Cerro Tronador tour: Glacier viewpoint from Bariloche

Ride the chairlift to a glacier named for the sound of melting ice

A nine-hour tour from Bariloche climbs Cerro Tronador in Nahuel Huapi National Park, 80 kilometers southwest of the city, with a chairlift ascent to the Black Blizzard glacier viewpoint and stops at Lake Mascardi, the Manso River, and native forest paths. The tour includes hotel pickup within the central zone and a live guide in English or Spanish. Entrance fees to the national park are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Cerro Tronador and Glacier Black Blizzard

• Depart from Bariloche city
• Stop at viewpoints of Bonete and Cresta de Gallo hills
• Visit dark sandy beaches of Lake Mascardi
• Walk path surrounded by native forests near Villa Mascardi
• Stop at Los Rápidos Bridge on Manso River
• View valley of upper Manso River
• Arrive at Pampa Linda for rest and gastronomy
• Ascend to Black Blizzard glacier viewpoint
• Optional detour to Los Alerces waterfall

The experience

The route starts in Bariloche and winds through the Lake District toward the base of Cerro Tronador, a 3,491-meter peak that holds seven glaciers. Along the way, you stop at viewpoints overlooking the Bonete and Cresta de Gallo hills, then descend to the dark sand beaches of Lake Mascardi. Past Villa Mascardi, a path cuts through native forest: an area that draws mountain lovers and fishers year-round. The landscape shifts as you climb, each stop framing a different angle of the surrounding ranges.

At the Manso River, you pause at Los Rápidos Bridge to watch trout in the water below. The river rises at Tronador's summit and changes color along its course. From this vantage point, you see the upper valley in its full meandering sweep, with greenish water winding through the terrain. Continuing upward, you reach Pampa Linda, a settlement with accommodation and food services where you can see other glaciers of the Tronador before the final push. A chairlift carries you to the last viewpoint: the Black Blizzard, a glacier noted for its dark color, which descends from the peak. On the return, the route can detour to Los Alerces waterfall, a 30-meter drop visible from the road.

Hotel pickup covers central Bariloche hotels and properties on Avenida Bustillo up to kilometer 8. Hotels outside this zone can arrange transfers at checkout. The tour runs nine hours total and includes a live guide who speaks English or Spanish, depending on which option you select at booking.

What’s included

• The tour includes hotel pickup from central Bariloche.
• a live guide in your chosen language.
• the chairlift ascent to the Black Blizzard viewpoint.
• stops at Lake Mascardi, the Manso River, and native forest paths.
• and access to viewpoints overlooking the Bonete and Cresta de Gallo hills.

Options for this experience

2 options

Only in Spanish09:00Pickup is included

Language English option09:00Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Paid on siteUS$ 16.23

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Azul Latina Travel

Is this one for you?The chairlift means you reach the glacier viewpoint without a strenuous climb, so the tour suits mixed fitness levels and those who want high-altitude views without technical hiking. The nine-hour duration fits a single day from Bariloche, though it leaves little time for other activities that day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What is the Black Blizzard glacier and why is it called that?

The Black Blizzard is a glacier descending from Cerro Tronador, noted for its dark color: a visual distinction from the lighter ice fields nearby. The mountain itself is named Tronador (meaning "thunder-maker") because of the noise produced by frequent melting of ice on its seven glaciers.

Can I see the Manso River on this tour?

Yes. You stop at Los Rápidos Bridge over the Manso River, where you can watch trout in the water and see the valley of the upper Manso River stretching across the landscape with its meandering course and greenish waters.

Does the tour include a chairlift ride?

Yes, the ascent to the Black Blizzard viewpoint includes a chairlift. This is the final leg of the climb and reaches the highest vantage point of the day.

What happens at Lake Mascardi?

Lake Mascardi is one of several stops along the route. You can approach one of the dark sand beaches and enjoy views of the surrounding hills from the shoreline before continuing toward Cerro Tronador.

Is hotel pickup included, and which hotels are covered?

Hotel pickup is included for central Bariloche hotels and properties on Avenida Bustillo up to kilometer 8 from the city center. Hotels outside this zone can arrange transfers at checkout for an additional cost.