The Lake District of Argentine Patagonia
The Lake District of Patagonia lies across the provinces of Neuquén and Rio Negro. It makes up the most fertile end of Argentine Patagonia. A magnificent wilderness, where crystalline rivers and lakes weave from snow-capped mountains to forest-coated hills. We organised one of our most memorable honeymoons in the region, during which the couple learnt the ways of the Gauchos on a remote ranch and drove a herd of cattle up to their Summer pastures. They ended boating down the great Nahuel Huapi Lake with one of our favourite guides, Facundo, who at one point pretended to catch a fish only to then pull out of the chilled waters a bottle of champagne! We believe it is these touches that turn a great trip into an unforgettable experience.
Where to go & What to do
- White rafting on the Manso river, from a glamping site in the middle of the Andes mountains.
- Yoga and meditation in a luxury mountain lodge on the shores of Lake Gutierrez.
- Private boat trips along the length of the great Nahuel Huapi Lake, between Villa La Angostura and San Carlos de Bariloche city.
- A lesson in the art of the Argentine Asado (barbecue) on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
- Horse riding up to the Chilean border, near the town of El Bolson
- Birdwatching in the little known National Park Los Alerces.
- A road trip around the famous Seven Lakes road passing by the picturesque town of San Martin de los Andes.
Travel logistics
- The climate in the region varies significantly between seasons. Winter brings cold days with generally plenty of snow for skiing, while the Summer offers warm, sunny days ideal for exploring the beautiful countryside. Autumn and Spring are transition seasons with a mix of sunny and rainy days. During the summer, daylight extends from 6am to 10pm while in the winter, daylight is from 9am to 7pm.
- Skiing season: June to October
- From Buenos Aires city Bariloche it is a 21 hr drive.
Things to keep in mind
- There are several airports in the region, the principal one being Bariloche, 2 hr from Buenos Aires, though flying into Esquel and departing from San Martin de los Andes for example is a good way to see more of the country.
Example Itineraries
Some examples of our favourite trips that we’ve organised over the years:
