Email me directly with questions you have that are not answered below

Do I need to register before trekking?

Yes! Registration is free & required for trekking in the National Park.

Go to https://www.nahuelhuapi.gov.ar/intro_registro.html to register

Can I bring my pet?

Nope. They are considered exotic animals that can negatively affect native fauna and flora. You’ll need to make other arrangements for the 4 leggers.

What is a Refugio and do I need to register to use one?

A Refegio is a rustic mountain hut. They are NOT hotels or hostels. Some have caretakers and offers services in the form of selling food. Those that offer services do require registration which is not the same as a reservation. All are welcome at Refugios and they cannot be reserved for private use. Upon arrival to a hut individuals should leave backpacks, personal items, and shoes outside, regardless of the weather. Refugios are small and the caretakers work hard to make them a refuge for ALL hikers whom show up. For a fee, most refugios have shared kitchen space that is open for use at specific times, not any time you are hungry. Most refugios have toilets of some kind and they ask that patrons use them, not the wilderness around the refugio because that pollutes the drinking water. I recommend that you bring your own toilet paper. Also every hiker should plan to hike back out with their own garbage and not leave any garbage at a refugio, even better if you offer to hike out some of their garbage.

Some refugios do not have services and do not require registration. I let you know on this site which do and which do not.

Can I drink the water?

The water in the National Park and all the lakes is very clean and many local’s drink withoout treating in any way. My recommendation is to treat water chemicaly (bleach/iodine) or using a filter. Every year there is more traffic on the trails and at refugios which means higher chance of water contimation via human feces, it’s just not worth the risk.