Refugio Los Laguitos - Image 1
1 / 3

Refugio Los Laguitos

4
·161 reviews·, Argentina

A remote Patagonian refuge offering stunning lake and mountain views, accessible via a challenging trek.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Refugio Los Laguitos - Image 1

Refugio Los Laguitos

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A remote Patagonian refuge offering stunning lake and mountain views, accessible via a challenging trek.

4
(161 reviews)

"The best attention, peace and landscapes I have ever experienced in El Bolson."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Trail Status First

Recent fires have caused trail closures. Always verify current access before you go.

Pack Your Own Gas

The quincho (cooking area) is basic; bring your own cooking gas for meals.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4 · 161 reviews

Type

Campground

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lago Soberanía

Lago Soberanía

Accessible from Refugio Los Laguitos

A stunning lake offering breathtaking views, perfect for day trips from the refuge.

Cerro Añihue

Cerro Añihue

Visible from Refugio Los Laguitos

Imposing mountain backdrop providing a dramatic and picturesque setting for the refuge.

Refugio Los Laguitos

Refugio Los Laguitos

Shore of Lago Lahuán

A mountain refuge offering accommodation and a base for exploring Patagonia's natural beauty.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Trail Closures & Fire Impact

Recent fires have significantly impacted access to Refugio Los Laguitos and surrounding trails. Many areas are currently forbidden for entry, and evacuations have occurred. Check current conditions before planning your trip.

Long Trek & Accommodation Options

The trek to Refugio Los Laguitos is a substantial 8-10 hour journey (27 km from Wharton). Be prepared for a challenging hike. Accommodation options range from camping to private rooms, with varying service levels.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds on trails
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Refugio Los Laguitos, El Bolson, Patagonia Argentina. • • Vean los ultimos posteos de cada uno de los refugios con informacion acerca de estos ultimos dias. Los refugios siguen cerrados y todos estan luchando para que esta situacion se revierta. • • #elbolson #refugioloslaguitos #patagonia #viajes #vacaciones #refugiosdemontaña
capturandoar
1.1M likes • 8.9M views

Check Trail Status First

Recent fires have caused trail closures. Always verify current access before you go. Reddit

Pack Your Own Gas

The quincho (cooking area) is basic; bring your own cooking gas for meals. Reddit

Refugio Los Laguitos Ubicado a orillas del Lago Lahuán y frente al imponente Cerro Año Nuevo. Salida desde Wharton. 📍 Ubicación exacta 41º46’16.6’’S, 71º43’39.04’’W -41.771279, -71.727512 🥾 Tiempo de trekking 8 a 10 horas (partiendo desde Wharton) ⛰️ Altitud del refugio 1100 msnm 📏 Distancia total del recorrido 27 km (desde Wharton) ⚠️ Nivel de exigencia Solo recomendado para personas con muy ...
elbolsontrekking
1.2K likes • 26K views
⛰️EXPERIENCIA PERSONAL SUBIENDO A REFUGIO LOS LAGUITOS DESDE WHARTON⛰️ • Aclaraciones: • este video esta mas orientado a los refugios en los que pare antes de Laguitos (si quieren que haga un video especifico de laguitos haganmelo saber). • es mi experiencia personal por lo que cada uno vive distinto estas experiencias. • el video es un poco contando acerca de El Retamal y Mañios y ademas dudas f...
capturandoar
0 likes • 4.3K views

Book Accommodation in Advance

Options range from camping to private rooms. Booking ahead is recommended. Instagram

Prepare for a Long Hike

The trek from Wharton is 27km and takes 8-10 hours. Be ready for a strenuous journey. Instagram

📍Lago Soberania. Acceso desde Refugio Los Laguitos, en mis videos podes contrar mas info sobre esta caminada. • • • • #argentina #patagonia #montañas #vacaciones #viajes #elbolson #lagos #refugiosdemontaña #turismo
capturandoar
35.6K likes • 421.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Trail Status First

Recent fires have caused trail closures. Always verify current access before you go. Reddit

Pack Your Own Gas

The quincho (cooking area) is basic; bring your own cooking gas for meals. Reddit

Book Accommodation in Advance

Options range from camping to private rooms. Booking ahead is recommended. Instagram

Prepare for a Long Hike

The trek from Wharton is 27km and takes 8-10 hours. Be ready for a strenuous journey. Instagram

Bring Your Own Food

While some refuges offer meals, it's wise to pack snacks and essentials. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(161 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Refugio Los Laguitos offers breathtaking Patagonian scenery and a challenging trek, with accommodation options ranging from camping to private rooms. While some visitors praise the attentive staff and beautiful surroundings, others have noted issues with facility maintenance and inconsistent service quality, particularly concerning the management's focus on profit over guest experience.

"This is based on my personal experience from 2019. After a long and strenuous hike, I arrived to find a landscape that looked like it had been bombed: massive trees had been uprooted and destroyed for their wood. Later, I learned that someone known as "el Polaco de la concesión" was responsible for ripping off the land that doesn't belong to him, extracting resources, and selling them.

Upon arriving at the refugio and knocking on the front door, I was immediately informed of the different pricing options: one for camping and another for staying indoors, like in a hostel. If you choose to camp, as I did, you'll be treated as a pariah, charged upfront and left on your own with little to no explanation. From my experience and the stories I’ve read from others, it’s clear that "el Polaco" is more interested in profiting from tourists than providing a welcoming or fair service.

There is a quincho for "cooking" your food (bring your own cooking gas) but it is dirty, not well maintained and screams for repairs."

Pow “orangeclownisacriminal” Surfer

"Perfect place! they fix anything you need, great breakfast, takeaway lunch for the daytrips, super good dinner, homemade beers, even private rooms! It was perfect for us so we didnt have to carry anything but clothes and water👍😃"

Rikard Adamsson

"The best atention, peace and landscapes I have ever experienced in El Bolson. All the way till there is amazing and they do a great job to keep it good.
Thanks!"

Arturo Novoa

What People Like

Stunning landscapes
Peaceful atmosphere
Friendly staff (Esteban)

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service
Facility maintenance
Perceived profit focus

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The primary access point is from Wharton, involving a challenging 27 km trek that takes approximately 8-10 hours. Some sources mention it's a significant hike, so be prepared for a full day of trekking. Instagram+1

If you're traveling by car, some accommodations like El Polaco Hostel Camping offer parking and luggage storage, which can be helpful for your trek. Instagram

The refuge is situated at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level (msnm). Instagram

While Wharton is a common starting point, the exact access points and trail conditions can vary. It's crucial to check local information for the most up-to-date routes. Instagram

Given the long trek, pack essentials like water, snacks, appropriate hiking gear, and layers for changing weather conditions. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the refuge typically involves accommodation fees, with different pricing for camping and staying indoors. It's advisable to check for any specific entrance requirements or permits. Reddit

Information regarding specific operating hours for the refuge itself is best obtained directly from the refuge management or local tourism offices, as these can change seasonally. Instagram

Yes, booking accommodation in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot. Instagram

Yes, there are distinct pricing tiers for camping and for staying in indoor accommodations, similar to a hostel. Reddit

Recent fires have led to significant trail closures and forbidden access to the area. It is critical to check the latest updates from local authorities before planning any visit. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Visitors can enjoy trekking, camping, kayaking on the lake, and exploring nearby natural attractions like Lago Soberanía. Instagram+1

Facilities can vary. Some reviews mention a quincho for cooking (bring your own gas), and options for camping or private rooms. Reddit

While the trek is strenuous, the natural beauty and activities like camping can be enjoyable for families who are prepared for the hike. Instagram

The refuge is set against the backdrop of Lago Lahuán and the impressive Cerro Añihue, offering stunning Patagonian landscapes. Instagram

While not explicitly detailed in all sources, lakes in such natural settings often allow for recreational activities. It's best to inquire locally about specific regulations. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Some reviews indicate that meals like breakfast, takeaway lunches, and dinner are available, along with homemade beers. However, it's wise to confirm availability. Reddit

Options can include prepared meals, and there's a quincho for self-catering. Some visitors have found the pizza to be mediocre. Reddit

Yes, if you plan to use the quincho for cooking, you'll need to bring your own cooking gas. Reddit

Specific dietary options are not detailed in the provided information. It's recommended to inquire directly with the refuge if you have specific dietary needs. Reddit

Reviews on food quality are mixed, with some praising the meals and others finding certain items, like pizza, to be mediocre. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The surrounding Patagonian landscapes, including Lago Lahuán, Cerro Añihue, and nearby Lago Soberanía, offer stunning photographic potential. Instagram+1

Early mornings often provide the best light for capturing the dramatic landscapes and avoiding harsh midday sun. Instagram

The shores of Lago Lahuán and the trails leading to Lago Soberanía are prime spots for capturing the essence of the area. Instagram

A wide-angle lens would be beneficial for capturing the expansive mountain and lake vistas. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary significantly in protected natural areas. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2
Refugio Los Laguitos (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide