From Bariloche to Esquel

On the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is the best-known destination in Andean Patagonia and one of the gateways to the Nahuel Huapi National Park. It is also the National Capital of Adventure Tourism where you can go trekking, biking, kayaking, rafting, rappelling, diving, horseback riding and among others. It is a city with a wide range of accommodation, restaurantes and services.

To learn about the region’s history and culture, you can tour the Civic Center and visit the Museum of Patagonia, the Cathedral, the chapels, the Patagonian train station and the Museum of the Old Settlers in “Colonia Suiza”.

What you can't miss: Tasting patagonian cuisine, including its chocolates—with its thematic museum—and its craft beers. To see local crafts, you can visit the municipal fair, the Bariloche Artisans Association, the fair in the Women's Rights square and the Zuem Mapuche Artisanal fair.

More information in the Bariloche tourism website.

On the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is the best-known destination in Andean Patagonia and one of the gateways to the Nahuel Huapi National Park. It is also the National Capital of Adventure Tourism where you can go trekking, biking, kayaking, rafting, rappelling, diving, horseback riding and among others. It is a city with a wide range of accommodation, restaurantes and services.

To learn about the region’s history and culture, you can tour the Civic Center and visit the Museum of Patagonia, the Cathedral, the chapels, the Patagonian train station and the Museum of the Old Settlers in “Colonia Suiza”.

What you can't miss: Tasting patagonian cuisine, including its chocolates—with its thematic museum—and its craft beers. To see local crafts, you can visit the municipal fair, the Bariloche Artisans Association, the fair in the Women's Rights square and the Zuem Mapuche Artisanal fair.

More information in the Bariloche tourism website.

Just 14 km away from the city of Bariloche, Lake Gutiérrez is located in a valley surrounded by the Otto, Catedral and De la Ventana hills. There are campsites and many beaches. There is also access to Nahuel Huapi National Park for hiking through the forest. By car or bike you can explore the Balcón del Gutiérrez, a mountain road with curves and panoramic views, which connects this lake with Villa Catedral.

In Villa Los Coihues, on the shore of Lake Gutiérrez, there are campsites, accommodations and restaurants.

Just 14 km away from the city of Bariloche, Lake Gutiérrez is located in a valley surrounded by the Otto, Catedral and De la Ventana hills. There are campsites and many beaches. There is also access to Nahuel Huapi National Park for hiking through the forest. By car or bike you can explore the Balcón del Gutiérrez, a mountain road with curves and panoramic views, which connects this lake with Villa Catedral.

In Villa Los Coihues, on the shore of Lake Gutiérrez, there are campsites, accommodations and restaurants.

Furthermore along National Route 40 towards the south, you reach Lake Mascardi. Along the route you’ll find viewpoints, beaches, grocery stores and campsites, some managed by Mapuche communities. Additionally, in Villa Mascardi, there are cabins and lodges.

From the northern end of the lake, where the Relmu Lafquen Mapuche campsite is located, some walking trails start: the one that goes to Leones beach and continues to the Llum lagoon, “Los Césares” that reaches the waterfall of the same name and “Los Rápidos - Los Moscos Lake” that begins at Los Rápidos campsite. More information about the trekking trails here.

Furthermore along National Route 40 towards the south, you reach Lake Mascardi. Along the route you’ll find viewpoints, beaches, grocery stores and campsites, some managed by Mapuche communities. Additionally, in Villa Mascardi, there are cabins and lodges.

From the northern end of the lake, where the Relmu Lafquen Mapuche campsite is located, some walking trails start: the one that goes to Leones beach and continues to the Llum lagoon, “Los Césares” that reaches the waterfall of the same name and “Los Rápidos - Los Moscos Lake” that begins at Los Rápidos campsite. More information about the trekking trails here.

Taking the detour to Pampa Linda through provincial route 81, you access the base of Mount Tronador, within the Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Several treks depart from Pampa Linda –where there are accommodations and restaurant options– among which the Otto Meiling refuge, the Ilón lagoon and the Agostino Rocca refuge stand out. There is also an 8 km road that reaches the viewpoint of the Ventisquero Negro glacier. Another attraction is visiting Los Alerces waterfalls, entering through a road that begins in Los Rápidos campsite.

To enter this area of the park, you must take into account the entry-exit times, since there are times when the roads become one-way (to see the times, enter this link).

More information in the tourism website of Bariloche and the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
 

Taking the detour to Pampa Linda through provincial route 81, you access the base of Mount Tronador, within the Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Several treks depart from Pampa Linda –where there are accommodations and restaurant options– among which the Otto Meiling refuge, the Ilón lagoon and the Agostino Rocca refuge stand out. There is also an 8 km road that reaches the viewpoint of the Ventisquero Negro glacier. Another attraction is visiting Los Alerces waterfalls, entering through a road that begins in Los Rápidos campsite.

To enter this area of the park, you must take into account the entry-exit times, since there are times when the roads become one-way (to see the times, enter this link).

More information in the tourism website of Bariloche and the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
 

Returning to National Route 40 towards El Bolsón, you border Lake Guillelmo where there is an area of free and organised campsites. This lake is ideal for spending the day and doing trout sport fishing.

Continuing along National Route 40, and taking a detour to the right at kilometre 1980, you access a gravel road that reaches Lake Steffen. Here you can camp, sail with authorised boats and do sport fishing. Important: check the entry and exit times.

More information in the Bariloche tourism website.

Continuing along National Route 40, and taking a detour to the right at kilometre 1980, you access a gravel road that reaches Lake Steffen. Here you can camp, sail with authorised boats and do sport fishing. Important: check the entry and exit times.

More information in the Bariloche tourism website.

Towards the south, and continuing along National Route 40, you reach the Villegas River where Provincial Route 83 begins, which runs through the Manso River Valley. This gravel road runs parallel to the lower Manso River, at the southern end of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, and reaches the border with Chile where the route ends. Along its route there are beautiful and very quiet landscapes for hiking, cycling, rafting and horseback riding.

On this mountain road there are two walkways over the river: the Andrade walkway is 11 km away, and the Jones walkway is 33 km away. Both are connected by a 19 km path, on the other side of the river, which can be explored on foot or by bicycle. On provincial route 83 and near the walkways, there are campsites, cabins and food houses.

Once you reach the border with Chile, you can cross it by walking a thousand metres until you reach a small town called El León. This crossing can also be done on horseback or in rafts, always with authorised providers.

More information in the unmissable Valley of the Manso River.

Towards the south, and continuing along National Route 40, you reach the Villegas River where Provincial Route 83 begins, which runs through the Manso River Valley. This gravel road runs parallel to the lower Manso River, at the southern end of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, and reaches the border with Chile where the route ends. Along its route there are beautiful and very quiet landscapes for hiking, cycling, rafting and horseback riding.

On this mountain road there are two walkways over the river: the Andrade walkway is 11 km away, and the Jones walkway is 33 km away. Both are connected by a 19 km path, on the other side of the river, which can be explored on foot or by bicycle. On provincial route 83 and near the walkways, there are campsites, cabins and food houses.

Once you reach the border with Chile, you can cross it by walking a thousand metres until you reach a small town called El León. This crossing can also be done on horseback or in rafts, always with authorised providers.

More information in the unmissable Valley of the Manso River.

Continuing along Route 40 you can enter the “Río Azul - Lago Escondido” Protected Natural Area, also known as ANPRALE.

This area stands out for its lenga, coihue, ñire and cypress forests; the Valdivian jungle and the high Andean environments, as well as glaciers, rivers, streams and lagoons. There are many trails to walk and explore during the day, although the best is to camp or sleep in their mountain shelters. Important: for trekking it is mandatory to complete the individual online registration prior to entry.

Just 12 km away is El Bolsón, a perfect place from where to make a base (more information at the next stop). It is recommended to stop by the Mountain Information Office located in the centre of the city to find out about the trekking circuits and shelters.

More details in the unmissable Río Azul Protected Natural Area – Lago Escondido. 

Continuing along Route 40 you can enter the “Río Azul - Lago Escondido” Protected Natural Area, also known as ANPRALE.

This area stands out for its lenga, coihue, ñire and cypress forests; the Valdivian jungle and the high Andean environments, as well as glaciers, rivers, streams and lagoons. There are many trails to walk and explore during the day, although the best is to camp or sleep in their mountain shelters. Important: for trekking it is mandatory to complete the individual online registration prior to entry.

Just 12 km away is El Bolsón, a perfect place from where to make a base (more information at the next stop). It is recommended to stop by the Mountain Information Office located in the centre of the city to find out about the trekking circuits and shelters.

More details in the unmissable Río Azul Protected Natural Area – Lago Escondido. 

El Bolsón es una de las ciudades que forman parte del Corredor de los Andes. Tiene una gran variedad de alojamientos y servicios gastronómicos.

Además de recorrer el ANPRALE (más información en la parada anterior), se puede disfrutar el cerro Piltriquitrón —con vistas panorámicas espectaculares—, el sendero hacia el Bosque Tallado —60 grandes esculturas que dan lugar a un increíble museo a cielo abierto—, la cascada Escondida y el ascenso al cerro Amigo —un sendero de dificultad baja en el que también se pueden practicar actividades de turismo aventura como rappel, escalada y ciclismo—.

Es un destino emblemático con una fuerte impronta cultural que creció a partir de la década del 60 con el arribo de viajeros y viajeras que se identificaban con el movimiento hippie. Vale la pena visitar la feria regional en la plaza Pagano y conocer las chacras productivas de frutas finas o de lúpulo destinadas a cervezas regionales (todos los años se celebra la Fiesta Nacional del Lúpulo). Además, se puede visitar la capilla San Juan Pablo II construida en piedra, madera, vitraux y hierro, realizado por artesanos de la comarca.

Más información en la web de turismo de El Bolsón.

El Bolsón es una de las ciudades que forman parte del Corredor de los Andes. Tiene una gran variedad de alojamientos y servicios gastronómicos.

Además de recorrer el ANPRALE (más información en la parada anterior), se puede disfrutar el cerro Piltriquitrón —con vistas panorámicas espectaculares—, el sendero hacia el Bosque Tallado —60 grandes esculturas que dan lugar a un increíble museo a cielo abierto—, la cascada Escondida y el ascenso al cerro Amigo —un sendero de dificultad baja en el que también se pueden practicar actividades de turismo aventura como rappel, escalada y ciclismo—.

Es un destino emblemático con una fuerte impronta cultural que creció a partir de la década del 60 con el arribo de viajeros y viajeras que se identificaban con el movimiento hippie. Vale la pena visitar la feria regional en la plaza Pagano y conocer las chacras productivas de frutas finas o de lúpulo destinadas a cervezas regionales (todos los años se celebra la Fiesta Nacional del Lúpulo). Además, se puede visitar la capilla San Juan Pablo II construida en piedra, madera, vitraux y hierro, realizado por artesanos de la comarca.

Más información en la web de turismo de El Bolsón.

Taking provincial route 16 for about 19 km, you reach the Lago Puelo National Park, one of the few places in Argentina where you can see the valdivian jungle. It’s a great destination with landscapes full of mountains and forests, irresistible for hiking, kayaking and bird watching lovers. Just 4 km away is Villa Lago Puelo, where there are accommodation, camping and food services.

More information in the unmissable Lago Puelo National Park.

Taking provincial route 16 for about 19 km, you reach the Lago Puelo National Park, one of the few places in Argentina where you can see the valdivian jungle. It’s a great destination with landscapes full of mountains and forests, irresistible for hiking, kayaking and bird watching lovers. Just 4 km away is Villa Lago Puelo, where there are accommodation, camping and food services.

More information in the unmissable Lago Puelo National Park.

Returning to provincial route 16 and then national route 40 for about 17 km, El Hoyo is located in a mountain valley. It is the National Capital of Fine Fruit: in its fields, you can taste raspberries, strawberries, cherries, currants, cassis and more.

It also has wine establishments to learn about the production process on guided tours, which include wine tasting and meals. In addition, there are craft breweries with Patagonian hops of different varieties. It has cabins, hotels, campsites, inns and gastronomic services.

In its surroundings you can go trekking to the Los Alerces, Espejo and Cerro Pirque lagoons, enjoy horseback riding, kayaking and other nautical activities with authorised providers.

11 km from El Hoyo is Puerto Patriada (located on the northern coast of Lake Epuyén), where there are sandy beaches, cabins and campsites, as well as gastronomic offers. 14 km away (on the eastern coast of Lake Puelo), there is El Desemboque - Parque Raúl Solari Ecological Reserve, where the Epuyén River flows, another great place with beaches, myrtle forests and a campsite.

Returning to provincial route 16 and then national route 40 for about 17 km, El Hoyo is located in a mountain valley. It is the National Capital of Fine Fruit: in its fields, you can taste raspberries, strawberries, cherries, currants, cassis and more.

It also has wine establishments to learn about the production process on guided tours, which include wine tasting and meals. In addition, there are craft breweries with Patagonian hops of different varieties. It has cabins, hotels, campsites, inns and gastronomic services.

In its surroundings you can go trekking to the Los Alerces, Espejo and Cerro Pirque lagoons, enjoy horseback riding, kayaking and other nautical activities with authorised providers.

11 km from El Hoyo is Puerto Patriada (located on the northern coast of Lake Epuyén), where there are sandy beaches, cabins and campsites, as well as gastronomic offers. 14 km away (on the eastern coast of Lake Puelo), there is El Desemboque - Parque Raúl Solari Ecological Reserve, where the Epuyén River flows, another great place with beaches, myrtle forests and a campsite.

Continuing along national route 40 towards the south, you reach the town of Epuyén. About 7 km to the west you can see the lake of the same name. In the town and its surroundings there is a varied gastronomic and accommodation offer.

Two of its attractions are the Puerto Bonito Municipal Park and the Lago Epuyén Municipal Multiple Use Reserve, where you can kayak, sail, row and canoe. In addition, there are beaches and artisan's property. It also has a space for climbing and trails of different levels of difficulty and duration (it is necessary to register at the information office to do these activities).

Almost 40 km from Epuyén is the town of El Maitén, where you can visit the workshops and the railway museum of La Trochita, the historic train that today is a tourist attraction in this entire area.

Continuing along national route 40 towards the south, you reach the town of Epuyén. About 7 km to the west you can see the lake of the same name. In the town and its surroundings there is a varied gastronomic and accommodation offer.

Two of its attractions are the Puerto Bonito Municipal Park and the Lago Epuyén Municipal Multiple Use Reserve, where you can kayak, sail, row and canoe. In addition, there are beaches and artisan's property. It also has a space for climbing and trails of different levels of difficulty and duration (it is necessary to register at the information office to do these activities).

Almost 40 km from Epuyén is the town of El Maitén, where you can visit the workshops and the railway museum of La Trochita, the historic train that today is a tourist attraction in this entire area.

Continuing south about 38 km along provincial route 71, you can visit Cholila, a town on the Andes mountain range, surrounded by rivers, lakes and four valleys: Blanco, Rivadavia, Rincón and Cajón. It has inns, cabins, campsites, restaurants and other basic services. In addition, it’s a good base for forest walks, horseback riding, photographic safaris, sport fishing and sailing on its rivers and lakes.

From Cholila you can visit Lake Lezana by crossing the Villa El Blanco area and eastwards, Lake Mosquito along provincial route 15. There is also the viewpoint of the four valleys to have panoramic views of Cholila and the Mosquito, Lezana and Cholila lakes. .

If you want to know the history of the town, you can visit La Legal museum-bar and the emblematic ranch of the bandits Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid. One fact: every February the Asado National Festival takes place.

Continuing south about 38 km along provincial route 71, you can visit Cholila, a town on the Andes mountain range, surrounded by rivers, lakes and four valleys: Blanco, Rivadavia, Rincón and Cajón. It has inns, cabins, campsites, restaurants and other basic services. In addition, it’s a good base for forest walks, horseback riding, photographic safaris, sport fishing and sailing on its rivers and lakes.

From Cholila you can visit Lake Lezana by crossing the Villa El Blanco area and eastwards, Lake Mosquito along provincial route 15. There is also the viewpoint of the four valleys to have panoramic views of Cholila and the Mosquito, Lezana and Cholila lakes. .

If you want to know the history of the town, you can visit La Legal museum-bar and the emblematic ranch of the bandits Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid. One fact: every February the Asado National Festival takes place.

84 kilometres to the south, along provincial route 71, you enter Los Alerces National Park through its northern entrance.

This natural area—declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO—has an impressive beauty: there are turquoise lakes and rivers, glaciers, waterfalls and the Alerzal Milenario, a sector of the Valdivian jungle with larche trees that are more than 2,500 years old.

More information in the unmissable Los Alerces National Park.

Inside Los Alerces National Park and following provincial route 71, you reach Lake Rivadavia, with beaches, campsites and walking trails. Some of them are the circuit to the Arroyo del Hacha waterfall - which reaches a viewpoint where you can appreciate the immensity of the landscape -, the Rivadavia River circuit and two trails of the Huella Andina (consult about the status of these paths in the section from the park).

8 km away from the lake, at Villa Lago Rivadavia, there are accommodations and gastronomic proposals.

Inside Los Alerces National Park and following provincial route 71, you reach Lake Rivadavia, with beaches, campsites and walking trails. Some of them are the circuit to the Arroyo del Hacha waterfall - which reaches a viewpoint where you can appreciate the immensity of the landscape -, the Rivadavia River circuit and two trails of the Huella Andina (consult about the status of these paths in the section from the park).

8 km away from the lake, at Villa Lago Rivadavia, there are accommodations and gastronomic proposals.

About 9 km to the south of Lake Rivadavia is Lake Verde, a body of water surrounded by mountains. There are campsites and a glamping site, you can go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding and, during season, fly fishing.

Some walking trails start from here within Los Alerces National Park: the Lake Verde viewpoint —for an hour and a half you ascend a steep slope of medium difficulty until you reach a panoramic view of the Verde, Menéndez and Rivadavia lakes— and the El Petiso high hill trail —of high difficulty and with a duration of seven hours round trip, that is why it is necessary to register at the Arrayanes or Lago Verde office before undertaking the trail.

About 9 km to the south of Lake Rivadavia is Lake Verde, a body of water surrounded by mountains. There are campsites and a glamping site, you can go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding and, during season, fly fishing.

Some walking trails start from here within Los Alerces National Park: the Lake Verde viewpoint —for an hour and a half you ascend a steep slope of medium difficulty until you reach a panoramic view of the Verde, Menéndez and Rivadavia lakes— and the El Petiso high hill trail —of high difficulty and with a duration of seven hours round trip, that is why it is necessary to register at the Arrayanes or Lago Verde office before undertaking the trail.

Continuing within Los Alerces National Park, the turquoise Arrayanes River connects Lake Verde with Lake Futalaufquen.

A stop that cannot be missed is the Arrayanes River walkway where you can see the biodiversity of this Andean region. Several trails of different levels and difficulties also start from here to do during the day. In this area there is a wild campsite with supplies and accommodation.

2 km away, after crossing the walkway and over Lake Menéndez, is Puerto Chucao, from where the catamaran excursion departs to Alerzal Millenario, with specimens of larches up to 60 meters high and more than 2,000 years old. The route passes through Lake Cisne and the river of the same name, which leads to the foot of the Lahuán or Alerce Abuelo, 2,600 years old.

Continuing within Los Alerces National Park, the turquoise Arrayanes River connects Lake Verde with Lake Futalaufquen.

A stop that cannot be missed is the Arrayanes River walkway where you can see the biodiversity of this Andean region. Several trails of different levels and difficulties also start from here to do during the day. In this area there is a wild campsite with supplies and accommodation.

2 km away, after crossing the walkway and over Lake Menéndez, is Puerto Chucao, from where the catamaran excursion departs to Alerzal Millenario, with specimens of larches up to 60 meters high and more than 2,000 years old. The route passes through Lake Cisne and the river of the same name, which leads to the foot of the Lahuán or Alerce Abuelo, 2,600 years old.

Towards the south along Provincial Route 71, the immense Lake Futalaufquen has campsites, cabins, lodgings and services. Villa Futalaufquen is the most important town within Los Alerces National Park.

There are several walking trails from Villa Futalaufquen: along the lake coast you can reach the Puerto Limonao area, a low difficulty route that lasts approximately two hours. If you are looking for a more demanding challenge, the trek to Krugger Lake begins here. Another option is the path to Cerro Cocinero that starts from the Rañinto stream (to do so, you must register in advance).

Also from the village you can take the interpretive trail of rock paintings that reaches a viewpoint with a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Futalafquen. Another option, 6 km away, is to visit the Yrigoyen waterfall, which is located on the east bank of the lake.

Towards the south along Provincial Route 71, the immense Lake Futalaufquen has campsites, cabins, lodgings and services. Villa Futalaufquen is the most important town within Los Alerces National Park.

There are several walking trails from Villa Futalaufquen: along the lake coast you can reach the Puerto Limonao area, a low difficulty route that lasts approximately two hours. If you are looking for a more demanding challenge, the trek to Krugger Lake begins here. Another option is the path to Cerro Cocinero that starts from the Rañinto stream (to do so, you must register in advance).

Also from the village you can take the interpretive trail of rock paintings that reaches a viewpoint with a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Futalafquen. Another option, 6 km away, is to visit the Yrigoyen waterfall, which is located on the east bank of the lake.

The last stop on this trip is the city of Esquel, where the Patagonian steppe and the Andean forest combine at the foot of the mountain range, in a valley of glacial origin. There is a wide variety of accommodation and services.

You can learn about the history of the region by visiting the City Historical Museum and the Seion Chapel, which marks the presence of the first Welsh families.

5 km from the centre is La Zeta, an urban nature reserve with a lagoon, a spa and kayak rental, ideal for a midday outing. In winter, you can visit the La Hoya Mountain Activities Center, 12 km from the city. Another option is to visit and tour part of the region with La Trochita, the heritage train that today is a tourist attraction in the area.

More information in the unmissable Esquel and surroundings.

The last stop on this trip is the city of Esquel, where the Patagonian steppe and the Andean forest combine at the foot of the mountain range, in a valley of glacial origin. There is a wide variety of accommodation and services.

You can learn about the history of the region by visiting the City Historical Museum and the Seion Chapel, which marks the presence of the first Welsh families.

5 km from the centre is La Zeta, an urban nature reserve with a lagoon, a spa and kayak rental, ideal for a midday outing. In winter, you can visit the La Hoya Mountain Activities Center, 12 km from the city. Another option is to visit and tour part of the region with La Trochita, the heritage train that today is a tourist attraction in the area.

More information in the unmissable Esquel and surroundings.