The Lake District Places

El Bolsón

Hiking

There are 10 refugios (mountain huts) with beds and meals in the mountains around Bolsón. A few easy hikes begin but a short taxi ride from the center of town. The Río Azul (Blue River) drops down from the high mountains north of town and runs through the valley to Lago Puelo. Most of the hiking trails are in this area. To reach the Mirador Azul (5 km [3 mi] from the town center), ride or drive west on Azuénaga Street, cross the bridge over the River Quemquemtreu, and follow the signs. From here you can look down the valley to Lago Puelo and up at the snow-covered mountains to the west. A 6-km (4-mi) walk will take you to the Cabeza del Indio (Indian Head) and Cascadas Escondidas (Hidden Falls). A strenuous two-day trek to the Hielo Azul (Blue Glacier) climbs through forests to a refugio next to the glacier. Another overnight hike through the forest and past hidden lagoons is to the refugio by the glacier at Cerro Lindo. Easier to climb it than to say it, the summit of Cerro Piltriquitrón (pronounced pill-tree-quee-tron) offers stupendous views of lakes and mountains all around you, including Tronadór on the Chilean border near Bariloche. There's a refugio at the top with beds and meals.