Cholila: Andean Landscapes and History

Cholila lies in the northwest of Chubut Province, along the Andes. Glaciers formed valleys crisscrossed by lakes and rivers. The mountain region encompasses four valleys of glacial origin: El Cajón, El Rincón, El Blanco and Villa Lago Rivadavia. The landscape and cultural history offer different focuses for trip planning—from bodies of water to sites commemorating Butch Cassidy.

Landscape and Lakes

The four names refer to valleys within the mountain region, while lakes and rivers run through the glacially shaped landscape. There are two lakes to distinguish: Lago Rivadavia, in the Villa Lago Rivadavia area of Cholila, is suitable for water sports. The area around Cholila also provides access to Lago Lezana, considered one of the clearest and warmest lakes. The lakes offer different highlights for planning: water sports at Lago Rivadavia, and clarity and warmth at Lago Lezana.

Culture and History

The Museo Bar La Legal was established in December 2017. Its exhibits include 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 cabin of the North American outlaw Butch Cassidy is also located in Villa del Blanco in Cholila and is considered an emblematic landmark and visitor attraction.

The Fiesta Nacional del Asado also has its own history: it began in 1993 as a provincial festival and was granted national festival status in 2009. For the 13th edition, the municipal government announced that it would take place on February 3, 4 and 5, 2023, at Predio El Morro. These specific dates are for the edition announced at the time.

Activities and Getting There

Sport fishing is one of the tourist activities in Cholila. Nearby Cerro Pintado is one of the few archaeological sites in the Patagonian forest-steppe ecotone. Excursions there are only possible with a guide authorized by the tourism department of the Municipalidad de Cholila, and on days and at times set in advance. Check which dates apply before making plans.

From Esquel, Cholila can be reached by heading north on Ruta Nacional 40 or Ruta Provincial 71. Check road conditions and services before setting out.

A Regional Perspective: Cushamen Department

In Cushamen Department, the Área Natural Protegida Piedra Parada is another landmark in the landscape. The protected area covers 132 hectares of Patagonian steppe and lies between Languiñeo and Cushamen departments. Piedra Parada is suitable for trekking and mountain biking. At the entrance to the area, a three-kilometer trail leads into the Cañadón de la Buitrera, a rock pass sheltered from the winds, with cliffs more than 100 meters high.

Laberinto Patagonia in Cushamen Department has 2,200 meters of paths and nine entrances. Its five hectares of parkland and native forest, with sweeping views, make it suitable for a day visit; a route leads through the maze to its center and exit. There is also a tea house serving local and seasonal products, as well as produce from its own organic garden.

Lago Epuyén in Cushamen Department is Epuyén’s main attraction. It is located within Parque Municipal Puerto Bonito and Reserva Forestal de Usos Múltiples Lago Epuyén. Its water is warm and clear, with an average temperature of 15°C.

Discover more destinations: Trevelín, Puerto Pirámides, Punta Delgada, Comodoro Rivadavia, Playa Unión, Trelew, Esquel

Return to the main travel overview: Chubut.