Nahuel Huapi National Park is one of the largest and oldest national parks in Argentina, located in the Patagonia region, in the province of Rio Negro. Here are some suggestions on what to visit in Nahuel Huapi National Park.
It offers year-round activities and you can choose from lake tours, rafting, kayaking, biking, horseback riding, climbing and mountain trekking, in addition to winter activities. The Park includes the municipal area of San Carlos de Bariloche, the Llao-Llao peninsula, Villa Mascardi, the Moreno and Gutiérrez lakes, and the southern end of the Manso River.
Nahuel Huapi lake
Lake Nahuel Huapi is the heart of the park and one of its most outstanding attractions. Being one of the most extensive and picturesque lakes, it has an area of approximately 560 square kilometers. Its waters are of an intense blue color and it is surrounded by impressive hills and lush forests, creating a truly spectacular landscape.
In the lake is Victoria Island, an island of approximately 31 square kilometers with a well-preserved natural environment and hiking trails.
It is also a popular destination if you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, rafting and skiing or snowboarding in winter.
On the shores of the lake are San Carlos de Bariloche and Villa La Angostura, which offer tourist infrastructure, restaurants and activities for visitors.
Victoria Island
It is located in the northwestern part of Lake Nahuel Huapi and to reach it, you must embark from Puerto Pañuelo, located about 25 kilometers from Bariloche. The boat trip takes about an hour and offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
You can hike along well-marked trails that lead to waterfalls, viewpoints and natural beaches. There are also options for bird watching and sport fishing. On the island you will pass through cypress and coihue forests, and a wide variety of flora and fauna.
On Victoria Island, there is an inn that offers lodging and services for visitors who wish to stay and explore further. There are also picnic areas, restaurants and tour guide services.
Arrayanes Forest
On Victoria Island, you will find the famous Bosque de Arrayanes, a unique place in the world. This forest is composed of myrtle trees, known for their cinnamon-colored bark and twisted shape. You can walk along trails among the trees and marvel at their beauty.
Located on the Quetrihué peninsula, it is famous for its cinnamon-colored myrtle trees. You can walk along wooden trails among these unique trees and enjoy their magical atmosphere.
Waterfall of the Arrayanes
Near the Arrayanes Forest, you will find the Arrayanes Waterfall. It is a beautiful waterfall located in an enchanting natural environment. You can enjoy the panoramic views and relax in this beautiful corner of the island.
Viewpoints
Victoria Island has several viewpoints from where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the surrounding mountains. Some of the most popular viewpoints are Mirador Bella Vista and Mirador del Cerro Bella Vista. These places offer a privileged perspective of the island’s natural beauty.
Beaches and recreational areas
Victoria Island has beautiful natural beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sun. Some of the best known beaches are Playa del Toro and Playa del Monje. There are also recreational areas where you can picnic and enjoy a day outdoors.
Hiking
Victoria Island offers several trails for hiking and exploring its natural environment. You can opt for short and easy trails that take you to different points of interest, such as the Arrayanes Forest, or choose longer and more challenging trails that take you to remote parts of the island.
Water activities
Since the island is located in Lake Nahuel Huapi, you can also enjoy various water activities, such as sport fishing, kayaking or canoeing, and sailing on the lake.
Bariloche
It is a city that offers a variety of activities to enjoy: traditional excursions, lake tours, snow for all tastes, the best gastronomy, young tourism, romantic outings, family activities, adventure, tranquility and a cultural agenda always active and updated.
Tourism is the main economic activity, and it is one of the most populated cities in the Argentine Patagonia and constitutes a great scientific and technological pole and houses the Bariloche Atomic Center.
Gutierrez Lake
Lake Gutierrez is located less than 15km from the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, in a valley surrounded by the Otto, Catedral and De la Ventana hills. There are camping sites, small beaches and a paleontological museum to visit. In the area you can also go hiking in the forest, horseback riding and fishing.
The valley is opened to the north by the pampa called Nahuel Malal, occupied by Villa Los Coihues. This lake presents an intense green color on clear days as a consequence of the reflection in its waters of the green forests of coihues and other fagáceas that almost seem to want to hide it, the waters are relatively temperate if we compare them with others of the zone, since they come from the rains and not from the thaw.
Gutierrez Lake
Moreno Lake
It is located near the city of San Carlos de Bariloche and next to its shores are two small tourist towns, Colonia Suiza and Villa Llao Llao.
A peculiar characteristic of this lake is that it is divided into two portions of similar dimensions, the so-called Lago Moreno Oeste or Inferior, and Lago Moreno Este or Superior. They are separated by a narrow pass, which is additionally surpassed by a road bridge, from the route that is part of the so-called Circuito Chico, a very popular tourist circuit west of the city of Bariloche, which completely surrounds the West Moreno Lake.
Cerro Tronador
It is 90 km from the city of Bariloche and is the highest mountain in the park. It is located on the border between Argentina and Chile.
One of the most notable features of Cerro Tronador is the presence of three main glaciers: Ventisquero Negro, Ventisquero Manso and Ventisquero Río Blanco. These glaciers descend the mountain slopes and feed rivers and waterfalls in the region.
Cerro Tronador is also known for its beautiful natural surroundings, which include lakes such as Lago Mascardi. These lakes offer spectacular scenery and are popular for activities such as fishing, hiking and boating.
Cerro Tronador
Los Alerces cascade
This beautiful waterfall is located in the park’s Circuito Grande. It is a must stop to enjoy nature and listen to the relaxing sound of the water while surrounded by lush forests.
If you go by car you can get there from route 40 leaving Bariloche towards El Bolsón. There is a bus that leaves you near the entrance of the park where the trail to the waterfall starts.
Los Alerces cascade
Cerro Catedral
It is one of the most popular ski destinations in Argentina and a major tourist attraction throughout the year. It stands out for its imposing beauty and its extensive skiable area. With an altitude of approximately 2,388 meters above sea level, it offers a wide variety of ski and snowboard slopes, from beginners to experts.
The place has modern lifts that allow access to the different areas of the mountain in a comfortable and fast way.
During the winter, its well prepared and diversified slopes, as well as its amount of powder snow, attract skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. In addition, it has an extensive tourist infrastructure, including ski schools, equipment rental, restaurants and lodging services.
Outside the winter season, Cerro Catedral also offers activities during the summer. Visitors can enjoy hiking, climbing, mountain biking and panoramic cable car rides to appreciate the spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
Cerro Catedral is a highly visited place, so there can be a large influx of tourists, especially during the ski season. However, its wide extension and variety of slopes allow visitors to spread out and enjoy a unique mountain experience.
Ski Center on Cerro Catedral
Cerro López
It is an ideal destination if you like hiking. There are several routes that allow you to explore its landscapes and enjoy panoramic views. You can opt for shorter and easier routes, such as the trail to the Mirador del Lopez (located at 1600 m above sea level), or challenging ascents to the summit of the hill.
On the slope of Cerro Lopez, you will find the Refugio Lopez, a place where you can rest, enjoy a meal and spend the night if you wish to make more challenging ascents. The refuge offers panoramic views and is a starting point for various hiking trails in the area.
During the winter season, the hill becomes a destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. There are slopes for different skill levels, and you can enjoy the snow and panoramic views as you descend the slopes of the hill.
Cerro Lopez
Cerro Campanario
The hill is approximately 1,049 meters above sea level and is accessible via a cable car that takes visitors to the top. The cable car ride is short but exciting, and offers spectacular views during the ascent.
Once at the top, you access an observation deck with 360-degree views. From there you have an incomparable panoramic view of the Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, as well as the surrounding mountains, such as Cerro Tronador and Cerro Catedral. It is an ideal place to appreciate the natural beauty of the region and take breathtaking photographs.
In addition, at the top of the hill there is a small café where you can rest and enjoy drinks and snacks while admiring the scenery.
Cerro Campanario also has trails that offer the opportunity to enjoy nature and the native flora of the region.
Correntoso Lake
Correntoso is a lake located inside the park in the city of Villa La Angostura, Los Lagos department in the province of Neuquén.
Correntoso Lake is known for being one of the smallest lakes in the region, with an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers. However, its beauty and unique characteristics make it a very visited place by tourists and nature lovers.
One of the most outstanding features of Lake Correntoso is its connection with Lake Nahuel Huapi through a short and narrow river called Correntoso River. This river is known for its fast flowing water and rapids, which creates an impressive spectacle for visitors.
In addition to its connection to Lake Nahuel Huapi, Lake Correntoso is surrounded by beautiful mountain and forest scenery, making it a perfect place for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking and hiking.
On the shores of Lake Correntoso is the Correntoso Hotel, a historic establishment that dates back to 1917 and has been a landmark in the area. The hotel offers panoramic views of the lake and mountains, and is a popular place to stay and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Fishing in Lake Correntoso
Seven Lakes Circuit
This scenic route actually connects Villa la Angostura with San Martin de los Andes, but can include Bariloche. Along the way, you will pass more than just seven beautiful lakes, including lakes Espejo, Correntoso, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico, Lacar and Lácar.
Nahuel Huapi National Park is a must-see destination for nature and adventure lovers, with a great variety of landscapes and activities that you can enjoy all year round.