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TOURIST ACTIVITIES

Going to places of interest and other activities

El Bolson and the Andean region can be enjoyed the whole year round according to the preference of the traveler. Each time of year has different activities to offer. Summer and autumn are the ideal months for rafting on the Rio Azul which is a fast flowing, impressive river. You can also pluck up courage to fly like the condors securely attached to a paraglider. El Bolsón is one of the top spots for paragliding enthusiasts. Around 30 launches a day take place from the launching slope of the Piltriquitrón mountain. It is not only for practiced pilots as there is also the possibility for the intrepid visitor to experience a tandem flight with a qualified instructor.

Summer is also the best moment to visit the farms to see their production. The National Capital of Soft Fruit, (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, black and red currants), is El Hoyo, a small town 15km south of El Bolson. Indeed, the whole area has a large number of farms given over to agriculture and livestock, producing food items well-known all over Argentina. Humus is one of these and this farm produces organic soft fruit and has a dairy which produces organic cheese. Cabana Micó which is just a few blocks from down town, offers tours of the fruit plantations and sells jams, preserves and fresh fruit. Establecimiento Río Azul is another farm which affords one of the best panoramic views in the area and offers both gourmet products and the option to go horse riding along the paths of the Forest Reserve of the Azul River.

Hiking is the ideal activity for enjoying the whole year round. In the Bolsón area, there are thirteen mountain refuge huts set up to welcome the hiker. There are trails for all levels of stamina. The trails range from a short and pleasant walk to Cerro Amigo to a three day hike to the Roca del Tiempo (Rock of Time). The best known refuge huts and the most visited are the Cajón del Azul, the Motoco, the Piltriquitrón, Cerro Lindo and the Hielo Azul; the latter four are situated up mountains of the Andean range bearing the same name. You should take appropriate clothing and foot ware and something to drink and eat. As a safety precaution, you should let the Club Andino Piltriquitrón know that you are setting off on a mountain adventure.

In winter, tourists and local people, skiers and snowboarders, curious or intrepid folk meet up on Cerro Perito Moreno, the local mountain suitable for skiing. This small but friendly ski center is in Mallín Ahogado, the rural extension of El Bolson, and well-known for its farming activities.

All these activities and many more lie in store for you in El Bolsón and its surrounding area.

Come whenever you want and stay as long as you like.

Horse riding

Expert guides with well-mannered horses which are accustomed to mountain tracks, offer visitors an interesting alternative for getting to know the natural attractions of the area.

You can undertake rides around El Bolsón and nearby places or journeys of one or more days which take you by easy routes to the panoramic viewpoints or to the mountain refuge huts.

Horse riding is one of the favorite activities for many visitors as it gives them an inkling of what it was like for the older inhabitants not so far back when the only form of transport was the horse.

Scenic Flights

The Aero Club of El Bolsón, as you enter the town from the north end alongside the main road, offers the tempting prospect of a maiden flight allowing you to discover the more hidden corners of the valleys from the air.

Leaving from the aerodrome where the Aero Club headquarters are, you can enjoy a 20 minute flight, flying over lakes, valleys and mountain rivers and even sighting the international border with the neighboring Republic of Chile.

Hiking

In Patagonia, El Bolsón has the easiest access to mountain refuge huts being placed as it is, at the foot of the mountain range, Cordillera de los Andes. More than ten refuge huts offer a wide variety of trails and splendid views from elevations that go from 500 meters to 1,500 meters above sea level.

Several of them remain open all the year round, offering the hiker the chance to discover other facets of this marvelous Andean landscape.

From the mountain tops you can appreciate the varied landscape and you can enjoy a break and a rest at one of the refuge huts, and also use them as base camp for new trails and discoveries.

In addition, several of the trails allow hikers to continue walking from one refuge hut to another and to enjoy the amazing beauty of the landscape.

The Cajón del Azul, the Retamal, the Encanto Blanco, the Hielo Azul, the Piltriquitrón, the Dedo Gordo, Lago Natación and los Laguitos are just some of the mountain refuge huts for the hiker to visit and several of them, because of their easy access, can be visited by the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest.

Further Information:
Club Andino Piltriquitrón
Avenida Sarmiento near the corner of Roca Street
Telephone 0054 294 4492600

Sport Fishing

Season from November to May on land and water.
Source: Source: Department of Tourism, El Bolsón

Lakes, river and lagoons

The surrounding area offers many different options for sport fishing. The most important lakes are Puelo, Epuyén and Cholila where fishing can be had on the shore or by trolling (trawl fishing from a boat). The main rivers of the area are the Carrileufu which flows out of Lake Cholila, or the Azul, Turbio and Epuyén rivers which flow into Lake Puelo. When crossing the border towards Chile there are some rapids flowing out of Lake Puelo which offer interesting fishing for the keen angler. The Chubut River with its many bends and pools around El Maitén is also an interesting option.

Fish, bait and methods

Trout, the main fish found in the waters of the area, are especially appreciated by sport fishermen for their cunning and fighting spirit. The most frequent varieties found in the region are Rainbow, Brown and Fontinalis trout. Locked salmon can also be found and more recently, Pacific Salmon. The native fish to be found are perch and Patagonian silverside. Fishing is allowed from November to April and the permitted methods - always using artificial lures and having the right fishing license - are fly casting, trolling and spinning.

Options and related excursions: The Cajón del Azul, the Manso valley, the area around Mt Tronador, boat trips on Lago Puelo, crossing the Andes, Lake Epuyén.

Spas and complementary therapies

Experienced practitioners of a wide variety of therapies for well-being are to be found in the Bolsón area and visitors are invited to experience a new awareness through relaxation techniques, detox methods, healing and rehabilitation systems, health products, courses and other services.

School trips

Camping and Accommodation

The Bolsón area is ideal for school trips celebrating the finishing of primary and secondary school, offering everything needed to ensure the emotional and intellectual development of children and young people and their learning needs.

Both public and private educational institutions prefer the camping option as the area has good installations for this activity. There are several camping sites and buildings which are properly equipped offering safety, recreational activities, amenities, guided hiking trails, sports equipment for outdoor and indoor sports and a wide experience managing groups.

Paragliding

El Bolson is ideal for paragliding. The launching slope is situated on the Platforma, a flatish outcrop of Mount Piltriquitrón, 1000m above sea level, and with easy access for vehicles from the main highway, Ruta 40(ex258) and five kilometers south from the center of El Bolsón.

The launch site has a good slope which helps take off for flight over this entrancing valley, affording magnificent views.

The wind conditions and thermal currents which rise up on the side of the mountain, create suitable conditions for tandem paragliding, acrobatics and flights across country towards the south.

Agritourism

This activity consists in visiting different farms on guided tours to see the methods of production in the field or in the small factory. The local products are renowned for their artisanal quality, using organic fruit cultivated in the Bolsón area. A lot can be learnt from these visits which are fun and which give the visitor an close insight into local production and lifestyle.

Skiing

The Winter Sports Centre ‘Cerro Perito Moreno’. Information supplied by the Department of Tourism, El Bolson

One of the main attractions of El Bolsón during the winter season is the Winter Sports Center ‘Cerro Perito Moreno’, a small ski resort situated 25km from down town.

The mountain peak is 2,216 meters above sea level, and the slopes are covered in beautiful woods of lenga, a member of the southern beech (nothofagus) family, which grow there due the abundant rain which turns to snow during the winter season.

The slopes are suitable for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snow trekking, snow sports, sleigh rides and walking on snow rackets.

The center is being further developed and new activities will be added.

The center has:
1 chair lift, 1,200meters long which gives access from 900 meters to 1,350 meters above sea level where there is snow all the year round.
4 poma tow lifts for pistes which range from difficult to easy.
1 ski lift T-bar type (1000meters long) which is used for the piste approved by the International Federation for Skiing. There is also a mountain refuge hut.

There is also a ‘Snow Park’ which provides a renting service for ski boots, ski poles and ski boards as well as ski clothing, sledges and snowboards. This area also has a tow system of elevation 80 meters long which is ideal for beginners.

For those people who want to learn to ski or improve their skiing skills, the Club Andino Piltriquitrón is in charge of all the activities at the center and organizes a Ski School during the winter holidays in July/August.

www.capiltriquitron.com.ar

This Winter Sports Center, still under construction, is an ideal place for the whole family to enjoy, placed as it is in superb natural surroundings. The ambience is both cozy and simple. The Center also offers accommodation in the ‘Albretch Rudoph’Mountain Refuge Hut with rooms for around 60 people and a restaurant-coffee shop catering for 100 guests.

You can reach the Center by car following the gravel road through Mallín Ahogado. During the ski season there is transport arranged by the different tourist agencies in town.

Rock Climbing and Abseiling

Rock climbing and descent by abseiling are just some of the activities available in the mountains around El Bolson.

The expert instructors use prepared rock faces so that you can practice safely. These are easy to get to and basic instructions are given to those who are beginners.

There is a wide variety of places in the area which are suitable for all levels from beginners to experts.

Mountain Bike

The beautiful countryside in and around El Bolson can be enjoyed on a bicycle. The dells, mountains and valleys are perfect for practicing mountain bike.

Every year, more and more visitors use bicycles to travel and get around. Those who like this activity can hire bikes to ride the trails of the area.

Throughout the year, there are many mountain bike competitions both cross country and downhill in which cyclists from the area, from other parts of Argentina and from abroad take part.

Rafting and aquatic activities

The numerous rivers and lakes of the area offer the opportunity to undertake all sorts of activities in different kinds of craft. Source: Department of Tourism, El Bolsón

Rafting on the Manso River

The Manso River crosses the Andes range through the Leon Pass as it flows on to Chile. The last kilometers of the Manso River before the border, run through a narrow and action-packed ravine with numerous falls and rapids. The river pushes forward with striking force past obstacles that Nature has cast in its way. This is the right place to navigate the river if you are looking for that adrenalin rush that rafting in difficult waters provides. At the end of the ride, there is a trail that takes you up to the road where vehicles await right on the border between Argentina and Chile.

Rafting along the Azul River

This river is ideal for enjoying rafting with just the right balance between excitement and safety. The excursions, using inflatable rafts, pass through rapids and quiet pools under the guidance of expert raftsmen. The Azul River is ideal for those who want to have a first experience or to go with their family, as it is not a difficult run. The Azul River, rightly called because of its transparent waters with a blue reflection, is also home to other recreational activities. Other options are canyoning or canyoneering which is a way of descending the rapids without a craft, just floating with a lifejacket and snorkeling, observing the river bed with its flora and fauna in the quiet pools.

Crossing the Andes by boat

Nine kilometers to the west of the jetty, Lago Puelo narrows to form a short river which crosses the border with Chile to then become a lake once more, now called Lago Inferior which is on the Chilean side. This border river has three sets of rapids which can be crossed up and down river using appropriate craft and when there is sufficient water. The Lago Inferior is well-known for its good fishing. At the western headwaters, there are several cabin locations very near the source of the Puelo, the wide, deep and very green river that carries the waters to the Pacific Ocean.

Canopy tours

Fly like the birds in the wood!

Canopy is to ‘fly’, suspended in a harness, along a course of differing lengths above the treetops of the old, old coihue trees (nothofagus family) where only birds normally fly.

Crafts and Local Produce market

A unique shopping experience! Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from around 10am to 5pm.

Once in El Bolsón, visiting the Crafts Market is an absolute must, as you sift amongst the huge variety of hand-made products crafted from wool, dried flowers, wood, leather and metal as well as pictures and clothes. There the local producers sell their jams, vegetables, cheeses, artisanal beer amongst many other items.

It is also the place for enjoying artistic and musical performances. During the summer, the market provides a backdrop of color, music and street theater, all features that make your visit unforgettable.

So don’t forget to pass by on a Tuesday, Thursday or a Saturday from around 10am to 5pm.

Lake trips

Lago Puelo gives its name to the National Park which boasts a host of natural attractions as well as being the lowest pass through the Andes to neighboring Chile.

There are all sorts of craft waiting to show you around giving your visit that extra edge. The offer ranges from trips along the lakeside, to those taking you to the frontier with Chile or to El Turbio on the other side of the lake and where the locals offer all sorts of other excursions. For these reasons, this lake, as a natural attraction, is really appealing for all the family.

Bird Watching and Photographic Safaris

The many lakes, like Lago Puelo or the Laguna Salamín near the town of El Hoyo, attract an interesting variety of birds which expert guides can help you to identify.

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