Welcome to El Bolsón, a charming town nestled in Argentine Patagonia, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and home to Cerro Piltriquitrón, the iconic mountain peak that towers over the region. The following are our suggestions.
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The city of El Bolsón
This city is an ideal place for those seeking peace and tranquility in a scenery where nature is imposing. The economy and development of the town are based on tourism and rural production. And in this activity stand out hop plantations, fine fruits and by-products such as candies and natural preserves, aromatic plants, orchards with organic and high quality vegetables, dried mushrooms, fish farming and forestry enterprises.
Other factors of growing development are the manufacture and commercialization of handicrafts of all kinds in the famous regional fair of El Bolsón, as well as beer brewing.
El Bolsón Regional Fair
The Regional Handicraft Fair of El Bolsón is a cultural and productive expression that dates back to the 70’s, to the hippie past of the city and still preserves the spirit of that time.
It takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in Pagano Square, in the center of the city.
Piltriquitrón Mountain
Also known as “el Piltri” by the local people, it is a mountain located in the Andes Mountain Range, east of the district of El Bolsón in the Río Negro Province and the southern part of the hill is located in Chubut Province.
It has a height of 2,260 meters above sea level and a pyramidal shape with steep and rocky slopes. Its summit is covered with snow and ice during most of the year. The mountain is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers.
Head of the Indian [Cabeza del indio]
It is a head-shaped rock formation located in the vicinity of the city. The trekking to this formation is an activity that offers impressive panoramic views of the region.
From the main square, you take a well-marked trail. The hike can last approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and physical condition.
During the hike, you will enjoy beautiful scenery, including views of the snow-capped peaks, the surrounding valleys and the rivers that meander through the region. You will also be able to appreciate the lush vegetation of the area, with lenga and coihue forests providing shade along the way.
As you approach Cabeza del Indio, the slope becomes steeper and the terrain rockier. The rock formation itself is impressive, with an appearance that resembles the head of an Indian, hence its name. From there, you get 360-degree panoramic views that take in the mountains, valleys and the city of El Bolsón.
Escondida Cascade
This waterfall is located about 15 kilometers from the center of the city and is an ideal place if you like to hike and enjoy nature.
You must leave the city towards the Cabeza del Indio sector. Cross the Quemquemtreu River along Azcuénaga Street and on the other side of the river continue along a dirt road, following the signs to the Azul River viewpoint and the Cabeza del Indio. After approximately 5km from the center of El Bolsón you will arrive at the parking lot to access the Cabeza del Indio. This is the starting point of the route to the waterfall.
Blue River
The Azul River is located 8 km. from El Bolsón. It has its headwaters in the Andes Mountain Range, northwest of the city, in the Province of Río Negro, and after traveling about 40 km through a deep and charming valley which flows into the northern margin of Lake Puelo, already in the province of Chubut.
It is known for the intensity of its turquoise blue color, which is due to the presence of glacial sediments suspended in the water and the refraction of sunlight on the suspended particles. The scenery in this area is spectacular, with mountains, forests and crystal clear waters.
Activities available in the area include hiking, fishing, kayaking and camping. The cool, clear waters of the river are ideal for water sports and relaxing in a natural environment.
Blue River Viewpoint
This spot is located on the way to Cabeza del Indio. We did it walking, but we understand that you can also hire a horseback ride.
The Mirador is a peaceful and open place to rest from the hike while enjoying refreshments or quenching your thirst. It is relaxing to lose oneself in the immeasurable Andean landscape that extends beyond the ravine that overlooks the Rio Azul Valley (from where the cover photo was taken).
Cajón del Azul
In this protected area is forbidden to enter with cars or motorcycles and you can only do it walking or on horseback with a guide who accompanies you during the tour. If you want to get there, you have to know that it is a walk of approximately 4 hours one way and another 4 hours back and you must be prepared to go up and down gravel and dirt trails.
During the hike you will cross an arm of the Azul River by a suspension bridge (photo), you will pass through a valley and at the end of the trail you will reach another valley where the famous “Cajón del Azul” is located. Undoubtedly, it is worth doing it.
Cerro Amigo
This hill is located 2 kilometers from the center of El Bolsón. It can be accessed directly by walking along the car road or by cutting through the road from downtown, but this alternative is only recommended for experts because the path is not marked and there are many detours.
Also known as the “Cerrito de la Cruz“, it is distinguished by the large white cross that can be seen from the city. Within the circuit you can observe species such as cypress, radal, ñire and maitén.
The trek crosses three viewpoints from which you can appreciate different perspectives of the valley and the hop crops: the south viewpoint, the viewpoint of the cross and the north viewpoint.
It offers impressive panoramic views of the region.
Hielo del Azul
Hielo Azul is the name given to the hill located 15 km from the city of El Bolsón. On its slopes rests the Hielo Azul glacier, one of the largest in the region. The melting of this glacier gives life to the Azul River.
The Hielo del Azul is a cave formed by the melting of the glacier, which has created an ice tunnel of blue and turquoise tones that resemble an icy labyrinth.
If you like adventure you can hike up to the glacier, observe the ice cave and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
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The Carved Forest
It is a forest where local artists have carved figures in the tree trunks, which makes it a very interesting and unique place.
Puelo Lake
It is a beautiful lake located in the province of Chubut, Argentina. It is located in the Lago Puelo National Park, surrounded by lush vegetation and majestic mountains of the Andes.
The shores of the lake are covered with forests of myrtles, coihues, cypresses and other native trees, creating an enchanting and picturesque landscape. In addition, the surrounding area is home to a great diversity of flora and fauna, including birds, mammals and endemic species.
Lago Puelo offers a variety of activities to enjoy its natural environment. You can go boating, kayaking or canoeing to explore its waters and discover hidden corners. It is also possible to hike along the trails that border the lake and go deep into the forest, providing the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
In addition, on its beaches you can enjoy the sun and relax, and in the surroundings there are campsites and picnic areas to enjoy a day outdoors. Lago Puelo is an ideal place for those who need peace, tranquility and contact with nature.
FAQ
How to travel to El Bolsón ?
BY PLANE. To Bariloche International Airport (2h 10 minutes flight from Buenos Aires) and then a bus to Bariloche and from there to El Bolsón (more than 2 hours).
How to get Lago Puelo from El Bolsón?
BY BUS. From Bariloche city buses leave every 30 minutes. The distance between El Bolsón and Lago Puelo (town) is 13 km, which translates into 16.7 km on the road.
These are just some of the places you can visit in El Bolsón. The region offers many other options to explore and enjoy.
All illustrations on this site are courtesy of Pictographic.