A clear glacial lake in Patagonia, surrounded by Andean peaks and native Coihue forests. Popular for swimming and kayaking in summer, with water at 15°C.
Lago Puelo lies in Argentina’s Chubut Province, surrounded by the Andes. The village centers around a bright blue lake formed by glacial minerals, with forests of bamboo and ancient myrtle trees covering the hills. To the south, Lago Puelo National Park has trails leading to waterfalls and viewpoints overlooking Chile. Each summer, the Forest Festival fills the streets with live music, handmade leather goods, and smoked trout dishes. Winters bring snow to the peaks, drawing visitors who ski cross-country or explore orchards growing cherries and raspberries. The village connects easily to El Bolsón, a 20-minute drive north, and Bariloche, two hours southeast.
Lago Puelo National Park
Covering 276 square kilometers, this park centers on Lake Puelo, where sunlight reflects off mineral-rich waters to create shades of blue and green. Walk the Sendero Bosque de Las Sombras, a half-mile loop shaded by pitra trees with twisted trunks, or hike nine hours to Los Hitos for views of Chilean valleys. At La Playita, a small pebble beach, you can swim in water warmed to 20°C (68°F) by summer sun. Camp near the lake for free or choose a paid site with showers and electricity. Rangers often spot pudú deer, pumas, and hummingbirds near the Arrayanes River.
Hiking and Adventure Options
Start with Sendero Faldeo, a steep two-hour climb to a ridge with clear views of the lake and Andes. Cross the wooden footbridge over the Azul River to reach Huemul Lagoon, a quiet spot for picnics, or follow the León River upstream to a 40-meter waterfall. Local guides lead horseback rides through orchards and kayak trips across the lake’s calm sections. From December to April, fish for rainbow trout in designated zones with a permit. In winter, rent skis to explore trails like the 97-kilometer route leading to Lago Cholila.
Local Crafts and Farming
Families here grow cherries, raspberries, and hops, which you can buy fresh at roadside stands along Provincial Route 16. Watch artisans carve wooden bowls or spin wool into yarn at workshops open to visitors. Many residents moved from Buenos Aires or Córdoba to start small farms or hostels, blending city skills with rural life. Try homemade jams at Finca Las Golondrinas or join a workshop to make chocolate bars using local honey. Evenings often end with lamb roasted over a fire, served with potatoes grown in nearby fields.
The Forest Festival
Musicians from across Argentina perform folk songs and rock ballads during this January event. Browse stalls selling leather belts, ceramic bowls, and beer brewed with Patagonian hops. Sign up for a class to learn how to weave wool blankets or shape clay pots. Eat empanadas stuffed with wild mushrooms or trout smoked over beech wood. The festival overlaps with the warmest weeks of summer, so bring a swimsuit to cool off in the lake afterward. After sunset, gather around fires to hear stories about the Mapuche people who first settled this valley.
Visiting Lago Puelo
Stop by the Dirección de Turismo on Avenida 2 de Abril for trail maps, fishing permits, and bus schedules. Pay AR$250 (around $3 USD) to enter the national park, where rangers explain which trails are open. Buses leave hourly from El Bolsón’s terminal, 17 kilometers north, and twice daily from Bariloche. Stay at Rey Sol Hostel near the lakefront to rent bikes or join group dinners in their garden. Pack a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and sunscreen—weather shifts quickly here, with summer mornings often crisp and winter nights dropping below 0°C (32°F).
