Discover El Bolsón, Patagonia’s alternative mecca, where the spirit of the hippie counterculture meets breathtaking nature. This small Argentinian town is a hub for ecotourism, renowned for its organic farming and vibrant artisan market. Surrounded by majestic mountains and glaciers, the region offers world-class hiking and mountaineering opportunities to spectacular peaks like Cerro Piltriquitrón. Explore the stunning network of mountain refuges, including the shimmering blue Cajón del Azul and the challenging Circuito Hielo Azul. El Bolsón is your gateway to unforgettable adventures in the Argentinian Andes.
El Bolsón: Your adventure guide to Patagonia’s hippie mecca and its dreamlike mountains
The small town of El Bolsón in Patagonia , Argentina , is far more than just a picturesque place in the Andes. It has made a name for itself as an Argentine hippie mecca and continues to attract backpackers, nature lovers, and those seeking an alternative lifestyle.
Hiking, mountaineering and counterculture: Discover the most beautiful peaks and mountain huts around the alternative town in the heart of the Argentine Lake District.
The past: Hippie colony and counterculture
El Bolsón gained international notoriety in the late 1960s. Disillusioned with Argentina’s conservative military dictatorship, numerous young urbanites sought an alternative to mainstream society. They moved to the secluded valley at the foot of Cerro Piltriquitrón to live a life close to nature, guided by the ideals of the hippie movement. The region provided the perfect backdrop for a counterculture that emphasized community, a connection to nature, and artisanal self-sufficiency. The myth of the hippie colony persists to this day, even though the original movement largely faded away in the late 1970s.
The present: Ecotourism and handicrafts
Today, El Bolsón is a vibrant small town in the province of Río Negro that has preserved the spirit of its past, but has also developed into a center for ecotourism.
The craft market:
The main attraction is the Feria Artesanal (craft market) in Plaza Pagano, which takes place on certain days. Here, artisans and farmers offer their handmade products: from ceramics, jewelry and woven goods to local specialties.
Economy and organic farming:
The region is known for its purely organic cultivation of red fruits (berries such as raspberries, cherries, etc.) and hops, which has led to the development of numerous microbreweries. The town is part of the Comarca Andina Patagónica del Paralelo 42, an economic association that emphasizes bartering and organic production.
Population:
The city has an estimated population of about 19,100 (as of 2015) and is a popular destination for backpackers.
The Spirit:
While some old hippies have retreated to quieter regions, the alternative charm is kept alive by a new generation of dropouts and artists.
Facts and infrastructure
- Province: Río Negro
- Location: Southern Andes, Argentinian Patagonia, approximately 130 km south of San Carlos de Bariloche
- Altitude: 312 m – 422 m above sea level
- Population: approx. 19,100 (2015)
- Getting there: Via Ruta Nacional 40 (RN 40), bus connections (often from Bariloche), small local airfield (airplanes).
- Accommodation: Diverse options: Hostels, cabins, campsites, guesthouses and mountain huts (refugios).
- Activities: Hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking, canoeing, winter sports at Cerro Perito Moreno.
Anyone who wants to travel in the lake district can take a look around here:
Mountaineering in the Argentine Lake District. A moderately difficult mountain tour.
The 5 most beautiful hikes
The area around El Bolsón is a paradise for hikers and known for its network of mountain huts (refugios) that make multi-day hikes possible. For longer hikes, registration at the official offices is often required.
Cajón del Azul
Description : This is the most popular hike and is possible as a day trip, but can also be extended into a longer adventure. It follows the Río Azul, whose waters shimmer in the most beautiful shades of blue. The highlight is a narrow gorge, the “Cajón,” where the river is forced between 30-meter-high cliffs. There are refuges (refugios) along the way and at the end.
Duration : Day trip (approx. 4-6 hours round trip) or longer trip with overnight stays in refuges along the Río Azul.
Circuito Hielo Azul (Refugio Hielo Azul)
Description : A challenging multi-day hike leading to the Refugio Hielo Azul mountain hut and the glacier of the same name. The tour usually starts at the “Doña Rosa” campsite (Wharton). The hike through forests and over rocky sections offers spectacular views of mountains and glaciers.
Duration : 2 days (with an overnight stay at the refuge), often as part of a longer trek in the surrounding area.
Piltriquitrón Refuge
Description : A hike to El Bolsón’s local mountain, Cerro Piltriquitrón. The trail leads through a magical section of forest, the Bosque Tallado (Carved Forest), featuring artwork carved into dead tree trunks. The mountain hut is located below the summit and offers breathtaking views of the El Bolsón valley and the Andes Mountains.
Duration : Full-day hike, as the ascent is steep (approximately 6-8 hours round trip).
Refugio Natación and on to Warton
Description : This hike can serve as a stage of a multi-day trek. It leads through beautiful woodland landscapes and open meadows. The Refugio La Natación is known for its peaceful location and can be used as a base for further exploration, for example, descending back to Wharton or reaching other refuges.
Duration : Depends on the chosen route (approximately 1 day from/to the starting point).
Circuit to Laguna Negra (from El Retamal)
Description : A longer trekking option, often using the El Retamal refuge as a stopover before continuing to Laguna Negra (Black Lagoon). It is more challenging and less crowded than the Cajón del Azul. The trails are characterized by dense vegetation, and the lagoon offers breathtaking high-alpine scenery.
Duration : 2-3 days, ideal for experienced hikers who want to venture deep into the Patagonian wilderness.
