Cholila: Andean Valleys, Lakes and History

Between the Andes and Glacial Valleys

Cholila lies in the northwest of Chubut Province, along the Andes. Glaciers shaped the landscape into glacial valleys crisscrossed by lakes and rivers. The mountain region comprises four valleys of glacial origin: El Cajón, El Rincón, El Blanco and Villa Lago Rivadavia. These valleys give the mountains a tangible framework and offer a range of scenic focal points for your stay. You can make the valleys the focus of your trip or turn your attention more toward Cholila’s lakes and cultural history. Choosing a holiday apartment or house can therefore start with deciding which aspects of the area you would most like to explore.

The lakes and rivers add their own appeal. Lago Rivadavia, near Villa del Lago Rivadavia, is suitable for water sports. Sport fishing is also among the tourist activities offered in Cholila. Lago Lezana can be reached from the area around Cholila. Lago Lezana is considered one of the clearest and warmest lakes. When deciding what to focus on during your stay, you can consider these bodies of water along with the valleys and cultural offerings.

Archaeological and Historical Discoveries

Cerro Pintado, near Cholila, is one of the few archaeological sites in Patagonia’s forest-steppe ecotone. Special conditions apply to visits: they are possible only with a guide authorised by the tourism department of the Municipalidad de Cholila, and only on days and at times scheduled in advance. If Cerro Pintado is part of your travel plans, you should take this guide requirement and the designated time slots into account. Its archaeological significance makes it a different focus from activities at the lakes or in the valleys.

Another glimpse into the past can be found at Museo Bar La Legal, which was established in December 2017. It houses historical antiques, tools from the period, a documentary film and a large-screen presentation about the American outlaws Butch Cassidy, Sundance Kid and Etha Place. The museum thus combines historical objects and tools with a film presentation. Villa del Blanco is also home to Butch Cassidy’s cabin, described as emblematic and considered a visitor attraction. Those interested in the stories surrounding Butch Cassidy will find two different historical points of interest in Cholila: the exhibition at Museo Bar La Legal and the cabin in Villa del Blanco.

The Fiesta Nacional del Asado is also part of the town’s history. It began in 1993 as a provincial festival and was granted national festival status in 2009. The municipal government announced that the 13th edition would take place on February 3, 4 and 5, 2023, at Predio El Morro. These dates place the announcement in its historical context and add a festive tradition to the town’s museum and local history.

Getting to Cholila and Staying There

From Esquel, Cholila can be reached by heading north on either Ruta Nacional 40 or Ruta Provincial 71. For your journey from Esquel, these are the two road options listed. When looking for a holiday apartment in Cholila, you can also consider whether you want your stay to focus mainly on mountain valleys and water, historical sites, or a mix of these interests. Your choice of accommodation can thus reflect the character of your trip, without assuming any particular accommodation features.

More destinations: Puerto Pirámides, Playa Unión, Esquel, Trelew, Trevelín, Punta Delgada, Comodoro Rivadavia.

Back to the regional travel overview: Chubut.