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Created as an annex to Los Alerces National Park in 1937, with the aim of protecting the Puelo river basin, in 1971 the Lago Puelo National Park was established as an independent reserve.

Located in the extreme northwest of the province of Chubut, on the border of the Republic of Chile, it is the smallest park in the Patagonian region and protects the forests, the steppe and the regions of the high Andes. It beautifies it with its surroundings with the El Bolsón valley, from where the Azul River runs, to the parts of the imposing Piltriquitrón hill.



The entire region of the Cordillera underwent intense transformations as a result of the action of glaciers, which gave rise to extensive and deep lakes, between them and Lake Puelo. Its waters flow through the homonymous river in the Pacific Ocean. Within the National Park, which has been appropriated in its name, this water spill, of a beautiful bluish green, runs from north to south, joining on its western side with the interior of the Chilean lake by means of a short river, and another Canal where the Epuyén River also flows.



Unlike other Andean-Patagonian forest reserves, the Puelo Lake Valley is characterized by its rear connection and a particular microclimate, and is located 200 meters above sea level. This altitude allows more pleasant temperatures, which during the summer do not produce snowfall, as is usual in mountain environments.

This warm climate is, in turn, one of the main causes of another distinctive feature of the National Park: the species of vegetation typical of the Valdivian jungle, such as hazelnut, tique and the ulmo and beautiful white Ingresqui liana, which make the country unique. next to Lake Puelo. In addition, it exhibits the most native flora of the Andean-Patagonian forests of the region, such as the cypress trees of the sierra, the coihue, the blue thorn, the radal and the arrayan, among others. The rose hip, an invasive exotic plant, also affects several sectors of the Reserve.



Lago Puelo is a truly amazing wealth of fauna such as the endangered pudu and huemul, colorado, puma and minor ferret. Huala, the flying steam duck, the bandurria, the woodpecker python and the black swan, among others, cross the sky. The rivers and lakes of the protected area are inhabited by native fish such as crucified trout, and exotic species such as rainbow trout and closed salmon.



As a result of the devastating forest fires, most of the area of ​​the National Park is undergoing a slow recovery process. At present, it is possible to observe different cliffs that have suffered this catastrophe and that now discover areas devoid of vegetation, subjected to erosive fuels.

Mapuche ancestors



Groups of cooks and gatherers can settle in the area, sitting on the steppe. To find their main food, the guanaco, they used stone and bone instruments, and in spring they supplemented their diet with the ñandú people. Some rock art works that show the entry of these groups into the forest stand out. The red geometric figures, imprinted on rocks and walls, seem to indicate possible paths. The set of lines, circles and steps, among others, represent styles and motifs very similar to those found in northwestern Patagonia.



From these first settlers the current mapped settlements that currently inhabit the eastern limits of the Park descend, together with the successors of the first settlers who will end the 19th century.

In the sector on the protected area, with a special permit, settlers who develop productive activities, in addition to operating a provincial primary school for children who live in the park.

Services:

El Bolsón is located 19 km from the Park, with all tourist services.

Next time, inside the Park, on the shores of the lake, there is a recreational area with campsites: one organized and one free. Also some tourist providers offer lake tours and horseback riding.



How:

Going along the national route No. 258, 120 km from San Carlos de Bariloche, it is located in the town of El Bolsón. From this city you can access one of the marbles of Lake Puelo, within the National Park, by a secondary road.



La Playita: near the recreational area, it is used as a bathing place due to the depth and temperature of its waters.

Sendero a Los Hitos: as it is a very wide route, approximately 9 hours between departure and return, it will be necessary to bring a tent and sit in the area near the National Gendarmerie. This path is of medium difficulty.

On the way to Currumahuida mountain: the route takes 7 hours, round trip, but you cannot stay in the area.

Camino al Turbio through El Derrumbe hill: starting from the sector called El Desemboque, the route lasts seven hours. If you can camp and smoke at the end of the trail, near the Ranger Section.

Access route to Laguna Huemul: located outside the Park, it takes 6 hours between the trip and the ticket, without the possibility of staying in the city.

Path to Cerro Plataforma: starting from the Río Turbio Ranger Section, it will take three hours.

On the way to the viewpoint of the lake: after traveling 800 m in length and ascending 150 m above the lake level, it offers an incredible view of the water spill.

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