5 Lagoon Traverse
The Five Lagoons Traverse: Patagonia’s Iconic Wilderness Trek (5 Days)
The Five Lagoons Traverse is an iconic, bucket-list trek in the Patagonian Andes. This 5-day expedition offers a complete immersion into Nahuel Huapi National Park, from traditional mountain huts and wild campsites to stunning high-altitude tarns and views of the colossal Mount Tronador.
Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights
Challenge Level (Physical/Technical): High
Day 1:The Start – From Colonia Suiza to the Mythical Laguna Negra (Approx. 5 hours)
Our adventure kicks off in Colonia Suiza. The well-marked trail follows the tranquil Goye Stream. Our main challenge for the day is “El Caracol” (The Snail)—a zig-zag climb that ensures we gain elevation quickly, delivering us to the breathtaking view of Laguna Negra. Accommodation: Wild camp or at the classic Refugio Segre.
Day 2: Into the Wild – Laguna Negra to Laguna CAB (Approx. 6-7 hours)
Prepare for one of the trip’s most demanding and rewarding days. We circle Laguna Negra before pushing towards the summit ridge of Cerro Bayle Willis. After lunch, we plunge into the untamed heart of the forest, navigating dense bamboo thickets on lesser-maintained trails. This day demands focus and resilience, promising a true wilderness experience until we reach the secluded Laguna CAB.
Day 3: Summit King – Laguna CAB to Laguna Creton (Approx. 9-10 hours)
This is our longest day and our greatest effort, but the views are proportional to the work! We tackle the steep, yet truly awe-inspiring, ridge of Cerro CAB. We descend through a technical scree field before our final push to the Los Cristales ridge. The Epic Payoff: The panoramic view from the ridge is your hard-earned reward, followed by a careful descent to our Creton campsite.
Day 4: Tronador’s Majesty and the Azul Lagoon (Approx. 5 hours)
Enjoy a slightly more relaxed morning start. We take a gentle ascent to the Capitán Ridge. The Ultimate View: Prepare your camera for two of the trek’s best sights: the stunning Azul Lagoon, nestled in a granite amphitheater, and the Majestic Tronador, seemingly within reach! A final descent brings us to Illon Lagoon, a popular spot where we re-enter “civilization” after days in the remote backcountry.
Day 5: The Triumphant Return to Pampa Linda (Approx. 4 hours)
Our final day is the most relaxed. We follow a gentle, descending trail through the forest. The final approach is via a well-marked, steep zig-zag path down to Pampa Linda. We cross the Alerce River bridge, marking the end of the traverse. Your vehicle awaits for the well-deserved celebration with a cold beer on the grass, toasting your incredible achievement!
