Cholila is located in the northwest of Chubut Province, in the Andes. Glaciers shaped the landscape into glacial valleys crisscrossed by lakes and rivers. This offers different focuses for planning a trip: the glacier-shaped mountain region, activities on the water and local cultural history. Depending on which of these topics interests you most, you can tailor your stay accordingly.

Landscape and Water Around Cholila

The mountain region around Cholila comprises four valleys of glacial origin: El Cajón, El Rincón, El Blanco and Villa Lago Rivadavia. Their names offer clear points of reference in the landscape and illustrate just how strongly glaciers shaped it. Together with the lakes and rivers, the valleys form the natural setting for a stay in Cholila.

Water activities also offer a range of options. In the Villa del Lago Rivadavia area of Cholila, Lago Rivadavia is suitable for water sports. Lago Lezana, considered one of the clearest and warmest lakes, is accessible from the Cholila area. Sport fishing is also among the tourist activities offered in Cholila. Water sports, Lago Lezana’s distinctive qualities and sport fishing are different ways to take your interests into account when planning your trip.

Cerro Pintado is nearby. It is one of the few archaeological sites in the Patagonian forest–steppe ecotone. Visits are possible only with a guide authorized by the tourism department of the Municipalidad de Cholila, and only on dates and at times set in advance. If you plan an excursion, take these requirements into account and check the specific visiting times beforehand.

Archaeology, Local History and Festival Culture

Museo Bar La Legal was established in December 2017. It features historical antiques, tools from the period, a documentary film and a large-format display about the American outlaws Butch Cassidy, Sundance Kid and Etha Place. Historical objects and film presentations are thus brought together. Villa del Blanco is also home to the cabin of the North American outlaw Butch Cassidy, considered emblematic and a visitor attraction. The museum and the cabin offer different ways to explore the history associated with these names.

Cholila’s cultural history also includes the Fiesta Nacional del Asado. 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. If you want to plan a trip around the festival, check the dates for a current edition separately.

Getting to Cholila

From Esquel, Cholila can be reached by heading north via Ruta Nacional 40 or Ruta Provincial 71. Check road conditions and available services before setting off. This will help you coordinate your journey with your planned activities and chosen focus for your stay.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Chubut.