TURBIO IV
The Argentinian Andes south of Bariloche are some of the most unexplored mountainous regions of South America. The glaciated peaks possess some of the largest granite walls in America. Many of them have never been climbed, or even photographed. The gem of this region is Turbio IV, pronounced Turbio Quatro. A dense and lush rainforest riddled with bamboo and gorgeous birdsong covers the deep misty valleys. Giant alerces, massive trees related to redwoods, grow straight from the granite. The river is an unbelievable treat: Chinook salmon swim upstream through the opal waters and the camping is fantastic. However, the true highlight of the valley is its kind and resilient locals, who help us all along the way.
OUR TRIPS
Backpacking Turbio IV
We start with a boat across a lake from the town of Lago Puelo. After reaching the shore on the other side we meet our gauchos and horses to carry some of our weight most of the way up Turbio valley. From there we cross a river by way of a wild Tyrollean traverse and head up to the third hut by the third day. Once we are up at the final Refugio we begin three days of exploring the higher valleys and their granite walls, glaciers, ice caves, and peaks above.
Season
December to March
Difficulty
Medium/Hard
Duration
9 Days
Meeting point
Lago Puelo
Trekking
Previous experience
Backpack
18 kg
Overnight
Tent/Refugio
Transfer
Included
Backpacking/Packrafting Combo
Again, we start in the beautiful town of Lago Puelo and meet a boat to cross the lake. From there we meet our gauchos and horses to carry our boats and equipment up to the confluence of the rivers, higher up in the valley. After that we head to the refugios. For three days we explore the higher valleys before heading all the way down to our boats. We inflate them, paddle down the river, and then camp by an awesome beach on a beautiful ranch with the nicest people you’ll ever meet. From there it’s an easy float down to the lake, where we meet up with our motor boat to bring us back to Lago Puelo to celebrate.
Season
December to March
Difficulty
Medium/Hard
Duration
9-10 Days
Meeting point
Lago Puelo
Trekking
Previous experience
Backpack
18 kg
Overnight
Tent/Refugio
Transfer
Included
Kayak
Packrafting
Class 1 / 2 river
Packrafting and Mountaineering Combo
Here is the crown jewel of our trips! You get one full empanada with this one!
Again, we start in the beautiful town of Lago Puelo and meet a boat to cross the lake. From there we meet our gauchos and horses to carry our boats and climbing gear up to the confluence of the rivers, higher up in the valley. After that we head to the refugios. For four to five days we will make attempts at climbing the unbelievable peaks above before heading all the way down to our boats. We inflate them, paddle down the river, and then camp by an awesome beach on a beautiful ranch with the nicest people you’ll ever meet. From there it’s an easy float down to the lake, where we meet up with our motor boat to bring us back to Lago Puelo to celebrate.
Season
December to March
Difficulty
Hard
Duration
10-15 Days
Meeting point
Lago Puelo
Trekking
Previous experience
Backpack
25 kg
Overnight
Tent/Refugio
Transfer
Included
Mountaineering
Scrambling
Tyrolese
Glacier walking Optiononal
Kayak
Packrafting
Class 1 / 2 river
Located about 60 km south west of the town of Lago Puelo, Argentina, the valley of Rio Turbio IV is an untouched paradise that has only been explored by the occasional intrepid climber or adventurous backpacker. Two hours south of Bariloche, Lago Puelo and El Bolsón are beautiful mountain towns close to the Northern boundary of Patagonia.
THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME
A minimal time of 10 days is advisable to visit the Turbio, the optimum is between 14 and 20 days to assure good weather window and enough time to enjoy the marvels that it have to offers.