Trek from Lago Cholila to Lago Puelo National Park - Long-Distance Trekking - Huella Andina

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. 

* 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. 

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

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

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

Full board meal service on all our expeditions.

Trail lunches: milanesa/tomato or cold cut sandwiches, snack platters, salads, veggies, etc.

Dinners: vegetable-bacon-chorizo stew, chicken/veg casseroles, pasta, chow fan, chicken and rice, roast lamb and veggies...more.

Breakfasts/snacks: tea, coffee, cappuccino, mate, powdered milk; bread, cookies, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereal, fruit.

Please note dietary restrictions on the medical form.

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• Headlamp with batteries. 
• Sunglasses.
• Sunscreen, lip balm
• Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

From 13 years of age.

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

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.