Bariloche to El Bolsón (Ruta 40 South)

There’s something uniquely satisfying about leaving Bariloche behind and pointing the car south on Ruta 40. Within twenty minutes, the tourist bustle of the main avenue fades, replaced by rolling Andean valleys, the scent of pine forests, and glimpses of the Limay River glinting in the distance. We did this drive on a crisp autumn morning, and honestly, it’s one of those routes where half the pleasure comes from not rushing. The road is well-maintained, the scenery shifts around every bend, and there are enough pull-offs to make you want to stop every five minutes.

El Bolsón itself is a quirky little town that doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an hour wandering the artisan market, then follow it up with a craft beer at a brewery overlooking the valley. If you’re based in Bariloche and wondering whether to bother with the day trip, I’d say absolutely – just allow enough time to actually wander around rather than treating it as a whistle-stop photo op.

Route Overview

The drive from Bariloche to El Bolsón takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours one way, covering roughly 120 kilometres of mostly paved road. The route follows Ruta 40 heading south, passing through the Nahuel Huapi National Park and into the Andean foothills. It’s a straightforward out-and-back day trip, and we found the traffic was pleasantly light even on a weekend.

Key stops we recommend along the way:

• Río Limay viewpoints – The first proper photo opportunity after leaving Bariloche. Pull into one of the informal lay-bys on the western side of the river for unobstructed views of the fast-flowing water and rocky shorelines.
• Lago Gutiérrez area – A short detour west takes you to this smaller, quieter lake. It’s less visited than Nahuel Huapi and the shoreline has some lovely pebble beaches. We’d suggest 30 to 45 minutes here if you have the time.
• El Bolsón town centre – The main square and surrounding streets are pleasant for a stroll. Park near the municipal building and explore on foot.
• Feria Artesanal – El Bolsón’s famous artisan market runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Even outside those days, there are permanent stalls worth browsing.
• Cerro Piltriquitrón – The trailhead is about 3 kilometres from the town centre. Even a short walk up the lower slopes rewards you with panoramic views over the valley.

Best season: Late spring through early autumn (roughly November to April) offers the most reliable road conditions and full access to trailheads. Winter can bring snow and ice on higher sections of the route.

Recommended vehicle: A standard two-wheel-drive car copes perfectly well on this route. However, if you’re considering the detour to Lago Gutiérrez or planning to explore the trails at Cerro Piltriquitrón more seriously, a small SUV with decent ground clearance won’t hurt. If you’re renting in Bariloche, check available vehicles and compare prices for pick-up points in Bariloche before committing – it gives you more flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Things to Know Before You Go

Road conditions and driving: The section of Ruta 40 between Bariloche and El Bolsón is generally in good condition, with a mix of single and dual carriageway. Watch out for occasional potholes on lesser-used stretches and be cautious of loose gravel near roadworks. Speed limits are clearly signposted – we noticed police spot-checks near the Lago Gutiérrez turn-off, so do stick to the limits.

Weather variability: Mountain weather can change quickly. We set off under clear skies and by the time we reached El Bolsón, some cloud had rolled in. In spring and early summer, afternoon thunderstorms are common. It’s worth carrying a light waterproof layer even on seemingly fine days.

Fuel stops: There are petrol stations in Bariloche, and a couple of small service stations in intermediate towns, but don’t leave it to the last minute. Fill up before you leave Bariloche and you’ll have peace of mind for the return journey.

The downside: If you’re visiting in peak summer (January and February), El Bolsón does get busy with both tourists and locals. The artisan market can feel挤, and finding a parking spot near the town centre can be frustrating. We visited in late April and had a much calmer experience – the autumn colours were spectacular and we pretty much had the trails to ourselves.

Practical Tips Before You Go

• Documents: Carry your driver’s licence, passport, and rental agreement if you’re driving a hired vehicle. A printed copy of your car rental booking is useful, though digital versions are generally accepted.
• Navigation: Download offline maps of the area – we used Maps.me and found it reliable even in spots with no phone signal. Google Maps also worked well for the main route.
• Mobile signal: Coverage is patchy once you’re outside Bariloche. Don’t rely on real-time navigation alone; have a backup.
• Essentials in the car: Water, snacks, a basic first-aid kit, and a power bank for your phone. The drive isn’t long, but there are limited facilities between towns.
• Cash: Some of the smaller artisan stalls and remote viewpoint parking areas don’t accept cards. We found it useful to carry around 5,000 to 10,000 Argentine pesos in small denominations.

Local tip: The best viewpoint over El Bolsón isn’t at the Cerro Piltriquitrón trailhead – it’s at the mirador on the road into town, just before you reach the main square. We stumbled upon it by accident and ended up spending twenty minutes just sitting there with a coffee from the van parked nearby. The light in the late afternoon is particularly lovely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bariloche to El Bolsón drive suitable for new drivers?
Yes, the road is well-signposted and the surface is good throughout. However, some sections have winding curves, so confidence on mountain roads is helpful. If you’re comfortable with single-carriageway driving at moderate speeds, you’ll be fine.

Can I do this trip without a car?
It’s technically possible by bus – several companies run daily services between Bariloche and El Bolsón. However, having your own vehicle means you can stop wherever you want, explore the detours, and set your own schedule. If you’re planning to visit Lago Gutiérrez or spend real time at Cerro Piltriquitrón, a car makes a significant difference. Hiring a car in Bariloche is straightforward and gives you freedom that bus travel simply doesn’t.

How long should I allocate for the whole trip?

Are there any tolls on this route?
No, Ruta 40 between Bariloche and El Bolsón is free to drive. There are no toll booths on this stretch.

Is it safe to drive at night?
The road is generally safe, but we’d avoid night driving if possible. Wildlife on the road is a genuine risk – we saw a fox crossing at dusk. Additionally, some sections lack adequate lighting and road markings can be harder to see in the dark.

Final Thoughts

The Bariloche to El Bolsón drive is exactly the kind of road trip that makes Patagonia so appealing. It’s not about adrenaline or ticking boxes – it’s about winding down, taking in views that seem almost too dramatic to be real, and having the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye. Whether you’re pulling up at a quiet river bend for a five-minute break or spending a relaxed afternoon working your way through the artisan market stalls, this route delivers a different pace to the more famous highlights of the region. Pack some snacks, fill up the tank, and just drive.