Hardwin Adventures offers a unique vacation experience in Patagonia, specifically in the picturesque city of Bariloche. This adventure includes a hut-to-hut mountain traverse and stays in a luxurious spa hotel on off days. The package is designed for a small group of runners and includes guided routes, all meals, and professional photography to capture the experience. The journey is structured around daily trail runs across stunning landscapes, with nights spent in exclusive mountain shelters. Additional details, including optional activities and logistical support, are meticulously planned to enhance the experience. For more information, you can visit Hardwin Adventures' Patagonia page.

From the moment you land, every detail is handled. You’ll be whisked away to the luxurious Nido El Condor, your base for relaxation and rejuvenation throughout the trip. Each day unfolds with a new route, each offering unique challenges and breathtaking vistas. Whether it’s conquering the high altitudes of López Mountain or enjoying a serene traverse to the Shelters, your runs are complemented by fantastic meals, picnics by streams, and evenings under the stars at exclusive shelters. Beyond that we also have hired a professional photographer to document the group experience. 

Why Choose Patagonia for Trail Running?

This area of Patagonia is known for its beauty and accessibility. We have mixed in a beautiful mountain traverse with some great creature comforts. We sleep in huts next to emerald mountain lakes, and also luxurious accommodations at the start and end.

About HardWin Adventures

My name is John Hardin, and I’m the founder of HardWin Adventures, an established outdoor event company based in the Nashville, TN area. HardWin has a rich history of orchestrating a variety of outdoor events and local outings, leveraging my 20 years of expertise in the event production field. While running vacations abroad are a newer endeavor for me, organizing adventures is what I excel at.

Beyond HardWin, I’ve accomplished and also failed on numerous ambitious Fastest Known Times (FKTs), including a notable recent attempt at the Appalachian Trail FKT. During this attempt, I maintained a record pace for 779 miles until a minor quad tear curtailed my progress. The footage featured on the Maine Event vacation page highlights parts of this journey. I’m always pushing the boundaries for myself when time permits. I am equally passionate about outdoor adventures and deeply committed to the running community, always striving to enhance and expand it.

Is This Dangerous

It can be. But if you are familiar with these types of terrains it will make your experience and odds of not getting injured much better. Being in the mountains carries many inherent risks, but the trails we’ll be using are well-established and easy to navigate. The area is celebrated as a haven for hikers, and one of the reasons I chose it is because of the possible rescue services. If you’re prepared to accept these risks and still be humble, I invite you to join us.

Can I run further than what is recommended per day. 

Yes, and we and can go over this during the trip. There are always extra miles to be had in the mountains. 

How many guides are there?  

There are four of us working during this trip to ensure your safety, success, and fun. Typically on the trail there will be 2-3 of us with you. We cover the front and back of the group and if permitted we have a third guide hopping around between taking pics.

Terrain?

Will send you exact GPS information and all the files you will ever need for this trip but in general the terrain  type is all over the place. Most of it is typical mountain single track trail. We will start in tree line and work our way up to the scree, boulders, and lakes. Think lots of climbing. 

What to Bring? 

Will send you a list and video on what to prepare and how to pack but below is highly suggested gear. 

• A long sleeved tech shirt, I like mine with a hoodie to block sun if needed
• A short sleeved tech shirt
• Rain jacket and rain pants
• Filtered water bottle – Our favorite is the – Salomon or Katahdhin. 
• Cell phone if you have a gps tracker even better
• Headlamp with extra battery or two headlamps
• Two extra water bottles besides the filter or a large camel pouch equal in capacity
• Software that supports GPX files. Our favorite for this particular endeavor is Gaia GPS. You can also download the maps here for offline use.
• Wind breaker jacket. Our favorite is the Houdini
• Puffy or Micro-Puffy coat for night time
• Emergency blanket or bivy
• Sun glasses.. Bring good ones
• Sun Block
• Thin neck gaiter. You will be exposed
• Running poles
• Salt tablets or portable electrolyte packs
• A small ziplock bag of 8 KT strips and 5 inches of duct tape folded together or wrapped on your poles. 
• Bottle of lube. Put what you think you will need for the traverse in another ziplock
• Ziplock of TP
• Light gloves
• Some trail running shoes would be a good idea

Is This Trip Right for Everyone?

Participation in this trip requires a foundation of endurance. Speed is not the primary concern; rather, it’s your ability to sustain effort over consecutive days. Building this kind of endurance is essential for safety in mountainous terrain, where the challenges include not only the daily distances but also the cumulative effects of climbing and descending loose rocks. The distances each day are not that high based on ultra running standards but accent/descents can be demanding on your legs, which need to be well-prepared. I do not recommend this trip to someone who does not regularly trail run. If you’re looking for guidance on how to train or simply wish to refine your mountain skills, feel free to reach out via email. I’m here to provide support and advice to ensure you’re ready for this adventure.

Do we need to do the full distances each day? 

The first and second day you do not need to do the full distance. They are out and backs. The second day includes a lot of climbing so by all means do not do the full climb and save yourself for the traverse. The rest of the days you must complete the full distance. 

Weather

Daily high temperatures decrease by 2°F, from 71°F to 69°F, rarely falling below 58°F or exceeding 83°F. The highest daily average high temperature is 71°F on February 1.

Daily low temperatures decrease by 2°F, from 46°F to 44°F, rarely falling below 35°F or exceeding 55°F.

Temps in the mountains can change dramatically from the temps above and are typically cooler. For me at night a puffy or R1 Hoodie with a Houdini is a must. Also gloves and pants are nice. Keep in mind we will be in shelters that are insulated but the mornings will be brisk to say the least. 

Group Size

8-10, but we will likely stick to 8 for this upcoming trip.

Do we tip for this event?

No tips are required, and we mean that. Our guides are working hard for you at the cost you paid. If you really want to tip someone, I’m fine with it and leave it in your hands. It is not required or expected. The only thing that we do ask is if you do tip, please send it to our direct Venmo so that we can split it among the group. 

Do you have medical equipment with you?

We have minimal medical gear on the trails, but we will have some medical gear at the shelters. If it is an emergency, a rescue will take place. If you are prone to minor injuries, be sure to bring along what is needed.

What do I need to come. 

All participants must possess a passport valid for at least six months. Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU do not require visas.

Cancellation terms are as follows:

• If you cancel 90 days before the trip starts: You’ll receive a full refund.
• If you cancel between 61 to 90 days before the trip starts: You’re entitled to a refund of 50% of the total payment.
• If you cancel 60 days or less before the trip starts: No refunds are available.

We reserve the right to cancel the trip 60 days out. If we do this you will get a full refund. 

If we have to cancel the trip due to external events out of our control then we will refund all expenses that have not gone out so far. Again get insurance for this trip, life happens to all of us. 

Optional Run – Easy

• Morning: Arrival at Bariloche Airport and transfer to the luxurious Nido Del Condor hotel.
• Afternoon: Embark on an optional  20km (12 miles) acclimatization run along the scenic Circuito Chico route, offering a gentle introduction with only 500 meters of altimetry. This run is designed to ease you into the Patagonian landscape with low difficulty.
• Evening: Enjoy a first-class dining experience at the hotel’s restaurant, where you’ll taste local flavors and international cuisine, setting the tone for a week of indulgence and adventure.

Day 2: López Mountain Challenge 

Optional Distance – Hard – Out and Back

• Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, a 40-minute van ride takes you to López Mountain.
• Daytime: Tackle a high-difficulty trail run of 13km (8.07 miles)  with a challenging 1,300 meters of elevation gain. The effort is rewarded with a picnic at the top, featuring local delicacies like milanesa sandwiches, cheese, and salame.
• Evening: Return to the hotel for supper and rest, recapping the day’s achievements with your fellow runners.

Day 3: Frey Shelter 

Mandatory Distance – Hard – One Way

• Morning: Post-breakfast, depart for Villa Catedral.
• Daytime: Engage in a medium-difficulty trail run covering 9.5 kilometers (6 miles) with 800 meters of altimetry, concluding at the remote Frey Shelter.
• Overnight: Experience staying in a mountain

Day 4: Jakob Shelter -Rugged Trails 

Mandatory Distance – Hard – One Way

• Morning: Start with breakfast at Frey Shelter before setting off.
• Daytime: Face a high-difficulty 10km (6.2) trail run to Jakob Shelter, overcoming 850 meters of elevation. Midway, enjoy a picnic beside a mountain stream, a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
• Overnight: Stay at Jakob Shelter, where supper and camaraderie with fellow runners await.

Day 5: Laguna Negra Shelter 

Mandatory Distance – Hard – One Way

• Morning: Depart Jakob Shelter after breakfast.
• Daytime: Trail Running 10k (6.02) of very high difficulty
• Evening: Super at Laguna Negra and sleep at the Shelter

Day 6: Laguna Negra Shelter to Alma de Lago 

Mandatory Distance – Moderate – One Way

• Morning: Breakfast at Laguna Negra Shelter
• Daytime: 14km (9 miles) of easier trail running, followed by a picnic Colonia Suiza stream
• Evening: Afternoon at the hotel, and supper with the crew!

Day 7: Nido Del Condor

• Morning: Breakfast at hotel 
• Daytime: Optional extra horse back riding (extra fee), lunch at a famous craft brewery, tour the city 
• Evening: Dinner at Llao Llao start dinner!