Refugio Frey
Refugio Emilio Frey
A high mountain refuge behind Cerro Catedral, its granite spires reflected in a glacial cirque lake. It is one of Bariloche's classic hiking routes.
Refugio Emilio Frey sits at about 1,700 meters beside Laguna Toncek, a glacial cirque lake on the western side of Cerro Catedral, surrounded by jagged granite peaks, making it a famous climbing destination in South America. The most common route starts beside the Cerro Catedral ski area and follows the slope above Lago Gutiérrez into forest and valleys. It is about 10 to 12 km one way, takes roughly 4 hours, and gains about 700 meters of elevation, making it suitable for fit hikers doing a day round trip. You can also stay overnight at the refuge (book a bed in advance or bring your own sleeping bag) and continue onto more distant routes such as Laguna Jakob. The refuge serves simple meals and hot drinks. Before setting out, register your route with the National Park or a climbing club, watch the weather, and bring windproof and waterproof clothing.
Opening hours
Open in summer (per mountaineering club announcements)
Nearby sights
- Cerro Catedral
- Lake Gutiérrez
- Colonia Suiza
- Playa Bonita
- Cerro Campanario
- Cerro López
- Circuito Chico
- Cerro Otto