Trekking from Lago Puelo to Lago Cholila - Lago Epuyén - Huella Andina - Patagonia, Chubut

one of Patagonia's most wonderful trekking treks, exploring little-visited corners. #top10treksofargentina

4.8 (147)
Duration: 4 days + travel Starting from: El Bolson Region: Patagonia
Home: 2027-Feb-14 Fin: 2027-Feb-17
Start time: 6 am Ending time: 21 hs
Meeting Point: El Bolson
Duration: 4 days + travel Cupos: 7 spots

Proposal

Images of a unique Patagonia

Lovers of long-distance trekking, novel routes that are rugged and far from any nearby civilization, will find here an ideal choice to satisfy their hunger for trekking at its fullest. The perfect example of true backpack-on-shoulder trekking, deeply Patagonian. Linking Cholila with the beautiful Lago Puelo National Park and its namesake lake, through one of the most attractive sections of Huella Andina (Argentina's first long-distance trekking route), passing by the colossal and enigmatic Cerro Tres Picos and Cerro Plataforma. 

 

Itinerary

* We recommend spending the night before in El Bolsón. Ask us about lodging options in El Bolsón, such as hostels or hotels. Introduction of guides, last-minute shopping

Day 1 -  Departure at 6 am from El Bolsón. Transfer to Desemboque (an arm of Lago Puelo). First trekking section; we follow the shore of the Puelo to its southern end; then we continue along the Río Turbio valley to a local settlers' outpost, by the river. Camp. 

Day 2 On this day we'll climb south, aiming to approach the pass that lies between Cerro Plataforma and Cerro Anexo. We camp at the north base of Cerro Plataforma.  

Day 3 Climb up Cerro Plataforma with admirable views of the area, and we continue descending toward the Lago Cholila basin. New camp near the Arroyo Blanco valley. 

Day 4  We'll now continue toward Lago Cholila until we reach its western shore, near the mouth of the Río Tigre. Boat transfer to the eastern shore. Final vehicle transfer back to El Bolsón. End of the trek and our services. 

 

Elevation Profile

Included Services

Your purchase is from an official agency - a travel and tourism company registered with the tourism board (Ascenso 23 EVyT Reg. No.: 16396)

  • Local transfer from Bolsón to Lago Cholila
  • Transfer from Lago Puelo to El Bolsón
  • Boat crossing of Lago Cholila or 4x4 vehicle
  • Boat crossing of Lago Puelo
  • Professional mountain guides. 
  • Full board in the mountains (breakfast, trail energy snacks, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner)
  • General cooking equipment (pots, stoves)
  • Main first-aid equipment and kit
  • Emergency communication equipment: VHF / Satellite phone
  • Sleeping tents
  • Prior informational meetings
  • Suitable training plan
  • Personal accident insurance
  • Ongoing support and coordination

Services NOT included

  • Bus and/or flight to Bariloche - El Bolsón
  • Expenses arising from leaving the program early
  • Tips

Note

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training-preparation:

We include specific guidance throughout the year for your preparation. If you're from Buenos Aires, you can join our training groups:

GEM Palermo Group: CLICK HERE

GEM North Zone Group: CLICK HERE

 

If you're from elsewhere, we'll send you the program so you can train on your own.

 

Where to sleep

We sleep in shared igloo-style tents, for 2 to 4 people. You need to bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be trained?

For any mountain activity you need some prior physical preparation, or be physically active.

Do I need prior experience?

No prior experience is required, though we do recommend being in good physical condition, and knowing that this is a trek where you walk during the day with a backpack, and sleep overnight in rustic camps. 

Where do we sleep?

We sleep at mountain camps in comfortable igloo-style tents for 2/3 or 4 people. 

Do I need to bring a tent?

Tents are included in the service. They are carried collectively among the group.

What's the weather or temperature like?

Even though it is summer, in mountain and/or remote areas temperatures tend to drop at night.

Are there rest stops?

Stops happen at a frequency and pace depending on the intensity.

There are stops for lunch, afternoon snack, and rest.

From what age can people do this activity?

From 13 years of age.

How much does the backpack weigh?

For a woman, a range of 12 to 15 kilos; for a man, 15 to 20 kilos.

What do we eat?

On all our expeditions we provide meals on a FULL BOARD basis.

Trail lunches (cold meals): Milanesa and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, snack platters, salads, appetizers, etc.

Dinners: Vegetable, bacon and chorizo stew, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with various sauces or stew, grilled meat (Chivito), chow fan, chicken and rice casserole....

Breakfasts and afternoon snacks: Tea, coffee, cappuccino, mate cocido, mate, powdered milk; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereal, fruit.

It is necessary to complete the personal/medical form to note if anyone has any dietary restrictions.

 

Who's a good fit for Trekking from Lago Puelo to Lago Cholila - (Cerro Plataforma)?

Trekking from Lago Puelo to Lago Cholila - (Cerro Plataforma) is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde El Bolson , in the region Patagonia, Argentina. It lasts 4 days + travel. Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.

What physical fitness level is required for Trekking from Lago Puelo to Lago Cholila - (Cerro Plataforma)?

Como medir la dificultad de un ascenso o una expedición? es una pregunta que surge a menudo. Para esto desarrollamos un sistema de graduación que ayuda al participante a medir la dificultad, dado a que evaluamos 5 variables sobre la intensidad de cada propuesta.
• The weight of the backpack relative to the length of the day
• The physical demand
• The technical level of the terrain and required equipment
• The degree of mental strength required
• The maximum altitude reached
Hace click el botón y evaluá vos mismo la dificultad ->:

What equipment do I need to take part in the Trekking from Lago Puelo to Lago Cholila - (Cerro Plataforma)?

En cada uno de nuestros programas vas encontrar un apartado de EQUIPO REQUERIDO. contá con nosotros para asesorarte y prepararlo de forma adecuada para maximizar el disfrute de la actividad. Contamos con una tienda de alquiler, para resolver si te falta algo.
Chequealo ahora! ->

What's included in Trekking from Lago Puelo to Lago Cholila - (Cerro Plataforma)?

Your purchase is from an official agency - a travel and tourism company registered with the tourism board (Ascenso 23 EVyT Reg. No.: 16396) Local transfer from Bolsón to Lago Cholila Transfer from Lago Puelo to El Bolsón Boat crossing of Lago Cholila or 4x4 vehicle Boat crossing of Lago Puelo Professional mountain guides.  Full board in the mountains (breakfast, trail energy snacks, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner) General cooking equipment (pots, stoves) Main first-aid equipment and kit Emergency communication equipment: VHF / Satellite phone Sleeping tents Pri

What happens if the trip is suspended due to bad weather or other force majeure?

At AEX, the safety of our travelers and guides comes first. Activities are only suspended or modified when weather, political or geographic conditions put the expedition at risk. The decision rests exclusively with the guide team and technical direction, based on official reports (National Weather Service, National Parks or local authorities).

If the trip is suspended, do I lose what I paid?

No. The amount paid becomes a Credit in your favor (Weather Voucher) valid for 18 months from the suspended date: up to 6 months to choose a new date plus 12 months to take part. You can use it for the same expedition or any of our other destinations and experiences, and if you cannot use it within that period you can transfer it to someone else.

Difficulty Graduation System

Click on each indicator to see details

60%
Backpack (M)
Backpack (M)

Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.

Clic para detalles
60%
Physical (F)
Physical (F)

Physical demand

Clic para detalles
40%
Technical (T)
Technical (T)

Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.

Clic para detalles
20%
Psycho (P)
Psycho (P)

Psychological Strength

Clic para detalles
20%
Height (A)
Height (A)

Height Exposure

Clic para detalles
How to interpret these values?

Each aspect is evaluated from 20% to 100%, where:

  • 20-40%: Basic or beginner level
  • 60%: Intermediate level
  • 80-100%: Advanced or expert level
Ideal for beginners

This adventure is perfect for those starting in outdoor activities.

Required equipment

GENERAL EQUIPMENT
  • Trekking backpack (60 to 80 liters)
  • Warm sleeping bag ( –10 degrees comfort rating) (e.g. 700g of good down or synthetic fill).
  • Sleeping pad (10 to 15mm).
  • Trekking poles
CLOTHING 
  • Socks (thin + two thick pairs, ski-type or synthetic). 
  • 1 pair of trekking shoes/boots (in good condition) 
  • 1 lightweight spare pair of shoes. 
  • Long trekking pants (NOT jeans)
  • 1 pair of warm long pants or leggings. 
  • Changes of underwear. 
  • 3 t-shirts/shirts (one long-sleeve) 
  • 2 warm layers (fleece jacket, or wool sweater)
  • 1 waterproof piece (jacket)
  • 1 sun hat (with flaps) and a warm hat
  • 1 neck scarf for sun protection
  • Warm gloves and a scarf or fleece neck gaiter.
  • Warm hat
PERSONAL ITEMS
  • Passport, ID card, national ID.
  • Health insurance.
  • Physical fitness certificate *** (Your doctor must confirm that you are fit to carry out this activity).
  • Travel assistance insurance (Suggested / Mandatory if you do not have health insurance.***)
  • Completed medical and personal form, authorization.
MISCELLANEOUS
  • Headlamp with batteries. 
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen, lip balm
  • Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.
KITCHEN
  • Water containers, 2 liters minimum (can be a plastic bottle) 
  • Cutlery
  • Plate or container. (no glass or aluminum)
  • Plastic or enameled metal mug (no glass or aluminum).
  • Dish towel.
OPTIONAL, not mandatory (depending on space and weight)
  • Warm jacket.
  • Silver tape, for blisters and repairs.
  • Mate, straw (bombilla) and yerba.
  • Steel thermos. 
  • Binoculars, monocular. Camera or video equipment.
  • Book, notebook, travel journal, pencil, pen.
  • Games: cards, dice, etc.
  • Pocketknife (e.g. Victorinox).
  • Whistle and lighter. 
  • Sturdy plastic bags to store clothing.

Rental Equipment

Trekking sleeping bag Available
Trekking sleeping bag
Pair of Trekking Poles Available
Pair of Trekking Poles
Mittens Available
Rental mittens
Crampons - Pair of Crampons Available
Pair of Crampons
Climbing II - helmet, crampons and pickaxe Available
Rental : helmet, crampons and ice ax
Climbing Combo I - helmet, crampons, pickaxe, harness, carabiners, plate, straps, cords Available
Combo Top: helmet, crampons, ice ax and full harness
Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom Available
Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom
Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman Available
Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman

4.8

147 Google reviews

LD
Luciana Durante

Fui a Tres Picos con Mati y Fer de AEX. Todo sucedió como estaba organizado. Tanto los guías como Euge estuvieron disponibles desde el día 1 de la reserva para evacuar todas nuestras dudas y llegar de la mejor manera al trekking. Súper recomendable viajar con AEX.

CV
Carla Verónica Sterki

Plaza de Mulas. Increíble, una experiencia única!! Un viaje maravilloso en todos los sentidos. Los guias con un profesionalismo inmenso, Vane una genia, con una paciencia enorme y siempre muy atenta, cuidadosa y detallista para que podamos disfrutar la experiencia, siempre con muy buena onda y motivando para seguir. Gracias también Roger, Gus y Fede, muchas gracias por todas las buenas energías. Se armó un grupo hermoso. Las vistas y la inmensidad de los paisajes son únicas.

AS
Alex Sangregorio

Viajé hace un mes con ellos y la experiencia fue impecable. Muy buena organización por parte de toda la agencia y excelentes los guías, siempre atentos y con la mejor predisposición. Totalmente recomendable.

Do you have doubts?

If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hearing from you!

Trekking from Lago Puelo to Lago Cholila - Lago Epuyén - Huella Andina - Patagonia, Chubut

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