El Bolson and Villa Lago Puelo
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The laid back town of El Bolson sits in the South West of the Rio Negro province, surrounding by various mountain ranges, forests, rivers, and creeks, and through these mountain ranges linked to many other small mountain villages, including the Villa Lago Pueblo.
El Bolson, home to 20,000 residents, is one of the few mountain villages in Argentina travel that can be visited anytime of the year for both its favourable climate and year round activities. During the summer, the forests, lakes, and stream are full of life, spreading this life throughout the lower grassy landscapes and farms. During the winter, the higher mountain peaks cover with snow, the streams freeze over, and fresh cool air enters the area.
One of the first things you will notice about El Bolson is its cool and laidback vibe and even more laidback village people. The village is striking with green trees, narrow streets, country inns, fishing lodges, hotels, and cabins, accommodation visitors with the utmost care. Restaurants and tea houses are abundant and offer fantastic regional foods and of course, teas, plus a great small town atmosphere with the ever-growing presence of tourists. The village is extremely welcoming to backpackers and adventure tourists, often taking in those who come to avoid the commercialism found in Bariloche but who still are looking for the great outdoors. Any tours around the area can be booked through the tourism offices located in the village; here, ever tour is authentic, well-planned, and organized by a local.
Many of the residents of El Bolson are farmers, harvesting fruits, vegetables, and hop. This farming attitude is why there are so many great regional foods to eat, including fresh jams, vegetarian dishes, sweets, and delicious beer.
The Outdoors
Sitting at the foot of Mount Piltriquitron, the area surrounding El Bolson is a mix of beauty and outdoor wonders.
Mount Perito Moreno is a skier’s paradise during the winter months in this region. Gorgeous snowy slopes are a major attraction and pull in thousands of visitors every year who come to enjoy them.
Near the village are several lakes, perfect for fly-fishing during most of the year. Spring, summer, and fall are fairly mild and fishing can be done with a local hired guide or on your own if you have or are able to rent the equipment.
The area also boasts great hiking, mountain biking, mountain climbing, and horseback riding, activities that are enjoyed in the spring, summer, and fall months.
Only 15km from El Bolson, is Villa Lago Pueblo, a beautiful village featuring a gorgeous lake, perfect for swimming, boating, camping, and fishing. There are buses between the two villages but catching a ride with a local is always a more interesting and fun way of arriving.
Festivals and Ferias
The harvesting of hop is a major celebration in the area with the yearly National Hop Festival that features various cultural events, music, and handicrafts, including pottery, wools, fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc.
On Tuesday’s, Thursday’s, and Saturday’s, the local crafts market opens up and sells local arts and crafts, pottery, clothing, food, and more. A great place to local goods at bargain prices.
This area of Argentina is a marvel of mountain ranges, thick, forests, lakes and streams, and is surprisingly still fairly untouched by visitors. The people are welcoming, the town comfortable, and the activities plentiful, making and trip to El Bolson and the surrounding areas memorable.