Plizio Visual Lab
Cerro Tronador
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
Weather…
Water temperature…
Cerro Tronador is an imposing extinct volcano in the southern Andes, forming the natural border between Argentina and Chile near the city of Bariloche. Its name, which means The Thunderer, originates from the loud, booming sounds produced by large chunks of ice breaking off from its seven glaciers and crashing down. The mountain features three distinct peaks: the Argentine, the Chilean, and the International summit, which is the highest at 3,491 meters. The surrounding Nahuel Huapi National Park gives a variety of ecosystems, from dense temperate rainforests to alpine tundras. A notable attraction at its base is the Ventisquero Negro (Black Glacier), which has a unique dark appearance due to the high concentration of dirt and sediment trapped within the ice, creating a stark contrast with the surrounding snowy peaks.
- Location: Argentina
- Nearby: Villa La Angostura (30 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 44 | 36 | 52 | 77 | 132 | 163 | 144 | 136 | 72 | 70 | 56 | 46 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Usually accessed via a scenic gravel road from the nearest major city, followed by hiking trails up the extinct volcano.
Best season
Summer is typically preferred, as heavy winter snows can completely block vehicular access to the stratovolcano's base.
Terrain & paths
The area features diverse landscapes, transitioning from dense forests to rocky paths near the numerous active glaciers.
What to bring
Good footwear and warm layers are necessary, while specialized equipment is required if attempting formal glacier treks.
Parking
Designated parking spots are generally found at the end of the access road near the base of the imposing mountain.
Safety
It is vital to keep a safe distance from glacier edges due to the extreme risk of falling ice and sudden terrain shifts.
Time needed
A typical visit takes a full day, factoring in the long, slow drive and the time spent walking the lower mountain trails.
Geography
Facts
- Highest point is the International Peak at 3,491 meters
- Features seven major glaciers on both sides of the border
- Located within Nahuel Huapi, Argentina's oldest national park
- The Ventisquero Negro is a rare black-colored glacier at its base
- Geologically composed of ancient basalt and andesite rocks
- First successful ascent achieved by Hermann Claussen in 1934
- Serves as a critical site for glaziological research in South America
- The name refers to the thundering sound of calving glaciers
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Cerro Tronador (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called 'Thunder Mountain'?
The name comes from the thundering sound caused by collapsing glacier pieces.
Where is the best viewpoint?
Pampa Linda features a spectacular view of the Tronador and its glaciers.
Are there mountain huts?
Yes, Refugio Otto Meiling is a well-known stop for mountaineers.
How is the access?
The gravel road from Bariloche requires good planning due to fixed access times.
Is the glacier water drinkable?
Generally yes, but it is recommended to filter or boil it for safety reasons.
Cerro Tronador: where is it located?
Cerro Tronador is located in Argentina.
Cerro Tronador: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Cerro Tronador: why is it worth visiting?
Cerro Tronador is an imposing extinct volcano in the southern Andes, forming the natural border between Argentina and Chile near the city of Bariloche.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Argentina →
Nearby cities
Villa La Angostura
Villa La Angostura is an alpine-style town on Lake Nahuel Huapi, serving as the entrance to the arrayán forests and a base for the Seven …
Lago Puelo
Lago Puelo is an alpine town with a unique microclimate, situated by a turquoise lake near the Chilean border.
El Bolsón
A verdant foothills town in Patagonia, famous for its artisan markets, hop farming, and the hippie culture of the 1970s.
Cochamó
Often called the Yosemite of South America, Cochamó is a coastal village leading to a valley of massive granite walls and pristine forests.
Puyehue
Famous for its expansive national park, Puyehue is a major gateway between Chile and Argentina via the Andes.
Coñaripe
Coñaripe lies on the eastern shore of Lake Calafquén, offering volcanic black sand beaches and access to renowned thermal springs.
Villa Traful
Villa Traful is a quiet mountain village on Lake Traful in the Nahuel Huapi National Park, known for its submerged forest.
Petrohué
Petrohué is renowned for its turquoise waterfalls cascading over basaltic rock and as the port for Todos los Santos Lake.
San Carlos de Bariloche
A world-renowned ski and tourism destination, famous for its Alpine architecture and chocolate production.
Pucón
Chile's premier adventure tourism capital, nestled beneath a smoking volcano and surrounded by pristine lakes and ancient forests.
San Martín de los Andes
A picturesque mountain resort in the Andes, known for its scenic lakes and ski resort, Chapelco.
Futaleufú
Located near the Argentine border, Futaleufú is globally celebrated for its turquoise river, offering some of the best whitewater rafting…
Hornopirén
Hornopirén marks the official start of the Carretera Austral's rugged southern stretch and serves as a vital ferry port for Patagonia.
Villarrica
A bustling lakeside hub in the Araucanía region, serving as a cultural gateway to Mapuche heritage and outdoor volcanic adventures.
Ensenada
Situated on Lake Llanquihue beneath the Osorno Volcano, Ensenada is the primary gateway to Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.
Nature
More places
Cerro Campanario
A prominent hill in Bariloche, world-famous for its panoramic views of deep lakes and snow-capped Andean peaks.
Cerro Catedral
A famous mountain in Patagonia, whose pointed, needle-like peaks resemble the Gothic towers of a medieval cathedral.
Andean-Patagonian Forest
A temperate rainforest along the Andes in southern Argentina.
Alto Valle Apple Region
A fertile valley along the Río Negro, which is the heart of Argentina's apple and pear production.
Somuncurá Plateau
An extensive volcanic plateau in northern Patagonia, characterized by isolated lagoons, basalt rocks, and unique endemic wildlife.
Punta Bermeja Sea Lion Reserve
The largest permanent reserve for Patagonian sea lions, where they can safely sunbathe under high cliffs.
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Chile's oldest national park, encompassing deep forests, the Petrohué Waterfalls, and a rich ecosystem for pumas and small marsupials.
Arrayanes Forest
A unique forest of cinnamon-colored arrayán trees on the Quetrihué Peninsula.