Just 120 kilometres south of Bariloche on Route 40, there are plenty of activities to do in El Bolsón in 2 days, whether you are a couple, with friends or with your family.
El Bolsón is still a small town, which has grown a lot lately, but it keeps its essence, a village of artisans who settled here many years ago and that gives it that special colour.
The surrounding area is also worth a visit. The nature of Patagonia is also present with hills, riverbeds with turquoise water, waterfalls, forests and more.
🔎 Check out our guide about most beautiful places to visit in Patagonia Argentina.
Table of Contents
Things to do in El Bolson in 2 days
Day 1: the city centre, viewpoints and hills
Pagano square is the epicentre of the city. Surrounded by a small artificial lake, this is where the renowned crafts fair is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Next door is the picturesque little church of Nuestra Señora del Luján.
One of the places to visit in El Bolsón in 2 days is the Cabeza del Indio viewpoint. A short distance from the city centre you can walk or drive up to the viewpoints. The first viewpoint is the one overlooking the Azul River, a valley surrounded by forests and hills where the turquoise water of the river flows. If we continue along the road, we reach Cabeza del Indio, a small route along signposted paths that leads to a large rock whose shape resembles the profile of an Indian. Visiting both viewpoints from the centre takes no more than an hour and a half.
The Escondida waterfall is another place to see in El Bolsón. It is easily accessible via a five-minute walk to the small waterfall. If you want to walk further, there is a longer path leading to the waterfall which passes through a botanical garden representing different Andean-Patagonian ecosystems.
Once in the city and to end the day, you should climb the Amigo hill, also close to the Plaza Pagano, and enjoy the views of the city, the mountains and the forests from any of the three viewpoints. The paths to the viewpoints are well signposted and require little physical effort.
Day 2: Piltriquitron Hill and Lake Puelo
Mount Piltriquitron is one of the emblems and a must-see in El Bolsón in two days. The tour begins on the so-called platform with a view of the surroundings, and after a 30-minute walk you reach the carved forest and discover the sculptures made by the artists on trunks that were saved from the fire of 1978. A beauty for the whole family.
If you continue for about 30 minutes, you will reach the refuge of the hill, a place to recharge your batteries. From here the path continues upwards, only suitable for older people in good physical condition, and in two to three hours of ascent along a narrow path you reach the top of the hill. The views from here are of the high snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera and even Lake Puelo in the distance.
And for the rest of the day, a visit to Lake Puelo is another of the great attractions of El Bolsón. About 20 kilometres from the city, accessible by car or public transport, it is located within a national park. This beautiful lake with crystal clear water and a mountain backdrop is home to stone beaches, lookout points and you can even take a boat trip on the lake.
📷 Are you in Bariloche and want to visit El Bolsón and surroundings? Book this excursion with transfers and guides to visit El Bolsón and Puelo lake in one day from Bariloche.
Where to eat in El Bolson
- El Patio Cervecero: the most frequented place to eat in El Bolson. Option to eat or drink outdoors or indoors. It has a wide variety of craft beer and mainly fast food.
- Jauja: ice cream parlor, chocolate shop and restaurant, everything is worth trying. In their restaurant we loved their lemon trout, lamb empanada and raspberry tart. They also make homemade ice cream with fruits from the region.
Where to stay in El Bolsón
In El Bolsón one of the ideal places to sleep are the cabins, built in wood and stone and of great charm. There are many in town, among which we recommend Cabañas Sublime Bolsón and Altos del Sur Cabañas de Montaña, the latter further from the centre.
If you are looking for a hostel in El Bolson with charm and excellent atmosphere, we recommend La Casita Naranja, close to downtown.
🏨 Book here where to stay in El Bolsón and get your ideal accommodation.
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