Lago Puelo National ParkAbout Lago Puelo National Park
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 4° - 17° | 11° | 33 mm | - | - | 6.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 4° - 17° | 10° | 44 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 2° - 14° | 5° | 68 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -1° - 10° | 1° | 92 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -2° - 7° | -3° | 132 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -4° - 3° | -6° | 156 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -5° - 2° | -7° | 180 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -4° - 4° | -6° | 141 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -3° - 6° | -3° | 90 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -1° - 10° | 0° | 61 mm | - | - | 6.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 1° - 13° | 3° | 56 mm | - | - | 6.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 3° - 15° | 6° | 54 mm | - | - | 6.8 m/s | - | - |
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.