Lago Puelo is a small town built around a lake of the same name, about 15 minutes south of El Bolsón. It’s smaller and quieter than El Bolsón, and most of what draws visitors here — swimming, kayaking, short hikes, and access to the national park — centers on the lake itself.
This guide covers what to do in Lago Puelo, how to get there, and how it fits into a wider Comarca Andina trip.
Quick Facts
- Province: Chubut (just across the provincial border from El Bolsón, in Río Negro)
- Distance from El Bolsón: about 15 km (15–20 minutes)
- Distance from Bariloche: about 135 km (2–2.5 hours)
- Known for: turquoise lake water, national park, hikking trails.
Why Visit Lago Puelo
The lake’s color is the main draw — a bright turquoise that comes from glacial sediment, similar to other well-known Patagonian lakes but with far fewer visitors. Because the town is small and most infrastructure is spread out rather than concentrated, it feels less developed than El Bolsón, which is part of the appeal for travelers looking for something quieter.
Lago Puelo National Park
The town sits at the edge of Parque Nacional Lago Puelo, one of Argentina’s smaller national parks. It protects the lake itself along with the surrounding valdivian forest, a temperate rainforest ecosystem shared with southern Chile.
Inside the park, you can:
- Swim at designated beach areas along the lake (summer only — the water is cold year-round, but tolerable in December–February)
- Rent kayaks or small boats to get out on the water
- Walk several short, well-marked trails through the forest, most under 2 hours round trip
- Take a boat trip (when running) toward the Chilean border side of the lake
Practical details: The park has an entrance fee, typically paid at a ranger station near the access point. It’s open year-round, though services (boat rentals, kiosks) are reduced outside of summer.
Things to Do in Lago Puelo
Swim or Relax at the Lake
The most straightforward way to spend a day here. There are a few different beach access points along the lake with varying levels of development — some closer to parking and facilities, others quieter and further on foot.
Kayaking
Kayak rental is available seasonally near the main park access point. The water is calm enough for beginners on most days.
Short Hikes
Several trails inside the national park work well as half-day options, passing through valdivian forest — dense, humid, and green in a way that feels different from the drier forest around El Bolsón.
El Desemboque
The point where the Río Azul river empties into the lake, a popular spot for a shorter, easier outing than the main park trails.
Boat Rides and Border Crossing
Exploring the lake by boat is one of the most popular activities to do at Lago Puelo. Various tour options will take you around the lake; one of them includes a short hike that will lead you to the border marker between Argentina and Chile. More experienced hikers will also find longer, more challenging trails that take you through the Valdivian rainforest on a breathtaking trek into Chile.
How Much Time to Spend in Lago Puelo
- Half-day trip from El Bolsón: Enough for swimming or one short trail.
- Full day: Enough to combine the lake, a hike, and kayaking.
- Overnight: Worth it if you want to see the lake at different times of day, since it’s known for changing color and light through the afternoon, or if you’re planning the border crossing into Chile.
Most visitors treat Lago Puelo as a day trip from El Bolsón rather than a separate base, since El Bolsón has more accommodation and services.
How to Get to Lago Puelo
- From El Bolsón: A short, paved drive of about 15–20 minutes. Local buses also run this route, though with limited frequency — a car gives more flexibility, especially if you want to reach the park entrance directly.
- From Bariloche: About 2–2.5 hours by car, via Ruta 40 through El Bolsón.
- By bus: Regional buses connect El Bolsón and Lago Puelo, but schedules are limited compared to bigger routes — check current timetables rather than assuming frequent service.
Where to Stay in Lago Puelo
Lago Puelo has a smaller range of accommodation than El Bolsón, mostly cabañas (cabins), a few small hotels and a handful of campgrounds, some inside or near the national park. Most travelers either stay in El Bolsón and visit as a day trip, or choose Lago Puelo specifically for a quieter overnight stay closer to the water.
Lago Puelo: Practical Tips
- Bring cash — options for card payment are could be more limited here than in El Bolsón.
- The lake is located within a national park; be sure to follow the rules set by the authorities so as not to jeopardize the protection of the area and avoid fines.
- The lake is cold even in summer; swim near a designated beach area rather than off-trail sections.
- If planning the Chile border crossing, confirm current crossing hours and any documentation requirements before you go, as these can change.
- Insect repellent is worth packing in summer, especially near the forest trails.
Where to Go From Lago Puelo
Lago Puelo pairs naturally with El Bolsón as a short day trip, and it’s also close enough to El Hoyo to combine both in a single day if you have a car. For an overview of how all six Comarca Andina towns connect, see our Comarca Andina: Complete Guide.
