Unique landscapes of crystalline rivers, mountain peaks, clean air and trails surrounded by vegetation captivate trekking and hiking lovers who visit the vicinity of El Bolsón. The Río Azul-Lago Escondido Protected Natural Area covers an approximate area of 65,000 hectares of Patagonian Andean Forest and integrates the route of the Andean Patagonian route, offers unmissable sites for adventure, such as the renowned Cajón del Río Azul.
The area extends from the valley of the Manso river (to the North) to the limit with the province of Chubut (to the South), and from the Azul river (to the East) to the border with Chile (to the West). This Eden shelters glaciers, rivers and streams in its landscapes, and thanks to its rugged character, wooded formations and in its interior the life of emblematic species such as the giant woodpecker, the pudú pudú and the huemul develops.
“For us it is the most important tourist area in the region because means a space that attracts thousands of visitors a year, with the possibility of discovering unique natural attractions, water wells, forests, fauna and flora; It is a unique resource for tourism,” explained the Secretary of Tourism of El Bolsón, Bruno Hellriegel, in dialogue with Télam.
The official highlighted that “it is a space for trekking and there is a segment of the public, especially international, that chooses it and looks for it a lot, which for us becomes always a jewel to show and a jewel to be discovered by the tourist”.
This place is part of Provincial System of Protected Natural Areas of Río Negro, which seeks to conserve its biodiversity and guarantee the sustainable use of its natural resources. It is the habitat of the torrent duck, the witch heron, the southern bandurria, black-headed jote, chimango, carancho, Californian quail, common womb and the Kingfisher.
With regard to its flora, there are coihues, lengas, ñires, mountain cypresses, tineos larches, canelos, notros, to which are added specimens of huan-haun and colihue reed.
Hellriegel highlighted the importance of registration to climb the mountain for preventive security reasons. It is necessary to know if the access quota for visitors who go for the day has been established, and take into account the recommendations. Pass by the Tourist office of El Bolsón, which is in front of Plaza Pagano, before starting.
a bit of adventure
Among the activities that can be carried out In the natural area, rafting, horseback riding, trekking, climbing in some places and visits to glaciers stand out. like the Blue Ice, “which are activities subject to certain times, because they cannot be done at any time of the year due to the risks involved, logically,” Hellriegel stressed.
In the Portal La Confluencia (or Wharton chakra) the main path begins, main trekking path in the area and the best way to reach the famous Cajón del Río Azul and its pools.
After a walk of regarding three or four hours, depending on the pace you take, you will find El Cajón: during the walk you will cross an arm of the Azul river by a suspension bridge, you will cross a dream valley and at the end of the journey you reach another valley where the canyon is located.
40 meters deep and a variable width according to its route, El Cajón invites its visitors to dive in and enjoy its crystalline waters in a place surrounded by forests and majestic views.
From the initial trail you can also walk to the Los Lagos circuit or connect with the Hielo Azul-Laguna Natación hill.
Regarding the possibilities of accommodation within the area, There are campsites and mountain refuges to spend the night or camp, and there are also various options in El Bolsón, Lago Puelo and El Hoyo, where visitors can stay in hotels, hostels, apartments or cabins in the mountains.
Regarding prices this summer, for example, in the Cajón del Azul refuge a pat night in shelter it costs 5,000 pesos. camp per person: 2,500 pesos, sandwiches: from 1,000 to 1,700 pesos, pbehind mozzarella: 2,500 pesos, pside of the day from 2,500 to 3,500 pesos.
In addition, these locations offer exquisite gastronomic proposals for those who wish to enjoy the variety of its fine fruits, ice creams or craft beers and regional dishes.
From the Patagonian cities of Bariloche and Esquel it is possible to travel daily by bus to the city from El Bolsón, from where you can easily start the tour of the natural area, moving to the Portal by private car, remis, or bus from the central square by bicycle or on foot.
Given the importance of the protected ecosystems and its central role as a biological corridor between the Nahuel Huapi and Lago Puelo National Parks, The Río Azul-Lago Escondido Protected Natural Area has been part of the Norpatagonian Andean Biosphere Reserve since 2007.
Recommendations to follow when selecting a path to travel within the ANPRALE
• Find out regarding the specific characteristics of each Circuit.
• Select the Circuit with respect to the experience and physical condition of the walker, the estimated time of the visit and the equipment available.
• Select the path according to the level of difficulty.
• Complete the Web Registration. It is personal, free and mandatory.
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