All Transport Guides

How to Get to Lago Puelo

Discover how to reach the serene beauty of Lago Puelo, a pristine lake nestled in the Patagonian Andes. This comprehensive guide covers flights, driving routes, bus services, and local transportation, ensuring a smooth journey to your Patagonian adventure in Chubut, Argentina. Prepare to explore stunning landscapes with unparalleled freedom.

6 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
PatagoniaHub
By PatagoniaHub Travel Team|Verified local expertsLast updated: Apr 29, 2026
Full guide to Lago Puelo →

Lago Puelo, a jewel of the Argentine Patagonia, offers breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and lush forests within its national park. Located in the Comarca Andina del Paralelo 42, it's a destination that promises tranquility and adventure. This guide will provide all the essential information to plan your journey to Lago Puelo, whether you prefer the speed of a flight, the flexibility of driving, or the convenience of bus travel. We'll detail the best routes, nearest airports, and local transport options to help you make the most of your Patagonian escapade.

Nearest Airports

Aeropuerto de San Carlos de Bariloche

BRCApproximately 140 km

Bariloche's airport is the largest and busiest in Argentine Patagonia, offering numerous domestic flights from Buenos Aires and other major cities, as well as some international connections. It's a key gateway to the region, providing diverse car rental options.

Aeropuerto de Esquel

EQSApproximately 130 km

The closest airport to Lago Puelo, Esquel offers fewer direct flights compared to Bariloche, primarily from Buenos Aires. While smaller, it provides a quicker drive to Lago Puelo, making it a convenient choice for direct access.

By Flight

Flying is the quickest way to reach the Patagonian region from distant cities like Buenos Aires. The two main airports serving Lago Puelo are San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC) and Esquel (EQS). Bariloche generally has more frequent flights and options.

Airlines

Aerolíneas ArgentinasFlybondiJetSMART

Flight Tips

  • Book flights well in advance, especially during high season (summer: December-February, and winter: July-August) to secure better prices and availability.
  • Consider flying into Bariloche (BRC) for more flight options and competitive prices, then renting a car or taking a bus to Lago Puelo.
  • If you prefer a shorter drive, check for flights directly to Esquel (EQS), although these may be less frequent or slightly more expensive.
  • Always compare prices across different airlines and booking platforms to find the best deal for your travel dates.

By Car

Driving to Lago Puelo offers unparalleled freedom to explore the stunning Patagonian landscapes at your own pace. The region's well-maintained Ruta 40 is your primary artery, connecting you to various towns and attractions. Road conditions are generally good on main routes, though gravel roads can be encountered off the main highway.

Main Driving Routes

FromRouteDistanceDurationRoad Condition
San Carlos de BarilocheRuta Nacional 40 SouthApproximately 140 km2 to 2.5 hoursMostly paved and in good condition. Offers scenic views of lakes and mountains along the way. Be mindful of winding sections.
EsquelRuta Nacional 40 NorthApproximately 130 km1.5 to 2 hoursPaved and generally in very good condition. This is a straightforward and picturesque drive through valleys and past small towns.
El BolsónRuta Nacional 40 SouthApproximately 15 km15 to 20 minutesExcellent paved road, a very short and easy drive connecting these two adjacent towns in the Comarca Andina.

Driving Tips

  • Ensure your rental car is suitable for Patagonian roads; a vehicle with good ground clearance is advisable if you plan to explore off the main highways.
  • Always fill up your fuel tank when you see a gas station, as services can be scarce between towns.
  • Carry physical maps or download offline maps, as cell phone signal can be unreliable in some remote areas.
  • Be aware of local wildlife, such as guanacos and sheep, which may cross roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Check weather forecasts, particularly in winter, as snow and ice can affect driving conditions on higher passes.

By Bus

Bus travel is a popular and economical way to reach Lago Puelo, particularly from larger cities in Argentina and neighboring towns in Patagonia. Services are generally reliable and comfortable, especially for long-distance routes, with modern coaches offering amenities like reclinable seats and onboard restrooms.

Bus Companies

Vía BarilocheAndesmarPlusmarDon Otto

Bus Tips

  • Book your bus tickets in advance, especially for popular routes and during peak travel seasons, as seats can sell out quickly.
  • Long-distance buses often depart from major bus terminals (Terminal de Ómnibus) in cities like Buenos Aires, Bariloche, and Esquel.
  • Be prepared for potentially long journey times, especially from Buenos Aires, which can be over 20 hours.
  • Buses from Bariloche and Esquel to El Bolsón (the nearest major town to Lago Puelo) are frequent. From El Bolsón, you can take a local bus or taxi to Lago Puelo.
  • Confirm baggage allowances with your chosen bus company, as policies can vary.

From Major Cities

CityBest MethodTravel TimeCost
Buenos AiresFlight to Bariloche (BRC) or Esquel (EQS), then car rental or busFlight: ~2 hours; Total journey: 4-6 hours (with transfer). Bus: ~20-24 hours.Flight + Car Rental: Mid to High. Bus: Low to Mid.
San Carlos de BarilocheCar rental or busCar: 2-2.5 hours. Bus: 2.5-3 hours.Car Rental: Mid. Bus: Low.
EsquelCar rental or busCar: 1.5-2 hours. Bus: 2-2.5 hours.Car Rental: Mid. Bus: Low.

Local Transport

Once you arrive in Lago Puelo, local transportation options are somewhat limited. The town center is walkable, but to explore the Lago Puelo National Park, nearby beaches, and surrounding attractions, you'll need a vehicle. Local remises (private taxis) are available, but can be costly for extended use. Public bus services connect Lago Puelo to El Bolsón, but schedules may not always align with your itinerary. For ultimate flexibility and access to remote trails and viewpoints, a rental car is highly recommended.

Rent a Car in Patagonia

Explore this destination at your own pace. Find the perfect rental car for your Patagonia adventure.

Pickup Date
Drop-off Date

Plan your drive: Lago Puelo

🚗Car Rental🛣️Road Conditions💰Budget Guide📍Destination Guide📅Best Time to Visit

✈️ More How to Get There

How to Get to Lago General Carrera / Buenos Aires 2026 — Flights, Driving & TransportLago General CarreraHow to Get to Lago Posadas 2026 — Flights, Driving & TransportLago PosadasHow to Get to Aluminé 2026 — Flights, Driving & TransportAlumineHow to Get to San Carlos de Bariloche 2026 — Flights, Driving & TransportBariloche

Explore More

Discover more guides and resources for this destination

Explore More Guides

View all →

How to Get to Aluminé 2026 — Flights, Driving & Transport

How to Get to Carretera Austral 2026 — Flights, Driving & Transport

How to Get to Caviahue-Copahue 2026 — Flights, Driving & Transport

How to Get to Cerro Castillo National Park 2026 — Flights, Driving & Transport

How to Get to Chaitén 2026 — Flights, Driving & Transport

How to Get to Chile Chico 2026 — Flights, Driving & Transport

Planning your Patagonia trip?

Rent a Car →