Refugio Jakob Treks, Nahuel Huapi National Park, Bariloche, Patagonia

Refugio Jakob (General San Martín)

Elevation: 1550m
2024 Prices: see their website
Capacity: sleeps #
Access: zona Casa de Piedra: 5 - 7 hour trek in

Reservations required to stay in refuge and camping. Book via the website below:

Website: https://www.refugiojakob.com.ar/reservas

Refugio Jakob Trekking Routes:

1) The Normal Route to Jakob

The easiest and most straight forward way to access Refugio Jakob.

Overview

Duration:	5 - 7 hours one way
Distance:	18 km's one way
Ascent:	670m
Start:	Tambo
Finish:	Refugio Jakob
Difficulty:	Easy but long
Access:	Hard
Park Entrance $:	None
Notes:	Long walk in

The Route

If arriving at 'Tambo' by taxi it will probably drop you off at the gate on the dirt track. Continue up this track for about 100m to large clearing/car parking area, this is the start of the trail. Continue along the trail, after a few hundred meter there is a signpost (pointing to Cerro Bella Vista to the right); continue round to the left. The trail ascends for about 1km before dropping down to continue alongside the river. After a couple of hours cross the bridge over the river and the trail heads into thicker vegetation and away from the river. After another couple of hours the trail start to ascent the hill, slowly at first before zig-zagging up the steeper section and arriving at a new wooden bridge. Cross the bridge and climb over the rocks, the trail continues for about another 1km before arriving at Refugio Jakob.

Water

The trail crosses or goes close to the Casa de Piedra stream on numerous occasions.

Is the stream water safe to drink? As with any mountain region where lots of people trek, there will be pollution of water sources. The refuges provide safe drinking water; whilst out on the trails I would recommend treating water from streams. Recommended water filter: Sawyer Mini Filter (really small, practical & affordable!)

Transport:

The best option that I personally use is to take the local bus no. 20 to KM 12,5 on Avenida Bustillio then take a remis to the trail head. 'Remises Bustillo' (0294) 4463003. A Remis is just like a taxi, but it has to be reserved by phone or at their office.

If finishing your trek at 'Tambo' it's about 6kms along a gravel road to the nearest bus! If you have a cell phone you can call 'Remises Bustillo' (see above). SECURITY NOTE: There have been a number of robberies over the last few years of people walking along this gravel road from the trail head back to the main road.

If arriving by car you can park in grassy clearing at the trail head. Sometimes a small fee is charged.

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2) Refugio Jakob to Refugio Laguna Negra

A tough trek with some of the most rewarding views in the National Park. It should only be undertaken by experienced trekkers. This is the most difficult part of the Nahuel Huapi traverse and should only be undertaken in good weather.

This trail is NOT well marked; it is steep/exposed and very rocky in places, requiring the use of hands (scrambling) over some sections of rock. It can be especially dangerous in poor visability and should not be attempted. The National Park Office officially says that you must sign a 'Deslinde de responsabilidaded' - 'waiver of liability' at the park office before you go as well as the National Park Trek Registration. When arriving at Refugio Jakob there is a register to sign so they have a record of who is doing the trek. There may be snow on this section of the route until February.

During the 2014/2015 season, Refugio Jakob had a presentation each morning at 9am to explain and show photos of the route. They only offered the presentation at 9am so if you want to leave earlier in the morning or are passing through later in the day then your option for this information is not there!

Duration:	10 hours one way
Distance:	about 10 km's
Ascent:	700m
Start:	Refugio Jakob
Finish:	Refugio Laguna Negra
Difficulty:	Hard
Access:	Medium
Park Entrance $:	None
Notes:	Scrambling and route find skills needed. Read disclaimer above.

Route:

Should be attempted in the Refugio Jakob to Laguna Negra direction - not the other way around. You will need a map and know how to use it as the route is so poorly marked you will need to know which mountain/pass you should be heading for. The route starts from Refugio Jakob in the direction of the refuge toilets then bears off to the left throught the various camping spots and past the make-shift helicopter landing site. The route continues up through the trees and out over some rocky outcrops. This first section of the route is marked with blue/white paint and red red paint dots. After about 15-20 minutes the trail turns to the right and starts ascending the bare rocky ridge to the base of Pico Refugio. At this point the trail is only maked by intermittent red dots painted on rocks and small cairns. The most technical part of the route is the ascent up to the col on Pico Refugio and involves a small amount of exposure and some scrambling with many sections over loose rock that can be dangerous if dislodged on anyone below - this section should not be tried in reverse as its very difficult to see the route markings if trying to descend here.

Once on the col at Pico Refugio the trail traverses to the col on the N.E spur of Cerro Inocentes over bare rock and scree. Once here the trail drops down over very loose scree between Cerro Inocentes and Lago Navidad then ascends again to the pass on the N ridge of Cerro Inocents. Once on the ridge, continue north up to the summit and plateau of Cerro Navidad. After admiring the spectacular 360 deg views the route continue North before first dropping down the loose scree slope to the start of the Navidad valley, then over larger boulders and steeper sections where the Navidad valley narrows before opening out into green pastures after about 2.5 - 3 hours of descent. Finally joining the main trail to Refugio Laguna Negra. Either take the trail on the left up the zig-zags to Refugio Laguna Negra or turn right for the trail out to Colonia Suiza after a little more than 2 hours. Note: Due to the nature of the terrain there are no camping spots/options on the route between Refugio Jakob and Laguna Negra, so make sure you have enough time to complete the entire route before heading out.

Water

Fill up before leaving the Jakob hut as there is no water on the majority of the trail. The first water source will be the stream descending the Navidad Valley.

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Refugio Jakob to Refugio Frey

This trek is best walked in the Refugio Frey to Refugio Jakob direction and not vica verca due to the descending the steeper screes and not ascending them. See the route here

Map for all Refugio Jakob Treks

The Normal Route to Jakob | Refugio Jakob to Refugio Laguna Negra | Refugio Jakob to Refugio Frey

TrekBariloche.com

Refugio Jakob (General San Martín) Treks

Probably one of the quietest destinations, it's a long walk in and needs at least two days to be set aside to visit it.

Refugio Jakob (General San Martín)

Refugio Jakob Trekking Routes:

1) The Normal Route to Jakob

Overview

The Route

Water

Transport:

2) Refugio Jakob to Refugio Laguna Negra

Route:

Water

Refugio Jakob to Refugio Frey

Map for all Refugio Jakob Treks