LAKE PUELO: Visiting the BEST LAKE IN PATAGONIA? 🚤🥾⛰️ Trail to the Border of ARGENTINA & CHILE 🇦🇷🔄🇨🇱

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Come join us as we visit possibly the best lake in all of Patagonia, Lake Puelo (known locally as Lago Puelo), in terms of pristine scenery, lake of crowds and hiking and boating opportunities. We also hike to a frontier section of the border between Argentina and Chile. In order to visit Lake Puelo (Lago Puelo) we took the La Golondrina bus from El Bolson for a short bus ride to the lake. With frequent departures it is definitely the cheapest and easiest way to visit Lago Puelo (Lake Puelo) if you're staying in El Bolson. Conversely you could just stay in the town of Lago Puelo.

We had an incredible day of independent hiking in Lake Puelo before joining an organized boat tour where snow-capped mountains tickled our fancy off in the distance. Our one stop of the day was to go on a nice nature hike where we reached the border of Argentina and Chile. Overall, if you're thinking of visiting Lago Puelo we highly recommend it!

🌄 Ultimate Day Trip Guide: Hiking, Boating & Food at Lago Puelo – El Bolsón to the Border with Chile 🇦🇷🛥️

🚍 Getting to Lago Puelo from El Bolsón

Greetings from stunning Lago Puelo! In today’s video, we take you along for a classic Patagonian day trip from El Bolsón to Lago Puelo, exploring forests, hiking trails, and even reaching the border with Chile. We start the adventure by hopping on a local bus called La Golondrina, which conveniently leaves from Avenida San Martín, the main street in El Bolsón. Tickets are incredibly cheap (just 26–30 pesos, or under a dollar), and although the 40-minute journey includes a quirky transfer at the provincial border, it’s a breeze. For entry into Lago Puelo National Park, foreigners pay a modest $8 fee, collected right on the bus or at the park gate.

🌳 Morning Forest Walk & Argentine Tree Trivia

Arriving before noon gave us plenty of time to soak in the scenery. Our first activity: a shaded forest walk among the striking reddish-orange trunks of arrayán (myrtle) trees. Along the way, we picked up an interesting nature tip—did you know the difference between a forest and a jungle is the diversity of tree species? The forest around Lago Puelo is lush and tranquil, with sunlight filtering through the canopy and a coolness that makes hiking pleasant, even on a warm day.

🥪 Food Stand Fuel & Local Snacks

No Argentine adventure is complete without good food! We grabbed freshly made sandwiches and cold water from a lakeside stand to power up for our hike. Prices are affordable (about $3 per sandwich, $1 for water), and if you’re craving something sweet, you’ll also find artisanal fried cakes, chocolates, and craft beer. Pro tip: bring extra water—Patagonian weather can change fast, and you’ll want to stay hydrated.

🥾 Hiking to the Lago Puelo Lookout

We took on the “Mirador de Lago Puelo” trail, a moderately challenging hike with steady elevation gain and rewarding lake views. The 1.5 km route (about 40 minutes each way) is a perfect way to fill time before your boat tour, with cool forest stretches, moss-draped trees, and the occasional creek crossing. If you’re lucky, you’ll find wild berries—just beware the thorny “mora” plants!

🍔 Picnic & Beach Time

After the hike, we returned for a laid-back picnic at the beach, munching on giant hamburgers loaded with cheese, tomato, and all the fixings. For dessert: cornstarch alfajores with dulce de leche and coconut, or lemon scones. Washed down with a cold artisanal beer.

🛥️ Boat Trip to the Chilean Border

The highlight of the day: our boat excursion on Lago Puelo! Setting off in the afternoon sun, we cruised across mirror-like waters for about 50 minutes, marveling at the mountains and forests lining the lake. The trip took us right up to the Argentine-Chilean border—while we didn’t actually cross, there’s a clear sign for your photo op! If you’re camping and fully equipped, it’s even possible to hike between the countries here (passport required for the official crossing).

🌿 Hiking in the Valdivian Forest

After landing, we hiked about 2 km through the ancient Valdivian rainforest, following a trail lined with moss, ferns, and towering trees. The guide kept the group together—don’t wander off, or you might miss the call to rejoin the hike! Rapids and pristine streams made for scenic rest stops along the way, and the experience of walking between countries is truly unique.

🌅 Why Visit Lago Puelo?

Effortless day trip from El Bolsón—accessible and affordable.

Breathtaking scenery: crystal-clear waters, forests, and mountain views.

Varied activities: hiking, boat tours, berry-picking, swimming, picnics.

Border adventure: get close to Chile without the need for formal crossing.

Authentic local eats: sandwiches, hamburgers, pastries, craft beer.

LAKE PUELO: Visiting the BEST LAKE IN PATAGONIA? Trail to the Border of ARGENTINA 🇦🇷 & CHILE 🇨🇱

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