TURBIO IV Patagonia Expedition
Remote Hiking Adventure close to Bariloche
Discover one of the most remote trekking expeditions in Northern Patagonia. Located south of Bariloche near Lago Puelo and El Bolsón, the Turbio IV expedition combines multi-day backpacking, wild river crossings, zip lines, mountain huts, glacial valleys, and optional packrafting deep in the Andes of Argentina. Far from the crowded trails of Torres del Paine and El Chaltén, this guided Patagonia hiking adventure is designed for experienced trekkers looking for true wilderness exploration.
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.
REMOTE TREKKING IN NORTHERN PATAGONIA
Located south of Bariloche near El Bolsón and Lago Puelo, Turbio IV offers a completely different Patagonia experience from the classic tourist circuits. Here, ancient forests, glacial rivers, granite walls, and isolated valleys create the perfect setting for a true wilderness expedition.
Unlike the busy trails of Southern Patagonia, the Turbio region remains wild, remote, and rarely visited.
WHY TREK IN TURBIO IV
A TRUE BACKPACKING EXPEDITION
This is not a standard lodge-based hiking trip. Turbio IV is designed for hikers looking for real immersion in Patagonia wilderness. Combining road travel, speedboat crossings, horse packing, and self-sufficient backpacking, Turbio IV offers one of the most unique trekking expeditions in Northern Patagonia.
Expedition Highlights
Multi-day trekking expedition
Remote mountain camps
River crossings
Zip lines
Mountain refugios
Wild Patagonia landscapes
Small group experience
Optional packrafting and mountaineering
The route changes with river levels, weather, and mountain conditions, making every expedition unique.
FAR FROM THE CROWDS
While thousands of hikers visit Torres del Paine and El Chaltén every summer, Turbio IV remains one of the least explored trekking regions in Patagonia.
Weeks can pass without seeing another group.
For many hikers, this feeling of isolation, exploration, and connection to nature is what Patagonia is truly about.
GUIDED BY CERTIFIED LOCAL MOUNTAIN GUIDES
Our expeditions are led by professional mountain and trekking guides with extensive experience in Northern Patagonia wilderness.
The remote nature of the Turbio region requires strong logistics, route knowledge, river assessment, and mountain decision-making.
Exploring with local guides allows you to travel deeper into the mountains safely while fully enjoying the experience.
AAGM Certified
UIMLA Certified
Wilderness First Aid
Local Patagonia Expertise
DESIGNED FOR EXPERIENCED HIKERS
Turbio IV is ideal for hikers seeking a physically demanding and rewarding Patagonia expedition.
This adventure is designed for travelers looking for wilderness, exploration, and authentic expedition-style trekking.
Participants should have:
Previous multi-day trekking or backpacking experience
Experience carrying a backpack for several consecutive days
Good physical condition and endurance
Comfort hiking on uneven and remote mountain terrain
A positive attitude toward expedition-style travel and changing conditions
Expedition conditions may include:
Long hiking days
Steep and rough trails
River crossings
Wet and unpredictable weather
Remote camps with limited infrastructure
Self-sufficient backpacking sections
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 8 days is advisable to visit the Turbio, the optimum is between 12 and 16 days to assure good weather window and enough time to enjoy the marvels that it have to offers.