Surprisingly, they initially were apprehensive to even discuss or describe the traverse trek. We managed to convince them (pretty quickly) that we had the experience. Their biggest concern is on day three when trekkers travel from Refugio Jakob/San Martin to Refugio Laguna Negra. Routefinding can be difficult and there is some climbing, as shown in the photo below. That's me (Kirsten) in front.
Climbing out of Refugio San Martin
We took a bus - the Number 10, which runs every hour on the 15s (so 11:15 a.m.) - to Villa Catedral, a ski resort village about 20 km from Bariloche. The 45-minute bus ride cost 3.50 pesos a person.
Then it was off to Refugio Frey, which we reached in under four hours. The refugios in the park are well equipped and offer guests access to just about everything. For 30 pesos a person you can stay in the hut as well as use their kitchen including pots, pans, gas and spices. It is free to camp and a number of people just paid the 8 peso fee to use the kitchen and then pitched tents in the surrounding area.
Refugio Frey had a great vibe and the staff was laid back. They also had a crazy cat named Tortas that acted more like a dog. The other huge plus about Frey is the climbing! This is definitely the spot for climbers to bag a bunch of multi-pitch climbs within view of the refugio.
On day two we would leave Frey in some cloudy and chilly conditions. Within an hour of leaving the refugio we ascended a steep section and then reached Conchas de Fotball, a rocky area that is supposed to look like a football stadium. We finally we reached the top of the saddle and slowly made our way down the steep and slippery other side. By the time we reached the saddle it was windy and misting.
Within an hour or two, as we entered into a lenga forest it was raining steadily.
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