Cajón del Azul

The Azul river runs off the mountains west of El Bolsón in water of a strong milky turquoise, and at one point it cuts into rock and disappears into a slot barely a couple of metres wide and several deep, the cajón that gives the walk its name. The trail from Wharton follows the valley for around four hours, crossing the river on hanging bridges, climbing through coihue forest and past viewpoints, and ends at the Refugio Cajón del Azul, a timber mountain hut that serves meals, bakes bread and sleeps walkers who want to continue deeper into the range. Most people go up and back in a long day, swimming in the pools where the river opens out again below the gorge.

What you actually see

• The gorge - the river compressed into a narrow slot in the rock.
• The turquoise pools - swimming spots where the Azul widens.
• The hanging bridges - suspension crossings on the valley trail.
• The refuge - the timber hut with meals, bread and beds at the end.

When to go

December to March, when the trail is dry and the refuge fully staffed; the river is high and cold in spring snowmelt. January is very busy on the path. Winter access is limited and the crossings dangerous.

Honest expectations

The walk is eight hours return and steeper than it sounds, with hot exposed sections. Bridges have weight limits and queues in season. The trail crosses private land and a fee is collected at the start; the refuge takes cash only. Jumping into the gorge is dangerous and has caused deaths.

Nearby

El Bolsón is the base; other refuges such as Hielo Azul and Natación lie further up the range.