Cerro Tres Picos
Conquer the highest peak in Buenos Aires province! A challenging trek offering stunning vistas and a profound sense of achievement.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Cerro Tres Picos
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer the highest peak in Buenos Aires province! A challenging trek offering stunning vistas and a profound sense of achievement.
"The feeling of reaching the top and seeing everything from above is indescribable. It's worth it."
📝 Register at Estancia Funke
Mandatory registration and briefing here. Check their Facebook for booking and weather updates.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The terrain is rocky and steep in parts. Good grip is essential, especially for the final scramble.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Summit of Buenos Aires
Cerro Tres Picos Summit
Reach the highest point in Buenos Aires province (1239m) for breathtaking panoramic views. A true adventurer's reward.
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Cueva de los Guanacos
On the trail to the summit
A significant landmark on the trek, offering a unique natural feature and a good spot for a break.
Estancia Funke Access Point
Base of the trek
The mandatory starting point for registration and briefing. Offers essential information and a gateway to the adventure.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Ascent in Advance
Trekker's Guide to the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📝 Register at Estancia Funke
Mandatory registration and briefing here. Check their Facebook for booking and weather updates.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The terrain is rocky and steep in parts. Good grip is essential, especially for the final scramble.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
The trek is long (20km round trip). Stay hydrated throughout the day.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Gaia app is recommended over MapsMe for better detail on trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
📝 Register at Estancia Funke
Mandatory registration and briefing here. Check their Facebook for booking and weather updates.
👟 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The terrain is rocky and steep in parts. Good grip is essential, especially for the final scramble.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
The trek is long (20km round trip). Stay hydrated throughout the day.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Gaia app is recommended over MapsMe for better detail on trails.
🤝 Go with a Group
The trek is long and challenging. A group offers support and shared experience.
⏳ Start Early
Aim to start by 9 AM to summit and return within the day, especially if camping.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cerro Tres Picos for its challenging yet rewarding trek to the highest point in Buenos Aires province. The stunning panoramic views from the summit are a major highlight, making the strenuous effort worthwhile. While the trail is demanding, especially the final scramble, the sense of accomplishment and the natural beauty of the landscape are unforgettable. Some find the gravel road access difficult, and proper preparation is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
"Excellent experience! You reach the highest point in the province of Buenos Aires, the summit of Cerro Tres Picos. We started from Estancia Funke, arriving at the Glorieta rest stop, and from there the hike begins. The trail starts across a fairly flat grassland (approximately 3-4 km) of hard-packed earth, then enters a pine forest where the path becomes quite steep and the ground changes to rocks, requiring more effort until you reach a gate where the slope begins to lessen. You pass through the dynamited pass, a corral, and alongside the guanaco cave until you reach the rock boat. There, the final, very steep climb begins, and in the last section, you have to do a short scramble. You shouldn't carry anything in your hands, as they are essential for gripping. The scramble is very brief, and there is one rock that is the trickiest, but once you get past it, it's easy. If you get there, climb it; don't miss it. There's no precipice that will make you dizzy. It's recommended to go in a group because the trek is long (20km total), and the time depends on your pace and breaks; in our case, it took us almost 10 hours. Plus, you can help each other with the final climb; in our case, we had older people who were able to do it. It's just a matter of being willing to give it a try—it's worth it. The feeling of reaching the top and seeing everything from above is indescribable. You book your ascent day through Estancia Funke's Facebook page. When you arrive, they explain everything in detail. The only thing is that the road to get there is about 15km of gravel and is in pretty bad shape, but you can drive slowly in a low-clearance vehicle, as we did."
Marcos Menotti
"A beautiful and unforgettable experience! We were two young adults at the end of May 2025 with no physical training and very little understanding of what this climb entailed. Since we camped at the Cueva de los Guanacos (Guanaco Cave), we were carrying extra weight. Plus, I have asthma. It's not impossible, but it's not an activity to underestimate either. You need to bring plenty of water and food that can be easily improvised, leave early to reach the summit in a single day, and above all, not push your body too hard. There are multiple routes, and the tourism office offers two GPS options to download. My advice: download Gaia and not MapsMe, as the latter isn't as detailed, and we almost got lost trying to go from the cave to the peak via a secondary path that required a lot of effort. In general, the paths are very clear if you pay attention to the cairns. We managed the final climb by going a few meters further to the left than the actual path indicated by the cairns, as that one was too steep. On the way back, we were caught in a terrible wind, but that's to be expected. That said, the feeling of reaching the summit and the views along the way are priceless! We preferred to summit the day after we arrived since it was clearer, but if you leave early (no later than 9 a.m.), it's possible to do it in the same day (as long as your body allows it). I hope I can do it again someday! Perhaps in retrospect, I would choose March or April to do it, but we were very lucky with the weather."
Victoria Ramirez Cufre
"A place that teaches you to overcome challenges, to coexist with and admire nature. If I could do it, you can too. Train and dare to climb it, it's worth it!"
Sandra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common access is via Estancia Funke, which is about a 48 km drive from Sierra de la Ventana. Be aware that approximately 18 km of this road is gravel and can be in poor condition, especially after rain. A low-clearance vehicle can manage if driven slowly.
The gravel road can be challenging, particularly after rain. While some visitors have managed with low-clearance vehicles, driving slowly is essential. If conditions are very bad, a 4x4 might be preferable.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Estancia Funke are limited. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange transport to the starting point.
The total trek to the summit and back is approximately 20 km. The initial part is relatively flat, but the ascent becomes steep and rocky.
The time taken varies greatly depending on pace and breaks. It can take almost 10 hours for a group, so starting early is crucial.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, it is mandatory to register your ascent day through Estancia Funke's Facebook page. They provide essential information and a briefing upon arrival.
While specific fee details aren't always highlighted, registration at Estancia Funke is required, which may involve associated costs or booking procedures. It's best to check their official channels for current information.
Yes, the trail is generally self-guided, but it's a challenging trek. If you are a beginner, consider hiring a guide for safety and a better experience.
Access is typically managed by Estancia Funke, and it's important to confirm their operating hours and any restrictions, especially regarding return times (often around 6 PM).
Access may be prohibited if the weather is poor or expected to worsen. Always check the forecast and confirm with Estancia Funke before your trip.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's considered a challenging trek, suitable for adventurers. The trail involves steep, rocky sections and a final scramble that requires good physical condition and attention.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, comfortable clothing layers suitable for changing mountain weather, and bring sun protection. Gloves can be helpful for the scramble.
There are no formal facilities along the trail itself. You'll need to carry all your food, water, and essentials. Rest stops like the Glorieta and landmarks like Cueva de los Guanacos are available.
Some visitors choose to camp, for example, at Cueva de los Guanacos, to split the trek over two days. Ensure you have appropriate camping gear and follow any regulations.
The area is known for native wildlife. Keep an eye out for guanacos and various bird species.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers unparalleled panoramic views. Other scenic spots include Cueva de los Guanacos and various viewpoints along the trail, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Yes, winter ascents can be magical with snow-covered landscapes, offering unique photographic opportunities. Be prepared for colder conditions and potential snow.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Ensure your gear is protected from the elements.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of the natural environment and other trekkers. Avoid drone usage unless you have explicit permission.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer colors. The summit views are spectacular at any time, but sunrise and sunset are particularly dramatic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing extra snacks and ensuring everyone stays hydrated is key. The Cueva de los Guanacos offers a good mid-point for a rest. It's important to assess your children's fitness levels and experience with hiking before committing to this demanding climb.
💰 Budget Travelers
Camping near the base or at designated spots like Cueva de los Guanacos can significantly reduce accommodation costs. Car-pooling with other travelers can also help split fuel expenses. Planning your meals and bringing your own supplies will keep food costs down.
💑 Couples Seeking Adventure
+1Consider making a weekend of it by camping near the base, allowing for a more relaxed pace and enjoying the starry night sky. The sense of achievement upon reaching the highest point in the province together is an unforgettable shared accomplishment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Trekking Experience
As you progress, you'll pass through a dynamited pass and alongside the Cueva de los Guanacos, a notable natural landmark. The final approach to the summit involves a very steep climb. The last section requires a short scramble, where using your hands for grip is essential. While this scramble is brief, one particular rock can be tricky, but overcoming it leads to the final push to the peak. The total trek is around 20 km round trip, and it's recommended to allocate a full day for this.
Many visitors emphasize the importance of being prepared. This includes wearing appropriate footwear, carrying ample water and food, and being aware of the weather. The feeling of accomplishment upon reaching the summit and the expansive views are widely reported as being incredibly rewarding, making the effort worthwhile.
Navigating the Trails and Safety
Safety is paramount, especially given the trek's length and difficulty. It's highly recommended to trek in a group. This not only provides mutual support during challenging sections, like the final scramble, but also enhances the overall experience through shared camaraderie and laughter.
Always check the weather forecast before your ascent and register your trip with Estancia Funke. They provide a briefing that details the route and safety considerations. If you are new to trekking or unsure about your capabilities, consider hiring a local guide who can offer expertise and ensure a safer journey.
Best Times for an Unforgettable Ascent
September marks the beginning of spring, bringing with it blooming landscapes and generally good trekking conditions. This is another excellent time to consider for your ascent.
For the truly adventurous, winter ascents (June-August) present a unique challenge. Experiencing the mountain with snow-covered landscapes can be magical, though it requires extra preparation for cold weather and potentially more difficult trail conditions.
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