El Bolsón and Lago Puelo
Drive south out of Bariloche along Route 258 for 130 Km. to El Bolsón. The road is paved all the way, following the shoreline of Lakes Gutiérrez, Mascardi and Guillelmo, crossing Villegas and Foyel Rivers and finally, just before reaching the town, Quemquemtreu River.
There is a handcraft fair in the town offering a wide range of local products. Farms just outside the town produce berries and jam. El Bolsón is famous for its homemade cheese and beer. Cabeza de Indio and the Azul River lookout afford one of the most beautiful views in the area.
From El Bolsón, you can visit the Lago Puelo National Park and El Maitén station, the starting point for “La Trochita”, an ancient narrow-gauge steam engine (also known as the “old Patagonian express”), now a tourist attraction.
Trip: 300 km.
Time: all day.
