Important: Although this trek is done within private property, it is also considered a “Remote Area” by Los Glaciares National Park, so it is essential to have some mountain experience to do it. The trails are not marked as in the case of the treks that are part of the backbone network (Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre, etc).

Use the described information only as a reference, and before starting it is recommended to go to the “Cerferino Fonzo” Visitor Center to obtain updated information about the route and the necessary equipment.

Registration of Mountain Use in Remote Areas – Los Glaciares National Park:

• Private visitors: click here.
• Independent guides or service providers: click here.

Due to time constraints it is recommended to stay overnight at Piedra del Fraile Refuge. For more information about rates and reservations, please contact the refuge directly via Facebook (you will find email and phone number there).

The trekking starts where the sign “Piedra del Fraile 2 hs” is located, immediately before the bridge that crosses the Río Eléctrico. The trail begins heading west directly through the valley of the electric river, at first with little vegetation and then directly through a lenga forest.

With almost no slope and very pleasant views, after approximately 2 hours of walking you reach the picturesque Refugio Piedra del Fraile.

After setting up the tent and having something to eat, we will begin to advance in a SW direction through the back part of the camping area until we start to see monoliths (For more precision, we recommend asking for directions to the refugieros). From this point the trail changes completely and we begin a hard ascent.

Approximately at 1200 masl we turn off to the right (the main trail will take us to Piedra Negra) following the lagoon. From this point we may come across icy parts (especially depending on the time of year), following the track and the monoliths we continue advancing towards the rocky wall that gives its name to “Paso del Cuadrado“.

From Piedra del Fraile it is possible to make the connection with the crossing Laguna de los Tres – Laguna Torre for those who want to add a couple of kilometers.

Distance from the bridge to Piedra del Fraile: 2 hours.

Distance from Piedra del Fraile to Paso del Cuadrado (round trip): 6 – 7 hours depending on physical condition.

Total estimated time: 2 days and 1 night.

Depending on the time of year it may be necessary to use crampons. During the summer it is not necessary, although it is recommended to bring a pair of gaiters or high top shoes and trekking poles.

For safety, it is recommended to have a GPS or App that allows you to follow a track without Internet (We recommend Wikiloc).

See: Recommended equipment for long trekking or hiking.

Before starting any trail, it is recommended to check the weather conditions. Additionally (and depending on the time of year and the type of the hike), it is recommended to check the time of sunrise and sunset.

We recommend the use of the following Apps (or their corresponding desktop version):

• WINDY.COM: Very useful to corroborate wind speed and gusts.
• YR.NO: With this app we will be able to check the temperature and precipitation.

For more info about the weather and alternative Apps: click here.