Thickly forested with diverse trees that include the native araucaria, laced with dozens of lakes, and home to the cone-shaped Lanín Volcano, Lanín National Park is a Patagonian treasure in the Argentine state of Neuquén. Travelers flock here to enjoy some of Argentina’s best hiking, kayaking, sport fishing of salmon and trout, and camping.
Arrive at Lopez Hill, and you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve wandered into an Alpine wonderland. Snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, world-class mountain bike and hiking trails, and mountaineering routes that number some of the best in the world are all here to be discovered. Plus, Lopez Hill is home to many local chocolatiers, adding further to the European atmosphere.
At the far western end of Lake Lacár, by the tranquil shores of Lake Nonthué, Chachin Waterfall (Cascada Chachin) spills 100 feet (30 meters) through the green Valdivian forest. This isolated cascade near the Chilean border is a highlight of Lake Lacár boat trips and one of the most popular outings and day trips from San Martin de los Andes.
With its shimmering blue waters and forest-lined shoreline, Lake Lacár (Lago Lácar) is one of the most popular attractions in the Patagonia town of San Martin de Los Andes. Enclosed by the Andes mountain range, the vast glacial lake offers a sense of tranquility that attracts both locals and tourists. It is an ideal spot for kayaking, canoeing, and other watersports.
The snow-blanketed peak looming on the horizon south of Bariloche is the 7,800-foot-high (2,388-meter-high) Cathedral Hill (Cerro Catedral), one of the city’s most memorable landmarks. A paradise for hikers and site of a popular ski resort, the mountaintop affords spectacular views over the Lakelands.
To the native Mapuche of Argentina’s Andes, the name Huechulafquen means “long lake” or “lake at the end.” It’s an apt title for this azure wonder that stretches for 19 miles (30 kilometers) and is officially the largest of the 24 lakes in Lanin National Park. Next to the lake, on the northern shore, the conical, snow-capped Lanin Volcano rises 12,388 feet (3,776 meters) into the sky.
Traful Lake (Lago Traful) lies in Nahuel Huapi National Park in Patagonia. The lake flows into the Traful River, which empties into the Nahuel Huapi Lake. It's known for its 335-foot (102-meter) high glacier cliffside viewpoint, Mirador del Traful, which offers a complete view of the lakes and valleys.
Every June when snow falls on the hills of San Martin de los Andes, skiers and snowboards from around the globe journey to Patagonia for the chance to ski at Chapelco. This small resort receives more snow than many surrounding resorts and offers some of the best tree skiing anywhere in Argentine Patagonia.
At the southwestern tip of Nahuel Huapi Lake, surrounded by the snow-dusted peaks and evergreen valleys of the Andes, Puerto Blest is hidden away in one of the most remote corners of Argentina’s Lakelands. Reachable only by boat, the small port is the starting point for hikes to the Los Cántaros Lake and Waterfall.
Not to be confused with the hill of the same name near Córdoba, the Andean peak of Cerro Colorado sits just east of San Martín de los Andes. Scaling the 5,833-foot (1,778-meter) summit of the now-dormant volcano is a popular challenge for hikers, affording magnificent views across the Andes Mountains and the Lácar and Lolog lakes.
Beneath the looming peak of Piltriquitrón Mountain, the Patagonian town of El Bolsón is known for its traditional artisans, handicrafts markets, and bohemian roots. Drawing intrepid travelers away from the typical Patagonian tourist trail, the town is also the gateway to the hiking trails of the Rio Azul Natural Protected Area.
Located on the south shore of Lacár Lake in San Martin de los Andes, Quila Quina mixes holiday homes and culture. Here, on the string of sandy beaches looking out at Lanin National Park, modern lakefront vacation homes combine with the Mapuche village of Curruhuinca to form a unique Andean village. Daytrippers are drawn to Quila Quina for the lake views and natural attractions.
Lake Steffen was named for geographer and explorer Hans Steffen, who was hired in the late 1800s to investigate the border dispute between Chile and Argentina. Covering an area of more than 1,450 acres (587 hectares), the glacial lake is a hidden gem fed by the Manso River and prized by fly fishers for its trout-filled waters.
Though some call Bariloche "Argentina's Switzerland," the area stands on its own. Bellavista Hill translates to "beautiful view," and it delivers on that promise. The top-down view is a panorama of mountains, lakes, and little islands in the lakes that seem to form a jigsaw puzzle. Most summit Bellavista in two and four hours.
