El Bolsón is the largest town in the Comarca Andina and the usual base for exploring this part of Argentine Patagonia. It’s about two hours south of Bariloche, set in a valley between the Piltriquitrón and the Rio Azul river, and it has more restaurants, accommodation, and transport options than any of the other smaller towns in the region.
This guide covers what to do in El Bolsón, where to stay, how to get there, and how much time to plan for it.
El Bolsón – Quick Facts
- Province: Río Negro
- Distance from Bariloche: about 120 km (about 2 hours by car or bus)
- Distance from Esquel: about 180 km (2.5–3 hours)
- Best base for: day trips to Lago Puelo, El Hoyo and El Maitén
Why Visit El Bolsón
El Bolsón is a classic destination for artists, farmers, and people looking for an alternative to city life. That history is still visible: it has a large weekly craft market, a strong local food and beer scene, and an economy built around small farms rather than large-scale tourism infrastructure.
Compared to Bariloche, it’s smaller, cheaper, and quieter, while still having enough services that you don’t need a car to enjoy a few days there.
Top Things to Do in El Bolsón
Trekking – Cerro Piltriquitrón
A mountain just outside town with a well-known lookout point reachable by a short drive followed by a walk, offering wide views over the valley. From the same access road, a trail continues to the “Bosque Tallado” (Carved Forest), a set of sculptures carved into dead trees by local artists.
Trekking – Cabeza del Indio
A rock formation resembling a profile, reached via a moderate hike with valley views. A popular half-day option for visitors without a car, since it’s closer to town than some of the other hikes.
Trekking – Cerro Amigo
A shorter, easier hike close to town, good if you want mountain views without committing to a full day.
Feria Artesanal (Craft Market)
The town’s main plaza hosts a large craft and food market, historically running Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (check current days locally, as they shift seasonally). Expect handmade crafts, local produce, and food stalls — it’s one of the best places to get a feel for the town.
Craft Beer Scene
El Bolsón has several small breweries and is often cited as one of Argentina’s craft beer hubs, thanks to good water and a climate suited to growing hops (also grown commercially in nearby El Hoyo). Worth building an afternoon around if you’re interested in beer.
Day Trips
El Bolsón’s location makes it a convenient base for visiting Lago Puelo, El Hoyo, and Epuyén, all within a 15–45 minute drive.
How Many Days to Spend in El Bolsón
- 1 day: Enough for the craft market and one short hike (Cabeza del Indio or Cerro Amigo).
- 2–3 days: Enough to add Piltriquitrón, a one day trip to a nearby town and a visit to the craft market or one of the small local breweries.
- 4+ days: Enough to use El Bolsón as a base for the whole Comarca Andina, with day trips to most of the other five towns, enjoy a few of the hikes, the craftmarket and the small local breweries.
How to Get to El Bolsón
- From Bariloche: Regular buses run several times a day from Bariloche, taking about 2 and a half hours. You can take the local bus directly from the airport or from the local buss terminal. Driving takes the same amount of time via the legendary Route 40.
- From Buenos Aires: There are regular flights from Buenos Aires to Bariloche, from there you can take the bsu or rent a car to reach El Bolsón. From Buenos Aires you can also take a direct bus, it’s a beautifull and quite long ride, about 24 hours long. There’s also way to get to Bariloche on train, and then you have to continue via bus or car.
- By air: The closest international airport is Bariloche (BRC). There’s a small local airstrip in El Bolsón, but it’s not used for regular commercial flights.
Once in El Bolsón, the town center is walkable, but a car (rented in Bariloche or locally) makes it much easier to reach the surrounding hikes and nearby towns without relying on bus schedules.
Where to Stay in El Bolsón
El Bolsón has a wide range of accommodation for a town its size, from hostels in the center to cabins (“cabañas”) on the outskirts with mountain or river views. Budget travelers are well served by hostels near the plaza; travelers wanting more privacy or planning to cook their own meals tend to prefer cabañas, many of which are a short drive from downtown.
Booking ahead is always worth it for a summer or winter trip.
Where to Eat
Beyond the food stalls at the craft market, El Bolsón has a solid restaurant scene built around local ingredients — trout, lamb, seasonal fruit, and the local breweries. It’s not a large culinary destination, but the quality-to-price ratio is generally good compared to Bariloche.
Practical Tips
- Cash is always apreciated. Most places will accept cards or qr payments, but is still inconsistent in smaller businesses.
- The craft market’s exact days can shift with the season, you can check the craft market schedule here.
- Weather changes quickly in the mountains; even in summer, pack a layer for the evening.
- Cell signal is reliable in town but weaker on the trails and in the surrounding towns.
Where to Go From Here
El Bolsón works well as a base for the rest of the Comarca Andina. From here, most visitors continue to:
- Lago Puelo: lake and national park, 15 minutes away
- El Hoyo: fruit region and fly fishing, 20 minutes away
- Epuyén: quieter village and lake, about 45 minutes away
- El Maitén: base for “La Trochita”, the historical patagonian narrow gauge train, about 50 minutes away.
For a wider overview of the whole region, see our Complete guide to the Comarca Andina.
