Outings and excursions · El Bolsón
Manso river pool
Text: Miriam Coronel · Photos: Interpatagonia.com
From the confluence of the Villegas River and the Manso River there is a trail to Lake Steffen. Shortly after starting, about 2 km away, the Manso pool holds a surprise for the visitor. The waters of mild temperatures in summer invite you to take a dip.
The hidden paradise
Starting from Bariloche to the south, a few meters before the Gendarmerie post on the Villegas River, on Route 40, a sign indicates the way to reach the Manso pool, a unique walk, almost hidden among mountains and ñires forests.
The Manso River is one of the pristine destinations in Patagonia and flows in a whimsical way, collecting the contributions of numerous emissaries. The source is located in the glaciers of Cerro Tronador, drains into the Mascardi and continues its procession to the Los Moscos lagoon through a canyon called Bajada del Manso. The next body of water that welcomes you is Lake Hess, it turns sharply to the southeast and runs between hills on its way to the Steffen. At the confluence with the Villegas River, the Manso turns west to continue towards the Pacific.
From that exit on Route 40, after about 500 m along a gravel vehicular road, you reach the confluence of the rivers, where the Cohuin-Co campsite of the Huenchupan community and a parking lot are located. There it is necessary to make the registration to access the trail and reach the pools. The trail is narrow but the walk is very simple, about 2 km approximately, so that all public can access without mobility problems, since the path has stairs and logs as a step.
In its lower section the river becomes calmer. Once in the pools of the Manso, it is very ly that "paradise" is the most appropriate noun to talk about this hidden corner, a dream place for those who see it for the first time. The pozón del Manso is also one of the favorite destinations for residents who enjoy the summer in Bariloche, without having to travel so much, an hour's drive from the urban center.
In addition to getting your feet wetdiving into the natural marmite, this stretch of the Manso is ideal for kayakingrafting (which can be hired at the campsite), sport fishing and snorkeling. The bluish-green color of the river attracts attention and is a charm for the most instagrammable photos.
