The Azul River Canyon
People visiting El Bolsón usually mention 3 or 4 unforgettable points in the trip: the homemade beer, the fair, the town. But there is a place that surpasses all the others: the Azul river canyon.
No cars or bikes. As it is a reserve it is prohibited to enter with them. The only way in is trekking. The local agencies organize excursions of this type to the Azul River. The only other option is to rent a horse with a guide who will accompany you during the trip.
The walk is long: 3 to 4 hours, according to the pace, and there are plenty of ascents. But it is worth the trouble. During the trek you cross a stream (an tributary of the Azul river) by a suspension bridge; you have to climb some stairs made of wood for the difficult sections that will facilitate the way.
a dream landscape.
Soon a small valley is crossed and later another valley where the famous Azul river is located. It runs through a canyon 1 meter wide by 40 meters deep. If you look down you can see the river run though and you will know why it is called Azul (blue). In the margin the west the native forest can be seen, it hasn't changed since it was discovered by the pioneers.
The excursion can be done in one day, if you are tempted by the peacefulness of the place, Atilio gives refuge in his cabin: a construction done by an artisan in wood. There is room for 15 people, and the charge is minimal. In the refuge you can buy artisan beer, homemade bread and simple meals. Another alternative is to sleep in the barn, but do bring your sleeping bag.
it is possible to return the same way or go on to other refuges of the area, like the Hielo Azul, so called because near the refuge there is a blue glacier. It is a more complicated trip, with steeps ascents that require effort, but also worth the effort.
