The snow-capped mountains and volcanos offer majestic views that contrast with the deep valleys, dazzling lakes and dense Patagonian forests that comprise the Lake Region in Northern Patagonia.
The beautiful landscapes offer a wide variety of activities including unlimited possibilities for trekking, mountain climbing, scenic hikes, sailing, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, playing golf, cycling and skiing.
Resting on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and inside the national park bearing the same name, Bariloche is the flagship city of the Lake Region.
It was founded in 1902 and its most emblematic buildings were constructed in the 30s. A strong wave of Central European immigration also took place about this time and this European presence is evidenced by the Alpine architecture and excellent cuisine: smoked meats, sausages and cold cuts, beer, chocolates, marmalades and pastries.
The city offers broad possibilities for active excursions as well as navigations and sightseeing tours.
Route 40 snakes its way from Bariloche to San Martin de los Andes between lakes and mountains, offering beautiful panoramic views along the way.
The first stretch, along the Lake Nahuel Huapi shoreline, is swept by winds blowing in from the Patagonian steppe. When it reaches the charming township of Villa La Angostura, the road immerses itself in the deep Andean forest.
The route passes alongside the Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Correntoso, Espejo and Lácar lakes. The singing of birds, the shimmering waters, the forest trails and the backdrop of snow topped peaks all come together in this wonderful natural scenic route.
The National Park gets its name from the majestic Lanín volcano that ascends to 3,737 m above sea level and surpasses by more than thousand meters the surrounding steppe; a colossal landmark in the northern Patagonia region.
Silent forests extend along the slopes of this beautiful volcano and cover the shores of sparkling waters, forming a unique assemblage of ancient tree species including stands of the Araucaria or Pehuén with its distinctive umbrella shape, which is considered a living fossil and relict of Gondwanaland.
This area is worldwide renowned for its excellent fly fishing opportunities, where legendary rivers like Aluminé, Malleo, Chimehuin and Collón Curá provide sport anglers outstanding fishing options in a breathtaking and pristine natural environment.
Many of the finest fishing spots are located within national parks along the Andean Cordillera. Neuquén Province in the northwestern corner of Patagonia and the region of Junín de los Andes in particular feature an abundance of crystal clear glacial lakes, fast flowing rivers, meandering and willow tree lined creeks, quiet lagoons and deep pools formed by volcanic boulders and rocks.
These rivers, streams and creeks are the natural habitat for great brown, rainbow and brook trout as well as landlocked salmon and each watercourse has its own character, which requests different techniques and skills.
The skiing season on Cerro Catedral runs from about June to September, shifting every year according to the climate. Its infrastructure, the diversity of slopes and the number and variety of services available for travelers, make it the most important ski center in Argentina.
It offers more than 120 km of slopes for all levels of difficulty as well as skiing and snowboarding classes for all ages. Other interesting activities include treks with snowshoes, descents on sleds, excursions on snow bikes and cross-country skiing.
