Hidden in the mountains of Patagonia is a tiny town full of adventure… sounds like the start of a kids’ movie, but honestly, that’s the best way to describe El Bolsón!
What makes it even cooler? The mountains around it are home to the biggest network of mountain huts in all of South America!
We probably have the Germans who settled down here to thank for that, but it’s this whole mountaineering culture that makes El Bolsón so special. You can spend days hiking, sleeping in mountain huts, and swimming in lakes that look straight out of a fairy tale (seriously).
It used to be a laid-back hippie hideaway in the ‘90s, attracting people who wanted a simpler life. And while it’s gotten more popular with backpackers in recent years, El Bolsón has managed to hold onto its local, down-to-earth charm.
The town hasn’t gone commercial at all, and it still thrives on sustainability, local crafts, and that relaxed, slow pace of life that makes it feel like a hidden gem.
Fun Fact: Back in 1984, the residents of El Bolsón voted to make their town a nuclear-free zone and focus on eco-friendly policies. This move has shaped the town’s laid-back and nature-loving vibe ever since, which is why eco-conscious travelers feel right at home here!
Best Things to Do in El Bolsón
1. One-Day Hiking Adventures
Now, we have to be real — if hiking isn’t your thing, you’ll be missing out on much of what makes this place special. Sure, you can still enjoy the crystal-clear rivers, and savor the local food and the craft beer, but the true magic of El Bolsón is found in its mountains!
For a bit of context, El Bolsón is situated right by the Andes Mountains, very close to the border with Chile. A big chunk of this mountain is a protected area called ANPRALE, where the most gorgeous hikes are.
Note: All trails are closed during the winter months (June to August) due to heavy snow.
The thing is, these are mostly multi-day treks that require you to sleep in mountain huts (and to be quite fit). So the one-day hikes are limited to:
🥾 El Paraíso Azul: 10.1 km out-and-back trail where you’ll find several crystalline pools along the river. This hike takes an average of 3 to 4h to complete and you can find the map for download here, on AllTrails.
🥾 El Cajón del Azul: 17.4-km out-and-back trail where you’ll follow the blue river up the mountain to find lakes & mountain huts. This hike takes an average of 6 to 7h to complete and you can find the map for download here, on AllTrails.
Also read: Hiking El Cajón del Azul — El Bolson’s Most Iconic Hike
🥾 Cerro Piltriquitrón: there is another massive mountain on the opposite side of town called Cerro Piltriquitrón, or simply ‘Piltri’ as the locals refer to it. You can reach its summit on a 9.3-km out-and-back trail, passing through El Bosque Tallado, a series of wooden sculptures on logs made by local artists. This hike takes an average of 6h to complete and you can find the map for download here, on AllTrails.
Important: if you’re heading out on any trail within ANPRALE, you’re required to fill out a registration form before your hike. Once you’re back, you must also declare your return. The process is super quick and easy. Make sure to screenshot your registration, as you’ll need to show it at the trail entrance.
2. Multi-Day Hiking Adventures (sleep in a Mountain Hut!)
Let’s jump to the nicest thing to do around El Bolsón: spending the night in a mountain hut! Locally called refugios, these huts are like cozy little outposts in the middle of the Andes, offering a warm place to rest after a full day on the trails.
The best part? Refugios are stocked with the essentials: water, coffee, tea, delicious homemade food, and sometimes even a cozy fire.
You won’t find reservations here (yep, it’s first come, first serve!), so if you’re planning to snag a bed, it’s best to arrive early. Otherwise, bring your own camping gear and find a spot nearby to pitch your tent.
The most popular route for multi-day trekkers is the Circuito Troncal, a loop connecting up to 10 different refugios. With so many options, you can mix and match them to create your perfect hiking itinerary. Ready to plan? Check out the map with all the refugios in ANPRALE here.
Hot tip: Before going on one of the many hikes available here, make sure to check the difficulty levels and download the trail map using an app such as AllTrails for safety.
3. Spend a day by Río Azul
Río Azul is the perfect escape if you need a break from hiking but still want to stay close to nature. The river lives up to its name with crystal-clear, turquoise waters.
Find a peaceful spot along the shore, dip your feet (or dive right in if you’re brave!), and enjoy the day in nature. There are plenty of picnic and camping spots along the riverbank, so pack some snacks, bring a book, and soak up the views.
4. Explore Feria Regional
Every Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends, Plaza Pagano transforms into a lively showcase of local crafts. Here’s where you’ll find authentic Patagonia: artisans who bring their creativity and love for nature into each piece they make.
Also read: Bariloche Bucket List: Top 10 Things You Can’t Miss
5. Río El Manso & El Piletón
About one hour North of El Bolsón, there is a section of the El Manso River with a natural rock pool surrounded by greenery known as El Piletón. The water might be a little chilly, but that’s all part of the experience!
To reach it, you must drive to Aguas Blancas Rafting (location here) and then follow a short 30-minute path to the natural pool (AllTrails map here).
Hot tip: this is also a nice stop for rafting, with a few tour operators located next to the river.
6. Lago Puelo National Park
Lago Puelo, just 30 minutes south of El Bolsón, is a glacial lake that stretches from Argentina into Chile, surrounded by mountains and forests that make up a stunning National Park.
You can spend the day kayaking, swimming, or hiking around the lake’s edge, exploring hidden trails and secluded beaches. If you’re lucky, you might spot a coipo (basically a pint-sized capybara) hanging out by the shore.
Note: we unfortunately didn’t catch the sunset here, but all locals swear it’s the highlight of the day as the lake turns glassy and reflects the Andes. Don’t make the same mistake we did; stick around!
Also read: Seven Lakes Route: The Perfect 2-Day Road Trip Itinerary
7. Laberinto Patagonia
For something totally unique, check out Laberinto Patagonia, a maze carved out of tall hedges on a beautiful family-run farm. After you’ve solved the maze (or gotten a bit lost in it!), you can reward yourself afterward with some seriously tasty food at the Sidra Restaurant.
Note: Laberinto Patagonia and the Sidra Restaurant aren’t always open to the public so we recommend checking their opening dates in advance on their Instagram page: @laberintopatagonia
8. Cascata Corbata Blanca
If you’re looking for a hidden gem, Cascata Corbata Blanca is where it’s at! The hike to reach it is nice and easy, and the payoff is so worth it: a stunning waterfall tucked away in the middle of the forest.
Tip: the start of the trail to the waterfall is located here and the entry is free.
How to Get to El Bolsón
✈️ By Air: The nearest airport is San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC), which is about 120 kilometers north of El Bolsón. This airport receives flights from major cities in Argentina.
🚌 By bus from Bariloche: Once you arrive in Bariloche, you’ll need to catch a bus to El Bolsón. Buses run frequently through the day and the journey takes about 2 hours.
🚗 By car from Bariloche: Alternatively, renting a car at the airport gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The drive from Bariloche to El Bolsón along Route 40 is super scenic and straightforward!
Rent your car with RentalCars >
Getting Around El Bolsón
While the town is super small and walkable, you will need transportation to visit the starting point of trails and nearby attractions such as Río Azul and the Lago Puelo National Park. If you rented a car in Bariloche, then you’re all covered, but if not, these are your options to get around in El Bolsón:
👍 Hitchhiking: In a true adventurous spirit, hitchhiking is a common practice in Patagonia in general. It’s a way to meet locals and learn more about the region. Of course, always exercise caution and use common sense if you choose this option.
🚕 Taxi: Ride-sharing apps have not reached this part of the world yet, but you’ll find a convenient taxi stand in front of La Anónima Supermarket (location here) in town. The rates are fair, though be sure to carry cash as cards aren’t accepted. It’s also a good idea to either agree on a return time or grab the driver’s number, as finding taxis later can be tricky.
🚌 By bus: El Bolsón offers local bus services that connect the town with nearby spots like Lago Puelo and Mallín Ahogado. These buses are run by small companies, and the schedules can be a bit irregular, so it’s best to check with locals for the latest times.
🚗 By car: We traveled to El Bolsón by bus from Bariloche and decided to rent a car once we arrived to explore. Since there aren’t any big rental chains in the area, we went with a local spot called Los Girasoles (+54 9 2944 62 7977). They were super easy to work with, and we’d definitely recommend them if you’re in the same boat!
Book your bus from Bariloche to El Bolsón here >
Best Time to Visit El Bolsón
Much like Bariloche, El Bolsón is a place you can visit year-round! The most popular time to visit is during summertime (December to February) for hiking and other outdoor activities. However, you can also have a great winter (June to August) with daily ski passes costing only 55 euros.
How Long Should You Stay?
Chances are you’re visiting El Bolsón for the hikes. If you’re short on time, we’d say two days is enough to do the most popular trek, Refugio Cajón del Azul, and spend another day relaxing by the river and picking berries.
But, the town is absolutely adorable, and there are plenty of multi-day hikes that include sleeping in mountain huts to choose from! So, to plan the perfect stay, we recommend first choosing the hike(s) you want to do and then adding two more full days on top of it.
Where to Stay in El Bolsón
El Bolsón is small enough that there isn’t really a “bad” area to stay. However, if you require reliable Wi-Fi or easy access to groceries, we recommend staying near the La Anónima supermarket. It’s centrally located, with the added bonus of a taxi stand right at the entrance.
Note: Airbnbs in Argentina are also super cheap and convenient, especially if you’re a digital nomad and need more structure than just a hotel room. You can find really good places starting at 30-40 euros a night in El Bolsón.
Where to Eat in El Bolsón
While we spent most of our time here cooking at home, we couldn’t resist exploring some of the town’s restaurants. Here’s a quick list of some of our favorite spots to eat out in El Bolsón:
- ☕ for good coffee, breakfasts, and decent wifi: Café Delirante, Monet, and SABOR Market & Cafe have you covered!
- 🍽️ for lunch and dinner: Pueblo Chico and La Tavola di Nina are our recs!
- 🍺 for great beers at the end of the day: Patio Cervecero El Bolsón Centro
- 🍦 for ice cream: our favorite place is Saurios (cash only!)
- 🥟 for the best empanadas: head over to Kokó Bodegón
El Bolsón on a Budget
🏠 Accommodation: hostel dorms start at around €10-25 per night, while budget private rooms range from €30-50.
🍔 Food: local restaurants offer meals for around €5-10 per dish and you can find beer for €1-2 in the supermarket.
🚗 Transport: car rentals begin at roughly €30-40 per day (prices can rise during winter). Local bus fares are affordable, around €1 per trip. If you’re feeling adventurous, hitchhiking is also a common way to get around in this part of Argentina.
🎟️ Activities: none of the hikes around here require an entry fee, but if you’re planning to stay in a mountain hut, make sure to check the rates in advance and bring cash. Prices can vary year to year, so it’s super important to confirm ahead of time. Most huts have Instagram pages, so you can slide into their DMs for the latest info!
Note: we spent a week in El Bolson at the end of summer in 2024. We cooked during the week and rented a car for weekend adventures. Our budget averaged around €40 per person per day on weekdays and €80 per person on weekends.
