The Best of El Bolsón: A Weekend Getaway from Bariloche
If you’re looking for a quick day trip from Bariloche, look no further than the hippie town of El Bolsón. Visit markets, go hiking, drink craft beer, stay in eco-hostels, and enjoy small-town life.
El Bolsón is a small town located in the Patagonia region of Argentina, known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and sustainable way of life. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and skiing in the nearby mountains.
This Bohemian town is also home to a thriving artisanal community, where visitors can find handmade goods such as pottery, woodwork, and textiles. Naturally, this area attracts people who are interested in sustainability and a more “hippie” lifestyle. In Córdoba, there is San Marcos Sierras and in Patagonia, there is El Bolsón.
I spent three days here trying out the local foods, going hiking, and relaxing in the gardens of my accommodation. I’ll introduce you to the best of El Bolsón from where to stay, where to hike, and where to find the best craft brewery in the area.
What to do in El Bolsón
El Bolsón is not a big city in the Argentine Patagonia, but it is full of life and character. You can go to markets, dance to live music, and go hiking in nature. It’s a great day trip from Bariloche, along with the Route of the 7 Lakes.
Feria El Bolsón
The Feria Regional de El Bolsón is a popular outdoor market in the center of town. You can find handmade crafts, local produce, and traditional Argentine food. You can find the market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. However, the best days are on the weekend as you can also find food trucks and live music.
Try the Craft Beer
El Bolsón’s craft beer scene has grown significantly in recent years, with several local breweries producing high-quality, artisanal beer. You can find a variety of beer styles, from traditional lagers to experimental IPAs, at local bars and breweries. I had the raspberry beer since the area is famous for raspberries, and it was delicious.
Some local breweries to try:
- El Rio Cerveceria/RestoBar
- Cervecería Nordoeste
- Estación de Cerveza
- El Barril Cervecería
- Patio Cervecero El Bolsón Centro
- La República – Cocina Patagónica
Stroll the Streets of El Bolsón
The center of El Bolsón has a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The town’s main square, Plaza Pagano, is a popular gathering spot and is the location of the outdoor market and other cultural events. You can also see a ton of different bird species wandering the streets.
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Where to eat in El Bolsón
Because of the laid-back vibes of the city, the food service also tends to be quite slow. But that doesn’t mean the food and beer aren’t fantastic. I had some good meals here:
Jauja
The service was quite slow, but the food was good. They also have a great ice cream shop within the restaurant. Try the raspberry.
Some other restaurants to try
Where to stay in El Bolsón
It is not a large town, but there are several options for places to stay in El Bolsón. It is near the start of many amazing hikes around the area, so El Bolsón has enough lodging to cover that.
Earthship Patagonia Eco Hostel
I stayed in the Earthship Patagonia Eco Hostel. It is run by volunteers who are also travelers. There is a fantastic community vegan meal every evening for a very affordable price. There are hammocks in the beautiful gardens in front. They have private rooms as well as shared rooms in a yurt. I loved staying here!
BOOK NOW and stay in the Earthship Eco Hostel, spaces fill quickly!
Hostel Ankatu
Another hostel option is the Hostel Ankatu, which is a short walk into the city center. The lodging is very rustic and has a great balcony.
BOOK NOW and stay in the Hostel Ankatu near the city center
Las Tejuelas Hotel
If you’re looking for something right in the town center, check out the Las Tejuelas Hotel. It’s just steps from the lake and market in town. Includes breakfast.
Stay in the center of El Bolsón at Las Tejuelas Hotel, BOOK NOW
Entre Verdes
Just outside of the main town center, you can find the Entre Verdes, which is a great private apartment. Modern and new. Easy walk to the center.
Have your own space, book the Entre Verdes private apartment NOW
What to do just outside of El Bolsón
El Bolsón is a small town in the mountains, so its proximity to nature is one of its best features. Get out of town and get your hike on.
Cajón del Azul
The Cajón del Azul is a stunning natural area located just outside of El Bolsón. The region is known for its crystal-clear blue waters, dramatic rock formations, and lush forests. You can hike, swim, and explore the area’s stunning natural beauty.
If you have rented a car, you can drive to the base easily, about 15 minutes outside of El Bolsón. If not, you can also take the Wharton bus from the town center to the base of the hike. You can spend the night in two refugios along the route.
Try a craft beer at Mystic Fog Brewery
The Mystic Fog Beer & Co. is a popular craft brewery located just outside of El Bolsón, right at the start of the Cajón del Azul hike. The brewery produces a variety of unique and flavorful beers, ranging from IPAS to lighter lagers.
You can enjoy Mystic Fog’s beers at the brewery’s outdoor taproom, or the picnic tables overlooking the river. The owners are originally from Los Angeles but have been in the area for decades, therefore, it is easy to ask about various flavors in both English and Spanish.
Final Thoughts on El Bolsón
El Bolsón is a small town, but it’s also a great place to base yourself and check out the surrounding area. I highly suggest spending a couple of days here to see what a small hippie town in Argentine Patagonia is like. It may be small, but it is full of possibilities to get close to nature.
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