Trekking in El Bolson, Patagonia

El Bolson is situated in about 130kms (70 miles) south of San Carlos de Bariloche and is largely overlooked as a trekking area but has many great options and is a lot quieter than Bariloche. There are a total of 13 refuges offering a wide variety of trekking routes for all abilities. The refuges are mainly within the tree line/forested mountains but there are options for treks to access the mountain tops and knock off some summits!

Getting to El Bolson

From Bariloche in the North there are about 10 daily bus services. The journey time is about 2 hours 15 mins and cost around AR$ 35. Timetables and booking info can be found here: Via Bariloche. In a car the trip can be comlete in about 90 minutes.

From Esquel in the South it is about 2 hours by bus: Via Bariloche

Mountain Information Office Club Andino Piltriquitrón (CAP)
opposite the Via Bariloche bus office

Telephone: (02944) 492000

The Club Andino Piltriquitrón (CAP) Mountain Information Office should be your first port of call in El Bolson. It offers free information & advice about all treks in the area, guidence on what refuges are open, the best trails. Weather condition can be found here.

They also offer bag storage for AR$ 15 a day.

Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 8am - 8pm (summer)

You must register here before you head into the mountains. If closed then register at the tourist info office.

Trekking Maps

Aoneker 1:50,000 El Bolson
(covers the following refuges: Co.Lindo, Hielo Azul, Natacion, Atillio & El Reramal)

Aoneker 1:120,000 Comarca Andina del Paralelo 42°
(covers all the refuges in the El Bolson region)

These maps can be purchased in El Bolson & Bariloche for about AR$40

Trekking Season

The trekking season is November - March. The high season of January and February will be busiest, especially at weekends.

Getting to the trail head

Public Bus
There is a public bus service from the Center to Wharton costing about AR$ 10 one way. It runs twice a day 3 times a week in the low season and on a daily basis during the school holidays. The service leaves from the main Plaza. For timetable enquire at the montain info centre or the tourist info center.

Taxi/Remis
The quickest option is by taxi/remis. There is a remis office opposite CAP:
'720 Remis' Tel: (02944) 720 120. Approx costs (Dec 2011):

El Bolson - Campsite Doña Rosa (for Refugio Hielo Azul) AR$ 30,
El Bolson - Wharton (for refugios Cajon Azul) AR$ 40 - Camping 'El Polaco' in Wharton can radio for l a taxi for those returning to El Bolson.
El Bolson - Familia Tilleria (for Refugio Encanto Blanco) AR$ 50
El Bolson - Refugio Perito Moreno AR$ 100.

Transfer Service
Bolson Experience 4x4 offers an 8am transfer service from the Mountain info office to Warthon (AR$15 one way) and Confluencia (AR$40 one way). Call Fernando on (02944) 498 307 or Cell: (02944) 15 70 71 33 (Note: he only speaks Spanish). In the winter he offers daily services to The Perito Moreno ski resort and Pitriquitron.

Target Audience

Who is this information aimed at: This information is aimed at experienced trekkers who have route finding and map reading skills. The routes are not explained in detail, this information is to inform you of the existance of the trek and provide you with the basic information you need in order to start planning the trek yourself.

Note: this information is no substitute for a proper Mountain Guide and accepts no responsability for inaccurate information or any accident or injury sustained in carrying out any of the treks described in these pages.

Due to a recent incident it is advised not to trek alone.

Enjoy your trek !