Lago Puelo National Park
Park National park protecting forested lakes and mountain scenery
Andean park around Lago Puelo features Patagonian forests, rivers and the glacial-fed lake; visitors come for hiking, trout fishing, camping and day trips from the nearby town of Lago Puelo.
Lago Puelo National Park is a protected area in Chubut Province in Argentine Patagonia that conserves the forests and shoreline around Lake Puelo. The park is notable for protecting Andean-Patagonian forest and the lake’s clear waters.
The park offers lakeshore beaches, forested walking trails and viewpoints overlooking the lake and surrounding Andean foothills. Recreation focuses on short hikes, picnic areas and lakeside swimming when conditions permit.
The park was established by the Argentine national protected-area system to conserve the local forest and watershed and has been managed to limit development along the lake shore. Management aims emphasize preservation of native forest and recreational use compatible with conservation.
The park sits on the eastern slopes of the southern Andes near the village of Lago Puelo and the tourist town of El Bolsón, in northwestern Chubut Province. The landscape is a mix of lake shore, river valleys and low Andean ridges.
- Best time to visit: Best visited in the austral summer months (December to March) when trails are dry and lakeshore beaches are most accessible.
- Access points: Access is typically from the nearby towns of Lago Puelo and El Bolsón, which serve as the main gateways for day trips and services.
How to Get to Lago Puelo National Park #
Lago Puelo National Park is a short drive from the town of El Bolsón (roughly 15-30 minutes depending on entrance). Access is by road from RN40 and regional routes; El Bolsón and Esquel are the nearest towns with broader transport connections.
Tips for Visiting Lago Puelo National Park #
- Combine a visit with the nearby town of El Bolsón for lodging and local foods with regional charm.
- Trails and roads can be rough; a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended for some park entrances.
- Check for trail signage and local ranger stations - some areas are better for day hikes while others require longer planning.
Best Time to Visit Lago Puelo National Park #
Southern summer is busiest for water activities; shoulder seasons are great for hiking with fewer visitors.
Weather & Climate near Lago Puelo National Park #
Lago Puelo National Park's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -5°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1107 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm).
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July
July is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (180 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and breezy conditions.
