Argentina’s Lake District

The Argentine Lake District centers around Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi (nah-whell-wah-pee), Argentina’s first national park. The park encircles the seven arms of Lake Nahuel Huapi, a deep-blue glacial lake surrounded by rugged mountains and ancient forests. Near the center of the lake, Victoria Island is crowned by transplanted redwoods.

On the eastern slope of the Andes sits Lanin National Park. Lanin is admired for its high mountains, two dozen glacial lakes, ancient Araucaria forests, and trout-filled rivers. The park’s namesake is the dormant Lanin Volcano, a snow-capped cone reaching 12,400 feet above sea level. The park has three sectors—north, central, and south—each supported by a respective base town. Alumine, a quiet alpine town near the Alumine and Quillen rivers, serves the north entrance.

From November to April, the rivers draw whitewater rafting and fly-fishing enthusiasts.

San Carlos de Bariloche

San Carlos de Bariloche, the area’s largest city, rests on the lake’s southern shore. Bariloche began as an outpost for German settlers. It later attracted Swiss, Austrian, Italian, and Chilean immigrants. Today, its main draws include the lake and mountains, the Cerro Catedral ski resort, and the string of chocolate shops surrounding Calle Mitre.

Villa la Angostura

About an hour’s drive northwest of Bariloche, the town of Villa la Angostura occupies a narrow peninsula in Lake Nahuel Huapi. The quiet town and surrounding lakeshore are the setting for fine restaurants, boutique hotels, and luxury lodges.

San Martin de Los Andes

San Martin de los Andes is Lanin Nationa Park’s southern access point and is a lakeside village known for its steadfast refusal of large resort development. Close by, Junin de los Andes is the park’s central sector base—the starting point for treks in and around Lanin Volcano. Visitors here can fly-fish at nearby Lake Huechulafquen, and in the silvery Chimehuin and Malleo rivers.

The area’s best hotels and lodges are found outside the city center of Bariloche and Villa La Angostura alike. Guests typically stay three or four nights.

Our Favorite Hotels

What to do in the Lakes District

Among other activities, visitors to the Lakes District can enjoy:

• Solitude
• Fly Fishing
• Hiking
• Climbing
• Mountain Biking
• Horseback Riding
• White Water Rafting
• Kayaking
• Sailing
• Skiing & Snowboarding

November and December are prime fly-fishing months, but the dry fly season extends through April. June to August is ski season.

South of Villa La Angostura, on the Querihué Peninsula, Los Arrayanes National Park protects a red myrtle forest with specimens over 600 years old.

Lanin National Park’s southern sector is threaded with a network of trails.

What is the Weather Like?

The climate in Argentina’s Lakes District varies significantly between seasons. Summer runs from December to February with long sunny days. Temperatures range between 50°F to 80°F. During this time, the climate is dry with minimum humidity. At night, temperatures tend to drop. During the summer, daylight extends from 6 AM to 10 PM. Days in autumn become gradually shorter with mild winds, rainfall, and colder weather with temperatures ranging between 35°F and 65°F. Winter brings cold days with abundant snowfall. Expect cold weather and shorter days with daylight from 9 AM to 7 PM.

These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Getting There

The main airport, located just outside Bariloche, receives multiple two-hour flights from Buenos Aires each day. During high season, direct flights are also available from Iguazu, El Calafate, Mendoza, and Salta. Villa La Angostura is approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive from the airport.

Lanin and the surrounding area is better served by the Chapelco airport, receiving flights from Buenos Aires (approximately three hours). Visitors can also drive north from Bariloche and Villa la Angostura via three scenic routes, varying in length from 100 to 160 miles. The most popular one is the Ruta de los Siete Lagos or Route of the Seven Lakes, well known for its beauty.The Argentine Lake District can also be reached via the Cruce Andino, a scenic lake and land crossing in the Andes, ending in Puerto Varas, Chile.

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