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.
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.
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.
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.
