⚠️ Important: This route travels through an area of Los Glaciares National Park designated as a Remote Area. Some mountain experience is essential. Trails are not marked in the same way as the main trail network (Laguna de los Tres, Laguna Torre, etc.), and there are no nearby medical services or serviced campsites.

Use the information below as a reference only. Before setting out, visit the Ceferino Fonzo Visitor Center for up-to-date information on the route and recommended gear.

Mountain Use Registration – Remote Areas, Los Glaciares National Park:

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

An overnight stay at Refugio Piedra del Fraile is strongly recommended for time management. For rates and reservations, contact the refuge directly via Facebook (email and phone also available there).

The trek begins at the sign reading “Piedra del Fraile – 2 hrs”, immediately before the bridge over the Río Eléctrico. The trail heads west through the Río Eléctrico valley — initially over sparse terrain, then through a lenga beech forest.

With minimal elevation gain and beautiful views throughout, you’ll arrive at the charming Refugio Piedra del Fraile after approximately 2 hours.

After setting up camp and refueling, head southwest from the rear of the camping area and begin looking for cairns (for more precise directions, ask the refuge staff). From this point the terrain changes dramatically as a steep ascent begins.

At approximately 1,200 m above sea level, veer right — the main trail continues to Piedra Negra — and follow the route along the lake. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter icy sections. Follow the track and cairns toward the rock face that gives Paso del Cuadrado its name.

From Refugio Piedra del Fraile, it is also possible to connect with the Laguna de los Tres – Laguna Torre Traverse for those looking to extend the route..

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

Distance from Piedra del Fraile to Paso del Cuadrado (Back and forth): 6 – 7 hours.

Estimated time: 2 days and 1 night.

Depending on the time of year, crampons may be required. In summer they are generally not necessary, though gaiters or high-ankle trekking boots and trekking poles are recommended.

For safety, a GPS device or an offline-capable navigation app is strongly advised (we recommend Wikiloc)

• See: Recommended gear for multi-day treks and traverses

Before heading out, always check the weather forecast. Depending on the time of year and the type of route, we also recommend verifying sunrise and sunset times. 

We recommend the following apps (desktop versions also available):

• WINDY.COM: Ideal for checking wind speed and gust forecasts.
• YR.NO: Best for temperature and precipitation data.

For more information on weather and alternative apps: click here.