El Bolsón and Lago Puelo: Full-day excursion from Bariloche

A full day heading south on Route 40 to explore the Andean Region: the town of The Pocket with its craft fair and the Lago Puelo National Park, with turquoise waters. It is the excursion that starts from the orbit of Nahuel Huapi and reaches the province of Chubut.

El Bolsón has a microclimate Its unique climate, milder than Bariloche, explains its fine fruit farms, craft beer, and the agricultural identity it retains. Lago Puelo, 18 km further south, is a small national park with coastal trails and a pebble beach. The day lasts about 10 hours, it's from low difficulty and the walks are gentle and at your own pace.

from

ARS 95.000 per passenger

Flexible cancellation Certified guides

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Fecha:

Select	Select an option8:30 AM to 6:30 PMClear

Total: 95000

El Bolsón y Lago Puelo quantity

Reserva

• Itinerary

  Itinerary of El Bolsón and Lago Puelo

  The day begins early with pick-up from your accommodation in San Carlos de Bariloche and heads south along National Route 40, skirting Lake Gutiérrez, Lake Mascardi, and Lake Guillelmo. The exact time will be confirmed upon booking. The total journey time, including the route, El Bolsón, and the national park, is approximately 10 hours.

  Pick-up at your accommodation

  Early departure from Bariloche

  Route 40 southbound

  Bordering the Gutiérrez, Mascardi and Guillelmo lakes

  El Bolsón and its craft fair

  Free time in the city center and Pagano Square

  Transfer to Lago Puelo

  18 km south, already in Chubut

  Lago Puelo National Park

  Coastal paths and pebble beach

  Return to Bariloche

  Approximately 10 hours after pick-up

  Included in the tour

  The descent on Route 40

  The first leg leaves Bariloche heading south for about 120 km along National Route 40, skirting the chain of lakes Gutiérrez, Mascardi, and Guillelmo, with the Tronador mountain range to the right. It is one of the most scenic sections of the route and already hints at the changing landscape: to the south, the mountain range opens up and the climate becomes more temperate.

  El Bolsón and its identity

  The town is nestled in a sheltered valley between the Piltriquitrón mountain range and the Andes Mountains, a location that gives it a warmer and more humid microclimate than Bariloche. This is the source of its berry farms, hop production, and craft beer, as well as a tradition of artisanal crafts showcased at the Plaza Pagano market: textiles, leather goods, woodwork, sweets, and preserves. There's plenty of free time to explore the town and grab a bite to eat in the center.

  The Lago Puelo National Park

  Eighteen kilometers south, across into the province of Chubut, lies Lake Puelo. It is one of the smallest national parks in the country and has a unique feature: its water drains into the Pacific Ocean, allowing for the presence of Chilean flora species not found elsewhere in the region. The public use area includes short coastal trails, a pebble beach, and a pier.

  Entrance to Lago Puelo National Park is not included and must be paid upon entry. The El Bolsón artisan market is only open on certain days of the week; if you are particularly interested, please confirm this when booking so we can coordinate the date. Meals are also not included.

• Information to keep in mind

  The excursion to El Bolsón and Lago Puelo costs from $95,000 ARS per person and can be booked directly with us, a local operator in Bariloche, without intermediaries or online agency commissions.

  Here's everything you need to know in detail:

  • Tour Details

    Duration

    10 hours

    It's a full-day excursion. The pick-up time is confirmed upon booking.

    Difficulty level

    Low

    Almost the entire tour is by vehicle. The walks in the park are short and at your own pace.

    Age

    Suitable for all ages

    It's a several-hour hike. It's worth considering with very young children.
  • Requirements and restrictions

    No prior experience or special physical condition is necessary. However, keep in mind that it's a several-hour drive on a mountain road, so anyone prone to motion sickness should bring medication. It's important to respect the meeting times indicated by the guide at each stop. Bring cash for the entrance fee to Lago Puelo National Park and for the market, as many vendors don't accept cards.

  • Recommendations

    Pack layers of clothing and a windbreaker: although El Bolsón has a milder microclimate, the day starts and ends in Bariloche, and the temperature fluctuates considerably. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for the park trails, and bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Also, pack some cash and a bag or backpack with extra space, because at the market and farms in El Bolsón, it's tempting to buy sweets, beer, or handicrafts.

  • Includes
    • Transfer to and from your accommodation in Bariloche.
    • Bilingual tour guide throughout the tour.
    • Free time in El Bolsón and in Lago Puelo National Park.
  • Does not include
    • Entrance to Lago Puelo National Park, which is paid at the entrance.
    • Food and drinks.
    • Shopping at the craft fair and on the farms.
  • Climatic Conditions
    • The excursion proceeds as normal regardless of weather conditions. Rain and wind are common in Patagonia and are part of the experience.
    • El Bolsón is usually several degrees warmer than Bariloche due to its microclimate, so it's advisable to wear layers of clothing to adapt to the change.
    • In winter, if the Road Authority closes any section of Route 40 due to snow, the departure may be rescheduled.
  • Cancellation policy

    Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the start of the service are free of charge and 100% of the amount paid will be refunded. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the start of the service will incur a penalty of 100% of the total amount, with no refund.