Lying in the Camarca Andina valley just two hours south of Bariloche, El Bolson presents Patagonia the way many expect – with endless outdoor adventure in nearly deserted wilderness. The town itself houses a laidback population content with living in a dramatic location below Cerro Piltriquitron.
Hiking in the Camarca Andina and swimming in both Lago Puelo and Rio Azul are at their best between November and April, making El Bolson the perfect summer destination.
In winter, the town is nearly deserted as locals head north to work at the Cerro Cathedral Ski Center in Bariloche. However, the determined backcountry skier will find some great lines around Piltriquitron during the mild winters.
El Bolson’s City Life
In truth, El Bolson is an extremely quite little town and the nightlife is simply non-existent. While Mendoza remains the undisputed wine capital of Argentina, El Bolson is famous for both its microbreweries and farmers market.
A stroll around the three-times-per-week market is the highlight of any day in El Bolson, as it presents the greatest concentration of beer, food, crafts and friendly locals. A stop at Helados Jauja is also a necessity, as the small ice cream shop is often mentioned among Argentina’s best.
People watching from any number of outdoor patio’s is best with a refreshing beer from either the Cervezaria Piltri or Cerveza Artesanal El Bolson during warm afternoons or early evenings.
Adventure Activities near El Bolson
Club Andino Piltriquitron, located opposite the bus station, is one of Argentina’s busiest mountain clubs. Well-marked hiking trails lead hikers throughout the Camarca Andina to 11 club-associated refugios. Length varies, but the day long Cerro Piltriquitron hike, three day Hielo Azul to Rio Azul trek, or the five-day out-and-back Los Laquitos excursion are three outstanding options.
Paragliding is also popular, with a 4X4 accessed launching point on Cerro Piltriquitron. Once airborne, outstanding views over the mountains to Lago Puelo highlight the decent.
Horseback riding, canyoning and rafting are also available in the area. More information is available at the tourism office, located on Calle San Martin, in front of Plaza Pagano.
Sightseeing In El Bolson
If looking to see the sights of El Bolson without the strain of hauling a pack into the mountainous wilderness, Lago Puelo is the perfect destination. Located a short bus ride outside of the city, the small town center and national park are located in Chubut province. Local buses make the trip hourly, and foreign visitors will need to pay an entry fee into the park.
From the stone beach at Lago Puelo, panoramic views of Cerro Tres Picos towards the Chileno border will have camera’s snapping pictures. Boat rides on the Juana de Arco boat take you to the border and provide even better views of the dramatic mountains.
How to get to El Bolson
Although not a major travel hub, regular bus service from Bariloche makes the journey to El Bolson easy. More information is available on the Essential Travel Info for Bariloche, Argentina article.
North bound buses, from either Esquel or Comodoro Rividavia pass through El Bolson as well.
Jeff Bartlett - I still fear the all–too–common travel situation that seems to arise at least once per week. The one where I am sitting in a ...
Join the Conversation