Our last family vacation in Chubut gave us the opportunity to discover beautiful hidden places like Puerto Patriada Kayak Adventure, where we experienced a spectacular kayak adventure 26 km from El Bolsón
We started our trip from Buenos Aires and after 2 days of travel, we arrived at El Hoyo, Chubut, which is a very picturesque town near El Bolsón and is full of attractions to visit. One of the places that offers beautiful views and great entertainment is Puerto Patriada. Located next to Lake Epuyen, this place is known for the many water sports you can practice and also for the beautiful and quiet corners to spend a few days camping.
The water is transparent, you can fish, kayak, water ski, stand up paddle, and more. We had contacted Puerto Patriada Kayak (*Puertopatriadakayak) via Instagram and had reserved one of the kayak excursions they organized. The day was perfect, sunny, not a cloud in the sky, hot, and the water looked like a mirror. When we arrived at the place, a group of almost twenty people was already waiting for the organizers. Finally, we saw the instructors loading the kayaks and all the equipment, and the lesson began. We received a brief training on how to paddle and all the things we needed to pay attention to for a safe trip. Drinks, food, and a barbecue were loaded onto some of the kayaks, and we set off to the lake.
After 20 minutes, the 8 kayaks arrived at a solitary beach where we got off, some of us jumped into the cold water, and others took a break—since paddling had been really exhausting! But fun!
The 2 excursion leaders prepared lunch for everyone, a simple but delicious meal and a more-than-perfect dessert: blueberries, the star fruit of those lands. After that, they invited us to take a short hike up a hill with a stony wall full of dry trees, and we reached the top and found an incredible view of the lake and the surrounding landscape. It was impossible to take a photograph that could capture the immensity of the place, the colors of the water, the stones, the mountains.
We slowly descended to where the kayaks were, and now we made a paddle trip across the lake to the opposite side, to reach another beach where we could rest for a while, drink mate, and swim.
At that moment, there was a bit of wind, but we were so happy and excited about the experience we were living that it wasn’t a problem. Once on the beach, the whole group gathered to drink mate and homemade cookies with raspberry jam. We spent an hour there and then began the return to where it had all started.
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This trip is highly recommended; it starts at 10 am and ends at 5 pm. The whole day is an extraordinary experience of fun, sports, and connection with nature. I had never done a trip like this before; I still remember how small we looked while paddling along the enormous mountain walls.
If you visit El Bolsón or nearby places, don’t miss this experience in Puerto Patriada, and you won’t regret your family vacation in Chubut.
by Alejandra Karina Barrios
📌 Fact sheet: Puerto Patriada, Chubut
- Location: Puerto Patriada is located on the shores of Lake Epuyén, in the northwest of Chubut, Argentine Patagonia. It belongs to the jurisdiction of El Hoyo and is only 26 km from El Bolsón via Route 40 and a consolidated gravel road.
- How to get there: From El Bolsón, you can access it by car via Route 40 heading south. After passing El Hoyo, take a marked detour toward Puerto Patriada (gravel, about 13 km). You can also get there by bicycle or guided tours from El Bolsón or El Hoyo.
- Ideal weather: Summer (December to March). Sunny days with temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C. There is no strong wind or frequent rain. The lake water is cold but suitable for swimming.
- Highlighted activities: Kayaking, stand up paddle (SUP), swimming, hiking, picnics, sport fishing (with a permit), camping, and bird watching.
- Available services: There are free and organized camping areas, fire pits, bathrooms, small provisions stores, kayak and SUP rentals. You can also hire guided excursions with local companies like @puertopatriadakayak.
- Ideal for: Families, groups of friends, couples, and nature lovers. Suitable for children. Safe and peaceful environment.
- Local tip: Arrive early to choose a good spot on the beach. Bring sunscreen, light clothing for the afternoon, and comfortable shoes for walking. There is no cell signal, so it’s best to let someone know beforehand and enjoy the disconnection.
More info about experiences, routes, and travel tips at: www.patagoniamas.com
Discover Puerto Patriada: a natural paradise in the Andean Region of the 42nd Parallel
Puerto Patriada is a hidden gem of Argentine Patagonia, located in the northwest of the province of Chubut, within the renowned Andean Region of the 42nd Parallel. This natural corner lies on the shores of Lake Epuyén, one of the cleanest and calmest bodies of water in the region, famous for its transparency and pleasant temperature during the summer. Just 13 km from El Hoyo and 26 km from El Bolsón, it is easily accessible by vehicle and an ideal destination for those seeking nature, tranquility, and outdoor activities.
During the summer season (December to March), the weather is ideal for enjoying this setting: long days with temperatures around 25 °C and very little chance of rain. This makes Puerto Patriada a perfect place for camping, swimming, kayaking, trekking, or simply relaxing on the beach surrounded by pristine nature.
In addition to its natural beauty, this area stands out for its agroecological production and commitment to sustainable tourism. Around El Hoyo, you can visit farms where fine fruits like blueberries, raspberries, cherries, and blackberries are grown, many of which can be bought directly from the producer or tasted in homemade jams. This connection between tourism and local production creates an authentic experience that captivates those who visit the region.
In terms of accessibility and connectivity, Puerto Patriada remains a low-traffic destination, making it ideal for those seeking real getaways in contact with nature. From patagoniamas.com, we recommend this excursion not only for what it offers in terms of landscapes but also for the excellent atmosphere created among guides, tourists, and families who join in to live a unique experience connecting body and mind with a dreamlike setting.
If you’re planning a trip to El Bolsón, El Hoyo, or Argentine Patagonia, add Puerto Patriada to your list of family vacations in Chubut. On our website, you’ll find more stories, recommendations, photographs, and experiences to help you design an unforgettable trip. Explore, connect, and experience Patagonia like never before, with firsthand information at www.patagoniamas.com
