugio Italia is steep and rocky & can be dangerous in bad weather. The National Park Office officially says that it must be done with a Registered Mountain Guide, or someone with proven experience and that you must sign a 'Deslinde de responsabilidaded' - 'waiver of liability' at the park office before you go. When I asked at the Mountain Information Center they said that as long as you had good equipment and trekking experience you would be allowed to pass, although in bad weather they may close the route as it can be dangerous. There may be snow on this section of the route until February.

Italia - Jacob Trek

This is a 3 Day Trek, with a section on a high mountain route.

	Duration	3 days
	Distance	42 km's
	Height Gain	1000m
	Start	Colonia Suiza
	Finish	Picada de Frey
	Difficulty	Hard
	Access	Easy
	Park Entrance Fee	none
	Notes	High Mountain Route

Transport:
Bariloche - Colonia Swiss: During summer there are services about every 1½ hours between about 7.00am and 10.00. Check times before travel. AR$6 one 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 Italia, at the river junction of the Goyle & Navidad, Laguna Jacob (Refuge San Martin)
Don't want to take a tent: Refugio Italia & Refugio San Martin (about $35+ night)

Route: (can be walked in either direction)
Colonia Swiss - Italia: 5 hours
Italia - Laguna Jacob: Full Day
Laguna Jacob - River Casa de Piedra/Road Junction: 5 Hours