Bariloche
On the shores of the vast, blue Lake Nahuel Huapi, the alpine town of Bariloche is surrounded by forests, mountains, and lakes in the heart of the Argentine Lake District.
Reasons to go to the Argentine Lake District
- The best place in Argentina for outdoor activities, from the two hub towns of Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes.
- Hiking in Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks, from the rocky peaks and valleys around Cerro Tronador to the epic slopes of Lanín Volcano.
- Kayaking on the best of the region's lakes, from mighty Nahuel Huapi to pocket-sized Machonico.
- Mountain biking through forests to the Cordoba Pass, or simply between pretty alpine towns on a microbrewery trail.
- Whitewater rafting the Manso and Chimehuin rivers on rapids high with glacial meltwater.
- Easy to reach from Buenos Aires, with high season connections to Los Glaciares National Park.
Highlights of the Argentine Lake District
Places to go in the Argentine Lake District
San Martín de los Andes
San Martín is a great base for exploring the Argentine Lake District, hiking Lanín Volcano or planning a cross-border trip into Chile.
Nahuel Huapi National Park
Nahuel Huapi National Park is the Argentina's most popular national park, thanks to its amazing landscpaes and proximity to the lakeside tourist hub of Bariloche.
Lanín National Park
Wild and rugged and overlooked by the snowy peak of a dormant volcano, Lanín National Park offers some of the best hiking in the Argentine Lake District.
Things to do in the Argentine Lake District
Hiking in the Argentine Lake District
From the ice-capped peak of the staggering Lanín Volcano to the gentle forested trails around glistening lakes, the Argentinian Lake District offers hiking for all.
Mountain biking in the Argentine Lake District
Taking to a mountain bike is one of the best and most active ways to get closer to the lakes, peaks and national parks of Argentina’s Lake District.
Kayaking & rafting in the Argentine Lake District
From exploring sapphire lakes tucked into the folds of mountains to the adrenaline-hit of whitewater, Argentina’s Lake District that begs to be explored with a paddle.
David says
Nowhere else in South America can boast the variety of sports and outdoor activities than the Argentine Lake district. When you combine this with the range of hotels available and some of the best restaurants in Argentina, why look any further for your next holiday?
David Hilton Patagonia Product & Partnership Manager
How to get to the Argentine Lake District
The Argentine Lake District is well connected to the rest of the region, with up to 15 daily flights from Buenos Aires to Bariloche, the main gateway town to the lakes. The flight time is around two hours. There are also a smaller number of flights between Buenos Aires and San Martín de los Andes.
From December to February, there are direct flights between Bariloche and El Calafate, allowing you to easily travel between the Lake District and Los Glaciares National Park.
It is also possible to connect the Argentine Lake District with its neighbour across the border in Chile. There are several ways to cross the border, not least the spectacular Cruce Andino combined ferry and bus route across the Andes between Bariloche and Puerto Varas, the gateway to the Chilean Lake District.
Where to stay in the Argentine Lake District
Accommodation options in the Argentine Lake District range from luxury lodges and working estancias set in beautiful scenery, to hotels and hostels in the region's towns.
The main hubs to base yourself are Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes, alongside Villa la Angostura situated roughly halfway between the two. Whichever part of the Lake District that you're travelling to we have access to a wide variety of hotels, guesthouses and lodges across the Lakes to suit your budget and interests – talk to us about your requirements.
When to go to the Argentine Lake District
The Argentine Lake District is a year-round destination but being aware of the seasonal variations will help you get the most from your trip.
The driest and warmest months of the year are from December to March, with temperatures up to around 24℃ (75℉). It's worth noting that December can be a particularly busy period in Bariloche as it is a popular holiday destination for newly graduated students.
June to August are the wettest and coolest months, with temperatures averaging around 9°C (50°F). Hiking is more restricted at this time at higher altitudes with below freezing temperatures, but the slopes are packed with skiers and snowboarders. July is the peak ski season in the Lake District.
Tailor-made Holidays
Patagonia is a vast and varied region, with a wealth of things to see and do, a range of places to stay and a limited transport network.
Why not let us do the hard work for you? Our team of experts will work with you to design an adventure to your exact requirements, from hiking and horse-riding trips to wine-tasting tours and undiscovered lodges.
We’ll work around your budget and arrange flights, transfers and buses, to create your perfect trip.
Ready to plan your Patagonia adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
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