El Bolsón and Lago Puelo, Argentina

Nook of Incredible Landscapes

Visit El Bolsón, Image: Luca Pizzarotti, Unsplash.
Visit El Bolsón, Image: Luca Pizzarotti, Unsplash.

El Bolsón is a city located 120 km south of San Carlos de Bariloche and is part of the province of Rio Negro. The town has this name because it is in a valley surrounded by many mountains and forests. The most important mountain in the town is Cerro Piltriquitrón.

This hill protects the city from strong winds and therefore provides the ideal climate for fine fruit and hop plantations.

Furthermore, this beautiful city is located at the foot of the Andes Mountains. She is on the edge of Chubut Province.

What to know in El Bolsón and Lago Puelo?

Image: Luiza Braun, Unsplash.
Image: Luiza Braun, Unsplash.

Now we will talk about the main attractions of this Argentine city:

  • City Center and Craft Fair;
  • Mirador Cabeza Del Indio;
  • Cajón Del Azul;
  • Lago Puelo National Park;
  • Craft Breweries.

City Center and Craft Fair

This is a small town with 14,000 inhabitants. Surrounded by forests, snowy peaks and pure waters. The meeting point for residents is Pagano square, which spans several blocks and has a lake in the center. Around the square there are breweries, souvenir shops, restaurants, as well as the craft market, although it is not open every day. In front of the square is the Church of Our Lady of Luján.

Another attraction is the regional fair with more than 300 stalls selling local products and handicrafts. It is one of the most famous in Patagonia. There are handicrafts made of different materials, such as: wool, wood, leather, glass, metals, dried flowers, clay, etc.

Mirador Cabeza Del Indio

Image: Hector Ramon Perez, Unsplash.
Image: Hector Ramon Perez, Unsplash.

To reach Mirador Cabeza del Indio, head towards the Quemquemtreu river and cross the bridge. However, we inform you that this bridge is the only one in the region that can be crossed by vehicle.

This tour can be done by car, on foot or on bicycle and horseback excursions. From this tourist spot there is a splendid view of the valley. In the highest part there are rocks that have curious shapes. Depending on the angle, it is possible to see the shape of the human head. In the region, this form is known as Cabeza del Indio.

The trail has a low degree of difficulty and can be done at any time of the year. However, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.

Cajón Del Azul

Image: Juan Puyo, Unsplash.
Image: Juan Puyo, Unsplash.

It is a ravine 1 meter wide and 40 meters deep. It is a reserve area and therefore motorcycles and cars are not allowed. Access is on foot or on horseback with a guide who accompanies you all the way.

Thus, the walk takes between 3 and 4 hours, with many climbs. The pace will depend on each participant. Certainly the view makes up for it. On the way, the tourist will see a beautiful valley, a suspension bridge, cross the Azul River and finally arrive at Cajón Azul. At this moment, you will see the river and you will know exactly why it got its name.

Lago Puelo National Park

Image: Nicolas Muino, Unsplash.
Image: Nicolas Muino, Unsplash.

This park is located in the province of Chubut and belongs to the Patagonian Forests ecoregion. The park’s name derives from the Mapuche language and means water. Inside the park is Lake Puelo. This lake flows into the Pacific. Visitors can go by car or bus.

By the way, there is space in the lake, it has a beach of stones and it is allowed to have a picnic. It also has a campsite, viewpoints and a port from which excursions around the lake depart.

Thus, the climate is wet cold. However, it is more temperate than other parks in the region. Temperatures range from 17º C (in summer) to 5º C (in winter). The amount of rain in the year reaches around 1,400 mm, in the recreation area. Rainfall occurs between May and August. In addition, in the cold months there can be snowfalls.

Craft Breweries

This is a tip for craft beer lovers. This city is part of the Andean Brewing Circuit. The cities of El Hoyo, Epuyén, El Bolsón and Lago Puelo are part of it. Therefore, they are part of the “Comarca Andina del Paralelo 42º Sur”. There are several craft breweries in the middle of the Patagonian mountain range where visitors can taste delicious beers.

For sure, there are several craft breweries in the city, but only 5 are part of the circuit. They are: Cervecería El Bolsón (has beers for coeliacs), Otto Tipp Cervecería Patagónica, Rupestre Cerveza Artesanal, Piltri Cerveza Artesanal, Cerveza Dragón Verde.

Therefore, El Bólson and El Lago Puelo is an unmissable destination for you to visit in Argentina!

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