Cerro Morrudo

This mountain, located in the Patagonian Andes of Chubut, Argentina, is situated to the west of the Azul River. From El Bolsón. Take the iconic National Route N° 40 and then divert onto Provincial Route N° 16 towards Lago Puelo to reach the destination. The adventure begins at Camping La Pasarela, where it is necessary to register for free at the provincial tourism office to access the trail. This starting point features street food stalls operating throughout the summer.

The trail begins by crossing picturesque fields where locals engage in cattle farming and cultivate various varieties of berries. As the terrain starts to incline, the fields give way to the magical Patagonian Andean forest, transforming the landscape with each step.

Lago Puelo Town view

The trail is meticulously marked and signposted, ensuring trouble-free navigation. Along the first stage of this exciting adventure, the forest unfolds magnificently until reaching the Motoco Cardenas mountain shelter. It's noteworthy that this shelter, free from commercial control, is open for public use on a first-come, first-served basis. Since reservations cannot be made and considering the summer season, it is advisable to bring a tent and be self-sufficient to make the most of the experience.

Motoco Cárdenas Mountain Shelter

The stretch from Camping La Pasarela to the Motoco Cardenas Shelter covers approximately 10 km of trail, with an ascent of 1000 meters in positive elevation. Given the length and the demanding terrain, it is recommended to consider overnighting at the shelter or camping and preparing to tackle the summit at dawn the next day.

The second phase of the journey begins in the dense forest, but after crossing a marsh, the vegetation becomes sparser until completely fading away, revealing the characteristic mountain landscape. At this point, the trail practically disappears, requiring an ascent up the mountain's slope to reach the ridge. Heading west, you descend again into a small valley where several turquoise glacial lagoons are nestled, fed by the Morrudo Mountain glacier.

Glacial Lagoons

In this phase, it is necessary to navigate around the lagoons and find the safest route to advance, avoiding steep channels with loose rocks and areas most exposed to possible falls.

The summit of this mountain requires a final stretch of a short 6-meter climb, rated as a 4th class in the UIAA scale. This climb can be done without technical equipment, depending on conditions and the climber's experience.

Morrudo Glacier

To ascend this mountain, it is essential to have and know how to use progression equipment on snowy terrain (ice axe and crampons). Even in summer, late spring snow can accumulate and harden on the slopes, potentially posing risks for progression

Cerro Morrudo summit with my friend Luciano A. Torrez

Technical Specifications

Difficulty: Moderate

Equipment: Technical gear for navigating snowy terrain (crampons and ice axe).

Camp: Shelter available on a first-come  / Self-sufficient in winter (tent and food).

Waste Management: Self-sufficient.

Water: Accessible sources of potable water.