Marjolein Dilven
Have you heard about this “hippie enclave” just two hours south of Bariloche? Get to know the unique destination that is El Bolsón Argentina.
Argentina is full of beauty; one such Argentinian beauty is a hidden gem named El Bolsón. A Patagonian itinerary will be incomplete if you don’t stop at El Bolsón and enjoy its natural wonders. Many travelers overlook the town and visit the more popular El Chalten from Bariloche. Staying at El Bolsón allows you to take a break and split the whole day’s road trip in half.
Visiting El Bolsón will give you an amazing experience when you set out to discover what the town has to offer. The town’s features include a view of beautiful mountains, bohemian shops, craft breweries, and never-ending treks. Furthermore, the town is also considerably eco-friendly compared to any location in Patagonia, so every traveler should visit it.
Here’s our list of the best things to see and do in El Bolsón.
17 Things To Do in El Bolsón
El Bolson offers an array of activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. From exploring the lush forests and cascading waterfalls to indulging in the vibrant artisanal market, this charming destination promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.
A visit to El Bolsón, Argentina, will give you a chance to do the following memorable activities:
1. Paragliding
When at El Bolson, don’t miss this exciting aerial adventure. Hike to Cerro Piltriquitron and do paragliding from Piltriquitron. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and will leave you with amazing tour memories.
Consider adding an extra thrill to your Bariloche itinerary by taking a day trip to El Bolson for an unforgettable paragliding experience.
2. Cascada Mallin Ahogado and Cascada Escondida
Almost two miles (3 kilometers) from the center of El Bolson, you will find the waterfalls: Mallin Ahogado Circuit, a 16-mile long (25 km) trail that will take you to the breathtaking waterfall, and Cascada Escondida, a hidden waterfall that can be reached by walking a serene cypress forest.
At its trail’s end is the beautiful Botanic Garden with lush vegetation where you can see different Andean-Patagonian ecosystems.
3. Ski Perito Moreno
For those making the trip to El Bolsón in winter, skiing at Perito Moreno Glacier within the Los Glaciares National Park is a must, as it offers one of the most fascinating sights in Argentine Patagonia.
4. Visiting Parque Nacional Lago Puelo
A wooded and leafy national park 9.3 mi (15 km) south of El Bolsón will allow you to experience the unique, picturesque view of turquoise lake Puelo.
5. Hiking Cerro Amigo
When in El Bolsón, going hiking or for an effortless walk is a must. On Cerro Amigo, you can run a trail leading to beautiful town views.
6. Hiking the Rio Azul and Cajon Azul
If you do not mind hiking and want an amazing experience of beautiful views, get out of town and trek to Rio Azul and Cajon Azul.
7. Hiking Cerro Piltriquitron
It is not easy to hike Cerro Piltriquitron. However, since the mountain looks beautiful and offers an overlook of the town, it becomes necessary for every traveler to hike it and soak in the beautiful view.
8. Going Kayaking or Whitewater Rafting
Rafting or kayaking the Rio Azul is a different experience, just like hiking it. There are many professional guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable rafting/kayaking experience.
9. Horseback Riding
El Bolsón, Argentina, is full of outdoor activities. Riding a horse is a must-try to enjoy the view and make the most of your trip. Riding a horse is also an alternative to hiking.
10. Visiting the Feria Artesanal
Feria Artesanal is one of the famous local markets open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Feria is the place to visit when looking to shop for memorable handicraft items.
11. Museo de Piedras Patagonicas
Here is an iconic geological museum filled with rocks and minerals. Visiting this museum goes a long way in knowing the background of the Patagonia Region.
12. El Bosque Tallado
El Bosque Tallado is a sculpture park you can find after a short hike to the town’s mountainside. The view there is magical and impressive. Take the chance and see some of the finest American crafts.
13. Taking a Ride on La Trochita
La Trochita is an old locomotive that took its first journey in 1939 and has never looked back. The schedule of this locomotive is very limited, so you may need to get an agency’s help to board it.
The trip on La Trochita is around 2.5 hours, with a coffee shop, bakery, and dining car attached.
14. Drinking Craft Beer
El Bolsón is known for its scenic beauty and being home to a craft beer brewery. When you visit El Bolsón, treat yourself to a cold beer by visiting one of their local breweries or artisan markets.
15. Eat an Amazing Meal
El Bolsón is famous in the country for having organic and fresh produce. And since you are in the region, you should try having a meal here. El Bolsón is well-known for its traditional steak or having cake and tea in outdoor cafes.
16. Try The Ice Cream at Helados Jauja
Locals in El Bolsón, Argentina, believe that the ice cream in their town is the best in the country, be sure to put their claim to the test and try out ice cream.
17. Get a Massage and Do Yoga
In El Bolsón, Argentina, you will find various health shops, yoga instructors, and massage therapists. Be sure to try them.
How To Get to El Bolsón
As an international traveler who has landed in Buenos Aires, you must get to Bariloche first. You can book a flight and land in Bariloche.
Once in Bariloche, you can take a bus from Bariloche. Buses depart every few hours from Bariloche, so you should find no trouble finding a bus that takes you to El Bolsón, Argentina.
If you’re visiting the place from Esquel or El Chalten, you need to get a booking with a bus service. One of the prominent services is Marga Taqsa. However, people try to avoid Marga Taqsa since their website is difficult to navigate, and their buses don’t go as regularly in the lower season.
You could always hitchhike if you do not want to take the bus. Patagonia is a perfect place for those who want to hitchhike. El Bolsón and Bariloche link with Ruta 7, so you should have no problem finding travelers and commuters passing by willing to tag along with you for the journey.
Getting Around in El Bolsón, Argentina
When you reach El Bolsón, you can use three options to get around the town.
- Remise Taxis
In El Bolsón, Argentina, a “remise” taxi is a pre-booked private taxi service offering comfort and convenience for longer trips or special occasions. It is expensive but more exclusive than the other travel options. However, the trouble with finding remises taxis in El Bolsón, Argentina, is that you cannot wave and ask them to stop. Instead, you will need to have a remise service book.
If you spot a remise taxi, note its contact number. Keeping their number saved will allow you to text, call, and get a taxi easily in the town when you need to travel and cannot see any travel options.
Booking a cab from El Bolsón may cost 792 to 1,187 Argentine pesos (4 to 6 US dollars).
- Local Bus
El Bolsón’s bus system is not very dependable for international visitors. El Bolsón is a small town, so the bus schedule there is very infrequent. The schedule of days changes daily, depending on the day of the week. For example, the bus schedule on weekends is such that a bus leaves from and to town three hours later.
Nevertheless, local buses are a much cheaper option, and if you don’t mind waiting, you will save a lot of money later on your trip, which you can use later to have a better experience.
The bus ticket may only cost you 196 to 391 ARS ($1 to $2).
- Hitchhiking
Like Route 7, hitchhiking in El Bolsón is a way of life. If you decide to walk, you can cover most of El Bolsón on foot. Nevertheless, there are some spots where commuting by foot is impossible. For these spots, consider hitchhiking.
El Bolsón Argentina – Accommodations
El Bolsón is full of various accommodation options. However, we have shortlisted the best of them, so you do not have to look alone.
These accommodation options vary from each other in terms of price tag and offer distinctive features, so choose accordingly.
- Las Tejuelas Hotel
Las Tejuelas Hotel offers lodging with convenient access to Puelo Lake (21 km away) and Cerro Perito Moreno – El Bolson, 13 mi (25 km) away. Guests can enjoy a lovely garden and take advantage of free WiFi and complimentary private parking for those arriving by car. The property is designated as a non-smoking establishment and is located 25 mi (41 km) from Epuyen Lake.
All rooms at the hotel come with a patio, and some of them offer a city view. Each room at Las Tejuelas Hotel is furnished with bed linen and towels for added comfort.
- Cabañas Tunquelen
The accommodations at Cabañas Tunquelen come equipped with kitchens, dining areas, private bathrooms, and TVs. Visitors staying at Tunquelen can unwind in the communal gardens, and BBQ facilities are also available.
Situated 12 mi (20 km) from the ski center, Cabañas Tunquelen offers complimentary private parking on the premises.
- La Confluencia Lodge
For people making the trip on a tight budget and looking for an eco-friendly resort, La Confluencia Lodge hits home.
This lodge has lovely views since it is built overlooking a river. This lodge is also a working farm. You can expect the dishes served to you when staying made from the exclusive production of the onsite farm.
La Confluencia Lodge gives the guests a perfect opportunity to get close to nature and offers a delightful setting for the guests staying there. You can also enjoy nearby activities, including cycling, riding trails, and hiking.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
El Bolsón Argentina – Weather
After reports from tourists and locals, one can conclude that summers are the best time to make this trip. Winters feel chilling and wet, and in other seasons, the weather remains partly cloudy throughout the year. The temperatures usually vary in El Bolsón, Argentina, at 36-75 °Fahrenheit (2.2 – 23.9° Celsius).
Hence, summer is the best time to enjoy El Bolsón, Argentina. If you talk about months, any month from mid-December to late February is the ideal time.
If you take the El Bolsón, Argentina trip during summer, you will find clear skies and sunshine. The clear sky adds to the beauty of the landscape, and the location becomes more lively.
As far as packing goes, you should consider bringing a rain jacket. While the rain chances are low during summer, it’s better to have something and not need it than to not have it and need it. Otherwise, you can wear a standard summer dress or a T-shirt.
Important Travel Tips to Enjoy El Bolsón Argentina
By many standards, Argentina is a safe country for tourists. You can expect a lot of foreigners to visit El Bolsón, Argentina, and even more, visit Argentina.
However, El Bolsón is still prone to safety concerns. Although you may find a strong presence of police, it is not enough to keep the pickpocketers away. So, be aware of your surroundings, as always.
Another wise move here is to observe and converse with locals. Knowing how locals manage will give you more information about mishaps and how to avoid them.
If you are a woman or a solo traveler, the place is entirely safe to venture into independently. However, we suggest you get an anti-theft bag and always keep your valuables and your wallet or valuables with you.
Additionally, we have mentioned a few items that you must carry to make sure a healthy and safe trip:
Necessary Health Must-Haves:
- A vaccine card
- Passport protector
- Disinfecting wipes
- Portable first aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Bacteria filtering water bottle
Necessary Safety Must-Haves:
- Voice and data SIM card
- AirTag or any other tracker for your luggage and suitcase
- Anti-theft backpack
- Passport pouch
Must-Haves to Make Your Trips Comfortable:
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – El Bolson Argentina
What Is the Population of El Bolsón, Argentina?
The current population of El Bolsón, Argentina, is 20.176, with the area of the town spreading up to 6 sq mi (16 sq km).
What Is the Top Thing to Do in El Bolsón, Argentina?
As you can see above, there are many activities you can do when visiting El Bolsón, Argentina. However, the biggest plus point of visiting this town is the beautiful views and sights. Hence, you must explore the town, do amazing hikes, and enjoy coffee shops to make the most of this trip.
What Is the Meaning of “Bolsón” in El Bolsón, Argentina?
“El Bolsón” means “The Bag” in Spanish, which is the native language of Argentina. While one may be unable to comprehend the true meaning behind the name El Bolsón, Argentina, the beauty of this town overlaps every other question a person may have.
Conclusion – El Bolson Argentina
Travelers of every stripe will find El Bolson, Argentina, a must-visit destination. Excursion enthusiasts can embark on thrilling treks through the temperate rainforests of Southern Patagonia. Those seeking a more laid-back adventure can visit breweries or explore the town’s granite architecture and artisanal crafts scene.
Backpackers can travel to Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, before venturing to El Bolson. Itineraries can include safari trips to observe the glaciers and icebergs or hiking excursions to discover the hidden waterfalls and panoramic views.
El Bolson promises to highlight your South American journey regardless of your preferred travel style. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture memories of the charming town center, stunning landscapes, and the unique flora and fauna that call this region home.
Make El Bolson a must-visit destination. You won’t regret it!
Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources
Skyscanner is my trusted ally for booking flights, guiding me to the perfect travel options while making the journey planning process a breeze with its user-friendly interface and extensive search capabilities.
12Go Asia is my ultimate travel companion in Asia, offering the best budget service platform for seamless booking of trains, buses, ferries, and flights, ensuring every adventure unfolds smoothly and effortlessly.
Booking.com is my ultimate lodging partner. It offers many accommodations worldwide and simplifies my travel experiences with its user-friendly platform and unbeatable deals.
Get Your Guide is my go-to for personalized travel experiences, enriching my journeys with unique tours and activities curated to my interests, making every adventure unforgettable and tailored to my preferences.
SafetyWing is my peace of mind on the go, offering comprehensive travel medical insurance with affordable plans and hassle-free claims, ensuring I can explore the world worry-free, knowing I’m protected wherever I roam.
LifeStraw Go Bottle is my trusted hydration companion for outdoor adventures, filtering water on-the-go to keep me safe and hydrated, ensuring every hike or travel experience is worry-free and enjoyable.
Related Reads:
- Best Time To Visit Argentina: Must-Try Activities in Each Season
- Your Best Guide To A Drive Through The Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.