Lago Puelo National Park - Miyun Reservoir
1 / 10

Lago Puelo National Park

4.7
·14k reviews·, Argentina

Discover Lago Puelo National Park: a breathtaking Patagonian paradise with a mirror-like lake, lush forests, and stunning mountain vistas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Lago Puelo National Park - Miyun Reservoir

Lago Puelo National Park

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Lago Puelo National Park: a breathtaking Patagonian paradise with a mirror-like lake, lush forests, and stunning mountain vistas.

4.7
(14k reviews)

"Gorgeous place with lots of great hiking and camping trails, offering phenomenal memories and photos."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility

Having your own vehicle offers the most freedom to explore the park and surrounding areas at your own pace.

👟 Wear Water Shoes

The stony beaches can be tricky to walk on barefoot. Water shoes or sturdy sandals are recommended for comfort.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mirror-like Lake Views

Mirror-like Lake Views

Lago Puelo

Gaze at the stunning, calm waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and forests. Perfect for photos!

Boat Tour to Chile Border

Boat Tour to Chile Border

Lake Puelo

Embark on a scenic boat trip offering unique perspectives and a journey towards the Chilean border.

Amazon-like Hiking Trails

Amazon-like Hiking Trails

Various trails within the park

Explore lush forests with trails that evoke the feeling of walking through the Amazon rainforest.

Stone Beach Relaxation

Stone Beach Relaxation

Lago Puelo shoreline

Enjoy the unique stony beach, perfect for relaxing by the water. Be mindful of the smooth stones underfoot.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit Lago Puelo

Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, especially if you're looking for a quieter experience by the lake.

Getting to Lago Puelo

Lago Puelo National Park is accessible by car, with the drive from Bariloche being a popular option. Consider renting a car for flexibility, or check for local bus services from nearby towns like El Bolsón.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Warmest for swimming
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

My practical tips for Bariloche

🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility

Having your own vehicle offers the most freedom to explore the park and surrounding areas at your own pace. Reddit

👟 Wear Water Shoes

The stony beaches can be tricky to walk on barefoot. Water shoes or sturdy sandals are recommended for comfort. Reddit

reddit.com

Bariloche a must see?

reddit.com

Is Bariloche considered Pantagonia? What’s to do there if so?

🚤 Don't Miss the Boat Tour

The boat tour to the Chilean border is highly recommended for stunning views and a unique experience. Reddit

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

While there are restrooms, bringing your own refreshments is a good idea for longer hikes or beach days. Reddit

reddit.com

Road trip in Bariloche : what to do, where to go and camping possibilities?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility

Having your own vehicle offers the most freedom to explore the park and surrounding areas at your own pace. Reddit

👟 Wear Water Shoes

The stony beaches can be tricky to walk on barefoot. Water shoes or sturdy sandals are recommended for comfort. Reddit

🚤 Don't Miss the Boat Tour

The boat tour to the Chilean border is highly recommended for stunning views and a unique experience. Reddit

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

While there are restrooms, bringing your own refreshments is a good idea for longer hikes or beach days. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The park offers incredible photo opportunities, especially the lake reflections and lush trails. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(14k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Lago Puelo National Park's stunning lake and lush, 'Amazon-like' forests, with the boat tour to the Chilean border being a highly recommended highlight. While the stony beaches are unique, some find them a bit challenging to walk on without proper footwear. Overall, it's considered a beautiful and well-maintained park offering great hiking and photo opportunities.

"Worth the drive if you are staying as far as Bariloche. Small waterfall. Kayak rentals. (I did not rent one). Nice stoney beach with soft rounded stones."

David Gill

"A beautiful park. Great place to see once in a lifetime. I highly recommend the boat tour (cost $20) to the border with Chile. There are good clean restrooms available."

George Benaroya

"Amazing lake close to El Bolson. The beach is pretty long so it wasn't that overcrowded despite being there on a Saturday afternoon. It seems to me that the right side (facing the lake) has less people. There are stones so a bit difficult to walk on without shoes. It gets deep only very slowly so it's a long walk on the stones, I recommend getting "flat" as soon as you can to make it easier."

Petr Vasicek

What People Like

Beautiful lake views
Lush forest trails
Scenic boat tour

What People Dislike

Stony beaches can be difficult

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is by car, which takes approximately 2-3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. You can also explore bus options from Bariloche to El Bolsón, and then take a local bus or taxi to the park. Reddit

The roads leading to Lago Puelo National Park are generally well-maintained, making driving a convenient option. Parking is available within the park. Reddit

Yes, you can take buses from Bariloche to El Bolsón, and then connect to local buses or taxis that service Lago Puelo National Park. Check local schedules in advance. Reddit

Absolutely! Lago Puelo National Park is very close to El Bolsón, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. The drive is short and scenic. Reddit

Once inside the park, walking is the primary way to explore the trails and reach different areas. For the boat tour, you'll board at the designated pier. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees can vary, so it's best to check the official national park website or inquire upon arrival. Fees typically support park maintenance and conservation efforts. Reddit

The park is generally open year-round, but specific hours for visitor centers and facilities might vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official park website for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

For general park entry, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you plan to take the boat tour, it's a good idea to inquire about booking options, especially during peak season. Reddit

Yes, the park offers camping facilities for those who wish to stay overnight. These sites provide a great way to immerse yourself in nature. Reddit

Regulations regarding pets can vary in national parks. It's recommended to check the park's official guidelines or contact them directly to confirm their pet policy. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The park offers various trails, from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Some trails lead to small waterfalls or offer stunning lake views. The park guards are excellent resources for trail recommendations based on your fitness level. Reddit

Yes, swimming is permitted in designated areas of Lago Puelo. The lake's gradual depth makes it accessible for many, though the stony bottom requires caution. Reddit

Kayak rentals are often available, allowing you to explore the lake at your own pace. The popular boat tour is also a fantastic way to see the park from the water. Reddit

While sightings are not guaranteed, you might encounter various bird species, and if you're lucky, other native Patagonian fauna. The lush forests provide a rich habitat. Reddit

The park is well-maintained with clean restrooms available. Picnic areas are also provided, making it a great spot for a leisurely lunch amidst nature. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The lake itself offers incredible reflections, especially during calm mornings. The viewpoints along hiking trails and the shoreline provide diverse photographic opportunities. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The lake's mirror-like quality is often best when the water is calm. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and mountain vistas. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the water and sky. Reddit

Drone regulations can be strict in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's crucial to check the park's official policy on drone usage before flying. Reddit

The 'Amazon-like' forests offer a unique contrast to the open lake views. The stony beaches and the border region with Chile also present distinct photographic subjects. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lago Puelo National Park is a fantastic destination for families. The gradually deepening lake makes it safe for children to wade and play near the shore. The stony beaches can be fun for exploring, though water shoes are recommended for little feet. Many of the hiking trails are relatively easy and short, perfect for young explorers who enjoy discovering nature. Reddit

Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as well as sun protection. The park's well-maintained restrooms and picnic areas make it convenient for families to spend a full day enjoying the outdoors. The boat tour can also be an exciting experience for children, offering a different perspective of the park's beauty. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love to hike, Lago Puelo National Park offers a rewarding experience with its diverse trail system. Trails range from easy walks through lush forests to more challenging routes with rewarding viewpoints. The park's rangers are excellent guides for selecting trails that match your fitness level and interests, often highlighting the unique flora and fauna. Reddit

The park's natural beauty, including the mirror-like lake and the feeling of being in an 'Amazon-like' environment, provides a truly immersive experience for nature lovers. Don't forget to bring your camera, as the scenic vistas are abundant. The opportunity to explore different ecosystems within a single park makes it a compelling destination for any outdoor enthusiast. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Lago Puelo National Park is a dream for photographers, offering a variety of stunning subjects. The pristine lake is a star, especially during calm mornings when its surface acts as a perfect mirror for the surrounding mountains. Look for opportunities to capture reflections and the subtle shifts in light throughout the day. Reddit

The 'Amazon-like' forests provide a contrasting backdrop with their dense foliage and unique textures, perfect for capturing intimate nature shots. The stony beaches offer interesting foreground elements for landscape compositions. The boat tour also presents unique angles and perspectives of the park's vastness. Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) is particularly magical here for capturing dramatic light and color. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Lago Puelo's Natural Beauty

Lago Puelo National Park is a gem for nature lovers, characterized by its stunning mirror-like lake and diverse ecosystems. The park offers a range of activities, from leisurely strolls to more adventurous hikes. The lush forests are a significant draw, with some trails described as feeling like a walk through the Amazon, showcasing a rich variety of flora. The park guards are noted for being very informative, readily explaining the different trails and points of interest, ensuring visitors can make the most of their exploration. Reddit

The stony beaches of Lago Puelo are unique, offering a different kind of lakeside experience. While beautiful, visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear due to the smooth, rounded stones. The lake itself is shallow for a considerable distance from the shore, making it accessible for wading and swimming, though caution is always advised. For those seeking a broader perspective, the boat tour to the Chilean border is a highly recommended excursion, providing breathtaking views of the park from the water and a unique geographical experience. Reddit

Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the water, an invigorating hike, or simply to soak in the natural beauty, Lago Puelo National Park delivers. Its accessibility from nearby towns like El Bolsón makes it a popular destination for both day-trippers and those looking for a longer stay, with camping options available for a more immersive experience. The park's well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms, add to the overall visitor comfort. Reddit

Activities and Adventures

The primary draw of Lago Puelo National Park is undoubtedly its pristine lake, offering opportunities for swimming and kayaking. Visitors can rent kayaks to explore the calm waters at their own pace, enjoying the serene environment and the surrounding mountain vistas. The boat tour is another highlight, taking passengers along the lake towards the border with Chile, offering a unique perspective of the park's grandeur and a chance to appreciate its scale. Reddit

For hikers, the park boasts a network of hiking trails that cater to various fitness levels. These trails wind through dense forests, leading to scenic viewpoints and smaller waterfalls. The experience of walking through these verdant paths is often compared to exploring the Amazon, providing a sense of adventure and discovery. The park's rangers are a valuable resource, offering guidance on the best trails suited to individual preferences and abilities. Reddit

Beyond active pursuits, the park is also a fantastic spot for relaxation and photography. The stony beaches provide a unique setting to unwind, while the dramatic landscapes offer endless opportunities for capturing stunning images. The interplay of light on the water and mountains, especially during sunrise and sunset, makes it a photographer's paradise. Reddit

You may also like