Cruise along Ruta 40 through fertile valleys before climbing into harsher & drier terrain and emerging upon the vast Patagonian steppe.
The route begins at El Bolsón's Camping La Chacra, located on the corner of Ruta 40 and Av. Belgrano. To exit town, riders should rejoin Ruta 40, the town's primary throughway which can get quite busy, especially during mid-morning and late-afternoon commuting hours. El Bolsón's other primary throughway, Av. San Martin, does not merge with Ruta 40 at the southern edge of town; rather, it dead-ends at Lago Puelo, 20 km south of El Bolsón.
Directions
 |
El Bolsón |
|
|---|---|---|
| Rejoin Ruta 40 and head south | ||
| 3 km | At the top of a short-but-steep climb, enter the province of Chubut (chau, Río Negro) | |
| 4 km | Gradual downhill into El Hoyo; strong wind advisory | |
| 12 km | El Hoyo — a small village offering basic food supplies and a few restaurants | |
| 12 km | Río Epuyén (~12km); look for locals selling berries and cherries from roadside stands | |
| 24 km | Short climb | |
| 35 km | Gradual ascent begins (+400 m / 15 km); the steepest section (+200 m / 4 km) is just before the entrance to Epuyén; strong wind advisory | |
| 38 km | Epuyén — a tourist information office is on Ruta 40 at Avenida Los Halcones, the road leading to downtown Epuyén | |
| 46 km | Stay right at the fork onto RP-71 | |
| 63 km | Short, quick descent (-250 m / 3 km) into the town of Cholila; crosswind advisory | |
| 66 km | Butch Cassidy’s hideout | |
| 70 km | Stay left on RP-71 and descend into Cholila; for the town's central plaza, take a right at the gas station (where free wifi is available) | |
|
Cholila |
Camping Recommendation
Ríos Epuyén & Pedregoso Wild Camp
The prevalence of fencing has made wild camping difficult to find on this route between El Bolsón and Cholila. For most cyclists, completing the entire route in one day should be possible. There is a decent wild camp spot about halfway between El Hoyo and Epuyén (~25 km south of El Bolsón). From Ruta 40, turn west and follow the gravel road through the small community and to Río Epuyén, where you can find yourself a quiet, protected spot.
Location |
|---|
| -42.139630, -71.417840 |
Category |
|---|
| Wild |
Cost |
|---|
| Free |
Water Source |
|---|
| Río Epuyén Río Pedregoso |
Highlights |
|---|
| Pedestrian bridge |
The above route information is intended to be used as a guide in conjunction with your own due diligence. Although Bicycle Patagonia is a product of extensive research, we make no representations, guarantees nor assurances as to the accuracy of the above information or the associated .gpx and .kml files. Prior to beginning the route, be sure to check local weather forecasts & road conditions. While out riding, respect Patagonia – follow all public and private land use restrictions, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and always #leavenotrace.