Colorado Hill (Cerro Colorado)

The trek to the top of Colorado Hill (Cerro Colorado) follows a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) out-and-back trail that takes about 4 hours to hike. The trail is well marked, but hiking with a guide will ensure you visit the most scenic viewpoints—you can see the Chile-Argentina border from here on a clear day—and provide insight into the unique volcanic rock formations and Andean flora. Most tours set out from nearby San Martín de los Andes and include a full day of hiking with plenty of photo stops and a picnic lunch on top of the mountain.

• The hike up Colorado Hill is a moderate to challenging trail best suited for those with a good general fitness level.

• There are no facilities along the trail, so bring everything you need, including sunscreen, a picnic lunch, and plenty of water.

• Though it’s a non-technical trail, it gets steep in places, and hiking poles may be a good idea.

Colorado Hill is 9 miles (14 kilometers) east of San Martín de los Andes, about a 20-minute drive. There’s no public transportation to the trailhead, so hop in a taxi or join one of the many hiking tours. There’s free parking at the trailhead.

The best time for hiking in northern Patagonia is from late spring through summer (November through March), when the weather is dry and clear, though you’ll want to make sure you avoid the midday sun. Hiking Colorado Hill is often still possible through fall and winter, but you’ll need suitable clothes and crampons for hiking through the snow. Depending on the weather, the summit may be inaccessible in mid-winter.

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, ancient volcanoes, and alpine lakes, San Martín de los Andes is a paradise for hikers looking to explore Argentina’s Andes mountains. Popular day hikes include the easy half-day walking trail to Mirador Bandurrias, the forested route around Corina Chica lagoon, the full-day trek to the 6,050-foot (1,844-meter) summit of Cerro Acol, and the challenging, about 10-hour hike up Cerro Mallo.