
Refugio Los Laguitos
A remote Patagonian refuge offering stunning lake and mountain views, accessible via a challenging trek.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos

Refugio Los Laguitos
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote Patagonian refuge offering stunning lake and mountain views, accessible via a challenging trek.
"The best attention, peace and landscapes I have ever experienced in El Bolson."

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.

Quick Facts
Rating
4 · 161 reviews
Type
Campground
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lago Soberanía
Accessible from Refugio Los Laguitos
A stunning lake offering breathtaking views, perfect for day trips from the refuge.

Cerro Añihue
Visible from Refugio Los Laguitos
Imposing mountain backdrop providing a dramatic and picturesque setting for the refuge.

Refugio Los Laguitos
Shore of Lago Lahuán
A mountain refuge offering accommodation and a base for exploring Patagonia's natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Closures & Fire Impact
Long Trek & Accommodation Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Book Accommodation in Advance
Options range from camping to private rooms. Booking ahead is recommended.
Prepare for a Long Hike
The trek from Wharton is 27km and takes 8-10 hours. Be ready for a strenuous journey.
Tips
from all over the internet
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.
Book Accommodation in Advance
Options range from camping to private rooms. Booking ahead is recommended.
Prepare for a Long Hike
The trek from Wharton is 27km and takes 8-10 hours. Be ready for a strenuous journey.
Bring Your Own Food
While some refuges offer meals, it's wise to pack snacks and essentials.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
The refuge is situated at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level (msnm).
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.
Given the long trek, pack essentials like water, snacks, appropriate hiking gear, and layers for changing weather conditions.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Yes, booking accommodation in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Yes, there are distinct pricing tiers for camping and for staying in indoor accommodations, similar to a hostel.
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.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy trekking, camping, kayaking on the lake, and exploring nearby natural attractions like Lago Soberanía.
Facilities can vary. Some reviews mention a quincho for cooking (bring your own gas), and options for camping or private rooms.
While the trek is strenuous, the natural beauty and activities like camping can be enjoyable for families who are prepared for the hike.
The refuge is set against the backdrop of Lago Lahuán and the impressive Cerro Añihue, offering stunning Patagonian landscapes.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Options can include prepared meals, and there's a quincho for self-catering. Some visitors have found the pizza to be mediocre.
Yes, if you plan to use the quincho for cooking, you'll need to bring your own cooking gas.
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.
Reviews on food quality are mixed, with some praising the meals and others finding certain items, like pizza, to be mediocre.
📸 📸 Photography
The surrounding Patagonian landscapes, including Lago Lahuán, Cerro Añihue, and nearby Lago Soberanía, offer stunning photographic potential.
Early mornings often provide the best light for capturing the dramatic landscapes and avoiding harsh midday sun.
The shores of Lago Lahuán and the trails leading to Lago Soberanía are prime spots for capturing the essence of the area.
A wide-angle lens would be beneficial for capturing the expansive mountain and lake vistas. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
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.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit