Ruta Provincial 33 – Patagonia Lake District
Secret alpine lakes through Patagonian rainforest
Ruta Provincial 33 is Patagonia’s secret lake-hopping route, connecting Lago Puelo to Lago Epuyén through dense Valdivian rainforest and snow-capped peaks. This challenging mountain circuit includes the notorious Paso de las Nubes at 1,800 meters, where switchbacks carved into cliff faces demand steady nerves and good brakes. Ancient lenga and coihue forests create tunnels over the rocky track, while crystal-clear lakes appear suddenly through breaks in the canopy, each more stunning than the last.
Expert-level driving required due to steep grades, narrow ledges, and unpredictable weather that can turn dirt to mud in minutes. Essential gear includes winch, recovery boards, and chains for sudden snow. Summer (December-March) offers the only reliable weather window. Fuel and supplies must be carried from El Bolsón as nothing exists along the route. The reward is camping beside pristine lakes with backdrop views of the Andes that few outsiders ever witness.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5900 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with recovery gear |
| Nearest town | El Bolsón, Río Negro |
| Land manager | Chubut Provincial Government |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or Patrol handle RP-33, or does it need to be built?
Stock is not enough here. You need a modified 4WD with a lift, all-terrain tires, and full recovery gear — snatch block, hi-lift, traction boards minimum. The technical sections and river crossings will strand a factory vehicle.
When is RP-33 actually passable, and what happens if you go outside that window?
December through March is the reliable window. Outside of that, snowfall closes the high passes and river levels rise dangerously — the crossings become impassable and the dirt surface turns to deep mud that will swallow a vehicle.
Do you need any permits to run RP-33 or camp along it?
No formal permit is required to drive the route, as it falls under Chubut provincial jurisdiction. Dispersed camping is allowed along the corridor, but carry your own waste out — there are no facilities and rangers do patrol occasionally.
What's the hardest section and what specifically makes it dangerous?
The high-altitude passes above 5,000 ft are the crux — loose rock, narrow shelf roads with no guardrails, and exposure to sudden weather changes including whiteout conditions in summer storms. The river crossings add a second serious hazard; water depth and current vary day to day depending on snowmelt.
Is there any fuel or resupply between the start and end of the trail?
No. El Bolsón is your last guaranteed fuel stop before you drop onto the route — fill completely there. At 68 miles with sustained low-range driving, calculate your consumption conservatively and carry extra jerry cans. There is no cell service on the entire trail, so a sat communicator is non-negotiable.
Trail track
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