REFUGIO LOPEZ HIKE FROM BARILOCHE: THE ONE WITH THE EPIC VIEWS.
In our quest to find the best hikes in and around the San Carlos de Bariloche (Bariloche) area, we recently hiked Cerro Lopez to Refugio Lopez. After hiking to Refugio Frey, we didn’t think we would find a better hike to beat it – but this hike certainly tried!
Although we still think Refugio Frey is the best one to choose (if you can only pick one hike in Bariloche), the hike to Refugio Lopez comes a very close second. And, we think this is THE HIKE to pick in Bariloche if you want incredible scenery. Hence, we call this hike – the one with the epic views!
Read on to find out everything you need to know about hiking Cerro Lopez to Refugio Lopez.
Day hike from Bariloche to Refugio Lopez: The one with the epic views
Firstly, a bit about Cerro Lopez
Cerro Lopez is a mountain which towers proudly in Nahuel Huapi National Park near to the fantastic town of San Carlos de Bariloche (colloquially called Bariloche.) Cerro Lopez is a popular area for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, including hikers and mountaineering fans. The summit reaches 2,075 metres (6,800 ft) above sea level. One of the allures of Cerro Lopez is the incredible vistas that it offers across the national park. This is why we think that the day hike to Cerro Lopez (and Refugio Lopez) is the best hike near Bariloche with the most epic views!
And Refugio Lopez
Refugio Lopez, found on a craggy rock on Cerro Lopez, is a welcoming retreat for hikers and climbers. Mountain refuges in the Bariloche area are known for providing shelter and amenities for visitors exploring this magical place. The refuge is cosy and warm, a place to relax and rejuvenate before heading back out to the mountain. Inside there are board games and hot drinks, a fluffy cat can sometimes be seen roaming around too. It all adds to the snug mountain vibe!
The hike on Cerro Lopez can be done as a day hike, or you can stay overnight in the refuge and return back the next day.
Nahuel Huapi National Park is also quite famous for a four day hut to hut trekking route, which starts with a hike to Refugio Frey, visits two more huts and then ends on the final night with Refugio Lopez. We haven’t done the four day hike (yet) but the YouTube video below explains it really well if you’re interested in learning more.
Hiking Cerro Lopez to Refugio Lopez
The journey to Refugio Lopez begins in Bariloche. Although the hike starts around 45 minutes away, you’ll first get to drive (or ride the bus) along the incredible Circuito Chico – a famous route around Bariloche’s lake. Along the way there are chances to stop off at view points, beaches, breweries or chocolate shops (although the latter two may be better on the way back from your hike.)
Almost as soon as the trail starts, you’re presented with views back behind you across Nahuel Huapi lake with it’s islands and stunning water. Around 45 minutes in, you’ll reach Roca Negra, a small restaurant/ refuge (not often open), but that has picnic tables outside and offers a wonderful vantage point to enjoy the views. Stop here for lunch on the way up or back down.
As you climb higher up the winding trail, you’ll enter forests, providing a welcome break from the sun. Eventually, Cerro Lopez comes into view and you catch the first glimpse of Refugio Lopez – a red beacon of hope on a craggy section of the mountain.
The hike is steep in parts, but at only 5.2miles (there and back), the pain is soon over! Refugio Lopez provides a warm welcome – somewhere to stop and take in the views or enjoy a hot chocolate.
The views on the way down the hill are even more special, offering you glimpses of mountains in the distance, Rio Negro and Neuquen.
We love this hike and we think you will too. If you don’t have time or the energy to do it all (we don’t blame you), head up the first section just for the views! We promise, they are way better than anything you could see from the Circuito Cherro road.
Key facts about the Refugio Lopez hike
START POINT: Compañía General de Panchos del Arroyo López
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
HIKE STYLE: There and back
DISTANCE: 5.2 miles (8.4km) to Refugio Lopez and back or 6.3 miles (10.1km) to Pico Turista
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,600ft to Refugio Lopez and 4000ft to Pico Turista
TIME: 3 to 5 hours to Refugio Lopez or 6 to 7 hours if you hike to Pico Turista
TERRAIN: Sandy/ dusty tracks, some scree and some rocks to clamber over
ALL THE DETAILS ABOUT HIKING TO REFUGIO LOPEZ BARILOCHE
Here are all the details to help you enjoy this wonderful day hike from Bariloche to Refugio Lopez and Cerro Lopez.
How to get to the start of the Refugio Lopez hike
Compañía General de Panchos del Arroyo López is a cafe on the Circuito Chico road near to Bariloche. The cafe marks the start of the trail to Cerrro Lopez/ Refugio Lopez.
By car, it takes around 45 minutes from Bariloche to get there. By public transport, you can take either bus number 10 or 20 to the start of the trail.
Where to park for the Refugio Lopez hike
Compañía General de Panchos del Arroyo López is a cafe on the Circuito Chico road near to Bariloche. The cafe marks the start of the trail to Cerrro Lopez/ Refugio Lopez. There are two lay-bys (one on each side of the road) with no parking restrictions. These lay-bys are also bus stops so it’s best to tuck your car in tightly. We arrived at 09:00 and were the first to park, but when we came down in the afternoon there was little space left.
*Remember, in Argentina you must park in the direction of travel, so make sure your car parked facing the right direction.
The hike from Arroyo Lopez to Refugio Lopez is very easy to navigate, you essentially just keep heading up! But, we recommend using this map on All Trails just in case. There are also a few arrows and way marks here and there to help you stay on track.
How long is the hike to Refugio Lopez
The distance from Arroyo Lopez to Refugio Lopez and back is 5.2 miles (8.4km). The route to the top of Cerro Lopez is 6.3 miles (10.1km) (there and back.)
How difficult is the hike to Refugio Lopez
We would describe the hike to Refugio Lopez as moderate. There are some challenges, mainly the steep climb. But it is such a short hike in terms of distance that we think it is possible with a reasonable level of fitness.
One of the main challenges is hiking down, if you’re not used to steep descents or not wearing the right footwear, you may find it a little unnerving. We enjoyed the descent a lot, but we saw a few people struggling.
Overall, we found this an easier hike than the route to Refugio Frey in Bariloche.
What is the terrain like on the Refugio Lopez hike
The trail is steep – 2500 ft over only a few miles. There are narrow tracks at the start that open out to a dirt track before becoming narrow once again. Underfoot is mainly sandy/ dusty with some rocks and scree in the lower areas. At the top, there are a few rocks requiring scrambling. A couple of sections are a little eroded, but we didn’t feel unsafe. In many ways, the descent is harder the the ascent.
How long does the Refugio Lopez hike take
It tooks us 1 hour 50 minutes to get to Refugio Lopez at a fair pace and 1 hour 15 minutes to climb down, so around 3 hours there and back. But, we met a couple who took 3 hours to climb up and 2 to get down. So expect between 3 and 5 hours.
If you hike the extra distance to Pico Turista, expect it to take you another 2 hours to get there and back.
If you don’t have time to get to Refugio Lopez, you could walk part of it. There’s another refuge (which is not often open) lower down. Even if the refuge isn’t open, you can sit outside and enjoy the views, or a picnic.
What you need to know before hiking the Refugio Lopez trail
Here’s everything you need to know before hiking the Refugoo Lopez trail.
- The hike to Refugio Lopez should only be attempted between January and March – outside of this time, you will find snow on the ground.
- Check the weather forecast – the hike should not be attempted in bad weather. But, even if it is a hot day it may still be chilly at the top. My layers were on and off a million times from the start to the summit!
- Take water with you, but you can get refreshments (including hot drinks) at Refugio Lopez.
- Wear sensible hiking footwear – I had hiking boots and felt these were perfect for the terrain. I saw so many people wearing sneakers and skidding around on the terrain.
- You should register your trek with Bariloche Trekking (for safety reasons) and if you head up to Pico Turista, it’s recommended that you consult the team at Refugio Lopez before you do it (they can advise you on current conditions.)
Can you stay overnight in Refugio Lopez?
Refugio Lopez is a mountain refuge at 1620metres altitude. It has a long history of welcoming hikers to stay overnight. You must book in advance if you want to stay there – contact them on Instagram here.
If you’re not staying overnight, do pop in and support them by buying a drink or snack. The cosy bar sells beer, wine, soft drinks and hot drinks (I recommend the hot chocolate!)
Can you hike to the peak of Cerro Lopez?
Refugio Lopez is on Cerro Lopez. The refuge is not actually at the peak. You can hike there from Refugio Lopez – it is one mile further and an additional 1,500ft (approx). Expect a steep climb!
If you head up to Pico Turista, it’s recommended that you consult the team at Refugio Lopez before you do it (they can advise you on current conditions.)
Where to next in Argentina?
You can find our guides to travelling in Argentina below:
- Buenos Aires – a three day itinerary
- Best things to do in Palermo, Buenos Aires
- Dining at Don Julio restaurant in Buenos Aires
- Where to stay in Buenos Aires
- Where to stay in Mendoza
- Our experience of staying in a wine hotel in Mendoza
- Wine cycling in Mendoza – a top experience
- Best hikes in Bariloche
- Best hikes & things to do in El Chalten
- Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier – a guide
- Driving in Argentina: A guide
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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3 responses to “Refugio Lopez hike from Bariloche: The one with the epic views”
[…] For the full details about this hike, including where to park, public transport options and more on what to expect – you can find our detailed post dedicated to the hike to Refugio Lopez hike. […]
[…] Many of the hikes in Bariloche are high octane and involve significant climbs to mountain refuges. Our two favorites were the ultimate day hike from Bariloche to Refugio Frey. And, the hike that we call “the one with the amazing views,” aka the hike to Refugio Lopez on Cerro Lopez. […]
[…] Refugio Lopez hike from Bariloche: The one with the epic views (details here) […]