El Bolsón Hiking Guide 🥾 Best Hikes, Lookouts, Waterfalls & Nature Stays in Patagonia, Argentina 🇦🇷🌄

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Come join us in El Bolsón, Argentina for some epic day hikes as we explore in-depth 7 different hiking trails you can choose from while visiting this quaint town in Río Negro, Patagonia. As one of the top destinations in all of Argentina for hiking, El Bolson is a town in Patagonia you can linger for days or even weeks without exhausting all of your hiking opportunities. It doesn't take much effort to escape the town centre and be out in total wilderness. Furthermore, from certain vantage points you have the best views of the town and from certain look-out points you can see as far as Lago Puelo and Los Alerces National Park.

The 7 Day Hikes from El Bolsón featured in this video:

1) Mirador Azul
2) Cabeza del Indio
3) Mirador del Valle
4) Cerro Amigo
5) Cascada Escondida
6) Bosque Tallado
7) Refugio de Montaña Cerro Piltriquitrón

#hiking #patagonia #argentina

🥾 El Bolsón Hiking Guide: Best Hikes, Lookouts, Waterfalls & Unique Nature Stays in Patagonia, Argentina 🇦🇷🌄

🌄 Introduction: El Bolsón, Patagonia – A Hiker’s Paradise

Nestled between dramatic mountain ranges in northern Patagonia, El Bolsón is a haven for hikers and outdoor lovers. Surrounded by waterfalls, ridges, forests, unique rock formations, and jagged peaks, the town invites adventure at every turn. In today’s video, we explore a range of easy and moderate hikes you can tackle while visiting El Bolsón, offering panoramic views, encounters with local wildlife, and even a peek at whimsical Hobbit houses. Whether you’re an avid trekker or just enjoy gentle walks in nature, there’s a trail for everyone.

🌲 Mirador Azul & Cabeza del Indio – Valley Views & Ancient Rock Formations

The adventure kicks off with a hike to Mirador Azul, a viewpoint just 40 minutes from El Bolsón’s town center. The route starts on the west side of town, crossing a river and winding up a dirt road. The trail is steep and offers little shade, so early morning is best for cooler weather and stunning light. At the summit, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the river valley, snow-capped peaks, and endless forests—a true Patagonian panorama.

From Mirador Azul, the hike continues to Cabeza del Indio (Indian’s Head), a famed rock formation resembling a human profile. Entry is 70 pesos per person, and along the way, you’ll also find the Mirador del Valle (Valley Lookout) for even more spectacular vistas. Signs mark each trail, ensuring you don’t miss a thing. The final platform at Cabeza del Indio provides a perfect photo opportunity and a sense of the immense landscape.

🏞️ Cerro Amigo – The Town’s Easiest Hike with Three Lookouts

For those seeking something gentler, Cerro Amigo (Mount Friend) is El Bolsón’s most accessible hike. Just a two-minute walk from the trailhead brings you to the first lookout, offering sweeping views of El Bolsón and the striking Piltriquitrón mountain range. Entry is only about $2 USD, granting access to all three viewpoints for an entire week. The remaining lookouts are just a short walk further, each oriented for different perspectives of town and surrounding mountains. Picnic tables dot the route, making this an ideal spot for a snack break amidst Patagonian scenery.

💧 Cascada Escondida & Botanical Garden – A Hidden Waterfall & Unique Lodging

A short drive from town leads to Cascada Escondida, a serene hidden waterfall set beside a small botanical garden and a quirky camping spot featuring real Hobbit houses! The trail descends gently through the forest, and the cooler late afternoon temperatures are perfect for this outing. At Camping La Cascada, you can explore Hobbit homes built into the hillside—a fun and imaginative accommodation for those wanting to experience Patagonia in a truly unique way.

🌳 Bosque Tallado & Refugio Piltriquitrón – Art in Nature & Mountain Hut Dining

One of El Bolsón’s must-do hikes is the journey to Bosque Tallado (“The Sculpted Forest”). After a fire damaged part of the mountainside, artists from across the region carved sculptures from the remaining trunks, transforming the area into an open-air gallery. You can reach Bosque Tallado by shuttle partway up the mountain and hike the rest, following a circuit where each artwork is numbered and signed.

From here, the trail continues to Refugio Piltriquitrón—a rustic mountain hut popular with backpackers and day-trippers. After about 15–20 minutes of hiking, reward yourself with local specialties like meat empanadas, Welsh cake, toasted ham and cheese sandwiches, and artisanal bread. All the food is carried up the mountain by hand or on horseback, making every bite even more special. You can even spend the night at the refuge if you want to explore more remote trails the next day.

EPIC DAY HIKES in EL BOLSÓN, PATAGONIA: Here are 7 Hiking Trails to Choose From in Argentina!