Patagonia – Northern Lakes & Steppe
Alpine lakes, fairy-tale forests, and chocolate 🍫🌲
Northern Patagonia is often called the "Switzerland of the Andes," a stunning region of deep blue lakes, pine forests, and jagged mountain peaks. It is an incredibly family-friendly destination year-round. In winter (July-September), it becomes South America's premier ski destination, with Cerro Catedral offering excellent ski schools for children and snow parks for tubing and sledding. In summer (December-March), the weather is mild and perfect for beach days at the lakes, although the water remains briskly refreshing.
The hub of the region is San Carlos de Bariloche. The city center feels like a European village, filled with St. Bernard dogs posing for photos and endless chocolate boutiques where visitors can watch chocolatiers at work. For easy outdoor adventures, the Circuito Chico is a scenic loop that can be done by car or bike, stopping at the Hotel Llao Llao and various lookout points. The chairlift to Cerro Campanario is a must-do, offering what National Geographic once called one of the best views in the world—a patchwork of lakes and islands that looks spectacular but requires zero hiking effort.
Further north, the drive along the Seven Lakes Road to San Martín de los Andes is one of the most scenic road trips in the country. It is paved and safe, with frequent spots to pull over for picnics. A boat trip to the Bosque de Arrayanes is another highlight; the unique cinnamon-colored trees are said to have inspired the forest in the movie Bambi, creating a magical atmosphere for storytelling. The region is safe, well-developed for tourism, and offers a perfect mix of relaxation and activity, from gentle forest walks to kayaking on mirror-like waters.
Dining here is hearty, with fondue, trout, and smoked meats on the menu, ensuring active kids are well-fuelled. Whether building snowmen in August or skipping stones on the lake in January, the Lake District is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to the world-class Nahuel Huapi National Park, offering pristine trekking through ancient forests and glacial lakes. Peak summer months provide temperatures of 19-24°C and low rainfall ideal for high-altitude exploration; winter conditions are too cold for safe hiking.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The Road of the Seven Lakes is a world-renowned scenic route offering high-quality infrastructure and breathtaking alpine vistas. Peak summer months ensure maximum visibility and dry roads; winter months present ice hazards and poor visibility that detract from the scenic experience.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
High-end luxury lodges like the Llao Llao offer world-class spa facilities set against serene, majestic lake backdrops. Peak months align with the warmest weather (22-24°C) for indoor-outdoor relaxation, while the cold and shorter days of winter limit the tranquility of the grounds.
Winter sports, ski resorts, snow activities
Boasts Cerro Catedral, the largest and most advanced ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere with sophisticated infrastructure. Peak months (July-August) provide the most reliable snow base and cold temps (~7-9°C high), while the region is entirely snow-free from October to May.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
While Northern Lakes offers quality fly-fishing, mountain biking, and kayaking, 'excellent' should be reserved for global top-tier sports destinations. The region competes well regionally but does not rival New Zealand, the European Alps, or Colorado for multi-sport infrastructure and international recognition. 'Very_good' appropriately reflects a strong but not globally dominant sports offering.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Bariloche offers a unique 'Swiss-Andean' cultural fusion famous for its artisanal chocolate industry and Alpine architecture. Summer months (Dec-Feb) offer a vibrant, sophisticated atmosphere for exploring boutiques and outdoor dining, whereas winter focuses heavily on the mass-market ski crowds.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Provides fascinating geological and ecological insights into Andean glaciation and the unique Patagonian steppe ecosystem. The educationally focused excursions and interpretive trails are best accessed in warmer months when nature centers and park access points are fully operational.
Attractions (71 total)
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Bahía Mansa
Villa La Angostura
A picturesque and calm bay serving as the gateway to Arrayanes National Park, perfect for families with its gentle turquoise waters.
Playa Bonita
San Carlos de Bariloche
The most popular beach in Bariloche, offering clear waters and stunning views of Huemul Island for family sunbathing and kayaking.
Playa Quila Quina
San Martín de los Andes
A premium lakeside destination on Lake Lácar featuring white sand beaches and pristine forest surroundings accessible by boat or road.
Playa Catritre
San Martín de los Andes
A scenic beach on Lake Lácar located just minutes from the city center, offering calm waters and complete services for day visitors.
Playa Correntoso
Villa La Angostura
A family favorite located where the world's shortest river meets the lake, featuring shallow warm areas and impressive mountain vistas.
Playa Lago Espejo
Villa La Angostura
Renowned for its warmer waters and incredible reflections, this beach is a highlight of the Seven Lakes Road for swimming and picnics.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Bariloche Civic Center
San Carlos de Bariloche
An iconic complex of rustic stone and wood buildings designed in alpine style, serving as the historic and cultural heart of Bariloche.
Visit website →Cerro Campanario
San Carlos de Bariloche
Considered one of the world's top viewpoints, this peak offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Lake District's mountains and water.
Visit website →Arrayanes Forest Tea House
Villa La Angostura
A charming and iconic rustic wooden cabin located at the tip of the Quetrihué Peninsula within a rare forest of cinnamon-colored trees.
Visit website →San Martín de los Andes Pier
San Martín de los Andes
A picturesque wooden pier on the shores of Lake Lácar that serves as the iconic entrance to the town and a hub for lake excursions.
Visit website →Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi
San Carlos de Bariloche
A stunning neo-Gothic stone cathedral situated near the lake shore, featuring beautiful stained glass and impressive architectural details.
Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Catedral Alta Patagonia
San Carlos de Bariloche
1,030-2,180m, 60 runs, 120km pistes, Jun-Oct season, largest ski area in South America with terrain parks and 34 lifts.
Visit website →Chapelco Ski Resort
San Martín de los Andes
1,250-1,980m, 28 runs, 45km pistes, Jun-Sep season, features runs through lenga beech forests and views of the Lanín Volcano.
Visit website →Batea Mahuida Snow Park
Villa Pehuenia
1,300-1,900m, 8 runs, 4km pistes, Jun-Oct season, family-oriented resort managed by the Puel Mapuche indigenous community.
Visit website →Centro de Esquí Nórdico
San Carlos de Bariloche
1,280-1,400m, 10km groomed trails, Jun-Sep season, specialized center for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on Cerro Otto.
Visit website →Cerro Perito Moreno
El Bolsón
900-2,216m, 16 runs, 23km pistes, Jun-Oct season, features a terrain park and snowcat skiing access to high-altitude powder.
Visit website →Caviahue Ski Resort
Caviahue
1,640-2,045m, 22 runs, 8km pistes, Jun-Oct season, unique terrain on the slopes of Copahue Volcano including monkey puzzle tree forests.
Visit website →Cerro Bayo
Villa La Angostura
1,050-1,810m, 31 runs, 14km pistes, Jun-Sep season, boutique resort with 16 lifts and exceptional panoramic views of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Centro Cívico
San Carlos de Bariloche
An iconic stone and wood architectural complex designed in Alpine style, serving as the historical and cultural heart of Bariloche.
Visit website →Capilla San Eduardo
San Carlos de Bariloche
A picturesque historic chapel built in 1938 with a unique wood and stone design, offering breathtaking views of the Llao Llao area.
Museo Primeros Pobladores
San Martín de los Andes
A charming historic wooden building dating back to 1930 that chronicles the lives of the early pioneers and indigenous people of the area.
Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Nahuel Huapi
San Carlos de Bariloche
A majestic neo-Gothic stone cathedral situated near the lakeshore, famous for its impressive stained glass and towering spire.
Museo de la Patagonia Francisco P. Moreno
San Carlos de Bariloche
Housed in a historic stone building, this museum explores the region's natural history, indigenous heritage, and early exploration of the Andes.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Centro Cívico (Civic Center)
San Carlos de Bariloche
A historic complex of alpine-style stone and timber buildings that serves as the iconic heart of Bariloche and houses the Museum of Patagonia.
Visit website →Colonia Suiza
San Carlos de Bariloche
A historic Swiss-settled village tucked in the forest, famous for its Sunday craft market and traditional curanto food cooked in the ground.
Visit website →San Martín de los Andes Town Center
San Martín de los Andes
A beautifully preserved town center with strict architectural codes that maintain a charming wood and stone alpine aesthetic perfect for walking.
Visit website →Vía Christi Park
Junín de los Andes
A unique cultural and religious hillside park featuring massive contemporary sculptures that blend Christian history with Mapuche indigenous traditions.
Visit website →Villa La Angostura Historic Port Area
Villa La Angostura
The original settlement area of the town featuring historic log buildings, the historic pier, and the gateway to the Quetrihué Peninsula.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Cerro Catedral Mountain Park
San Carlos de Bariloche
One of South America's most famous mountain centers offering summer adventure activities like trekking, mountain biking, and climbing walls with panoramic lake views.
Visit website →Canopy Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche
A specialized zipline center in the Cerro López area providing an exhilarating flight through the forest canopy with views of the surrounding lakes.
Visit website →Cerro Bayo Mountain Center
Villa La Angostura
A boutique mountain resort that transforms into an adventure hub in summer with canopy tours, mountain biking, and scenic hiking trails.
Visit website →Parque Euca San Martin de los Andes
San Martín de los Andes
An aerial trekking park with over 100 high-altitude challenges including suspension bridges and zip lines set among ancient Coihue trees.
Visit website →Piedras Blancas Adventure Park
San Carlos de Bariloche
A diverse family activity center on Cerro Otto featuring ziplining, mountain sledding, and chairlifts through dense pine forests.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Cerro Tronador
San Carlos de Bariloche
The highest peak in the region features the unique Ventisquero Negro black glacier and spectacular waterfalls at Saltillo de las Nalcas.
Lanín National Park
San Martín de los Andes
Dominated by the stunning Lanín Volcano, this park features unique Monkey Puzzle tree forests and crystal-clear glacial lakes like Lake Lácar.
Visit website →Nahuel Huapi National Park
San Carlos de Bariloche
Argentina's oldest national park offers families majestic glacial lakes, snowy peaks, and diverse trekking paths through Andean-Patagonian forests.
Visit website →Seven Lakes Road (Ruta de los Siete Lagos)
San Martín de los Andes
A world-famous 108km scenic drive through the Andes connecting Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes, perfect for a family road trip.
Isla Victoria
San Carlos de Bariloche
A large island in Lake Nahuel Huapi featuring exotic flora, well-marked hiking trails, and secluded beaches reached by a scenic catamaran excursion.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Circuito Chico Loop
San Carlos de Bariloche
27km moderate 3-hour cycling loop with 450m elevation gain featuring panoramic views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and Llao Llao. Bike rental: Circuito Chico Bikes (circuitochicobikes.com)
Visit website →Refugio Frey Trail
San Carlos de Bariloche
20km challenging 7-hour round-trip hike with 750m elevation gain starting from the Cerro Catedral parking lot. Equipment rental: Bariloche Vertical (barilochevertical.com)
Visit website →Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Road)
Villa La Angostura
107km moderate 3-day cycling route along National Route 40 with 1,500m elevation gain. Connects Villa La Angostura to San Martín de los Andes. Bike rental: Dirty Bikes (dirtybikes.com.ar)
Visit website →Refugio Otto Meiling Trail
Pampa Linda
28km challenging 10-hour round-trip hike with 1,050m elevation gain leading to the glaciers of Cerro Tronador. Equipment rental: Club Andino Bariloche (clubandino.org)
Visit website →Sendero Peninsula Quetrihue
Villa La Angostura
24km moderate 7-hour round-trip hike (or 3-hour bike ride) with 350m elevation gain through Los Arrayanes National Park. Bike rental: Patagonia Bikes (patagoniabikes.com.ar)
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Circuito Chico (Short Circuit)
Circular
60km paved loop starting and ending in Bariloche (3-4 hours with stops). A quintessential Lake District drive exploring the Llao Llao Peninsula. Key highlights include the historic Llao Llao Hotel, San Eduardo Chapel, panoramic views from Punto Panorámico, and the shores of Lake Moreno and Nahuel Huapi.
Visit website →Lanín Volcano & Lake Huechulafquen Drive
Junín de los Andes
60km total (one way), mostly well-maintained gravel RP 61. This route leads from Junín de los Andes to the base of the massive Lanín Volcano. It runs along the northern shore of Lake Huechulafquen and Paimún, offering constant views of the conical, snow-capped volcano and Araucaria (Monkey Puzzle) tree forests.
Visit website →Circuito Grande (Big Circuit)
Circular
240km loop (full day) starting from Bariloche. Combines paved segments of Route 40 and 237 with the gravel RP 65. The route explores the 'Valle Encantado' (Enchanted Valley) with its bizarre rock formations along the Limay River, the alpine village of Villa Traful, and the scenic Portezuelo pass.
Visit website →Route 40: Bariloche to El Bolsón
San Carlos de Bariloche
120km paved mountain highway (2 hours one way). This scenic stretch of National Route 40 follows the eastern edges of Lakes Gutiérrez, Mascardi, and Guillelmo. The route winds through the dramatic 'Cañadón de la Mosca' pass, offering sweeping views of the Andes before descending into the fertile valley of El Bolsón.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Estancia San Ramon
San Carlos de Bariloche
A historic 25,000-hectare ranch offering traditional gaucho hospitality, horseback riding, and sheep shearing demonstrations in a stunning steppe landscape.
El Galpon de Salo
San Carlos de Bariloche
A charming tea house and educational farm where children can interact with rabbits, sheep, and other farm animals in a picturesque forest setting.
Llamas de la Estepa
San Carlos de Bariloche
An interactive farm specializing in llama breeding and trekking, offering families a hands-on experience with these Andean animals in a natural setting.
Visit website →Estancia Fortin Chacabuco
San Carlos de Bariloche
A working ranch and nature reserve where visitors can learn about sustainable land management and spot native wildlife in the Patagonian steppe.
Visit website →Estancia Huechahue
Junin de los Andes
A family-run working cattle ranch providing an authentic immersion into Northern Patagonian rural life with guided horseback riding and traditional organic meals.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Isla Victoria Arboretum
San Carlos de Bariloche
A historic forestry station on an island featuring walking paths through massive sequoias and diverse exotic tree species from around the world.
Visit website →Jardín Botánico de Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche
An urban botanical garden offering a peaceful retreat with educational displays of native flora and scenic views of the surrounding lake.
Jardín Botánico Regional de San Martín de los Andes
San Martín de los Andes
A regional botanical garden focused on the conservation of Patagonian mountain flora, featuring native species and educational trails.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Los Arrayanes National Park
Villa La Angostura
Home to a rare, magical forest of ancient cinnamon-colored Arrayán trees accessible via boat or a scenic peninsula hike.
Visit website →Ruta de los Siete Lagos
Villa La Angostura
An iconic scenic driving route along National Route 40 that showcases seven distinct glacial lakes and pristine Patagonian forests.
Ventisquero Negro
San Carlos de Bariloche
A striking 'black glacier' located at the base of Mount Tronador, where dark sediment-filled ice falls into a glacial lagoon.
Volcán Lanín
San Martín de los Andes
A majestic, snow-capped conical volcano that serves as a landmark for Lanín National Park and offers popular hiking trails.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Museum of Patagonia Francisco P. Moreno
San Carlos de Bariloche
This central museum provides an engaging look at the region's diverse ecosystems, archaeology, and indigenous cultures inside a beautiful historic stone building.
Visit website →Bariloche Paleontological Museum
San Carlos de Bariloche
Families can explore the ancient history of Patagonia through an impressive collection of local dinosaur fossils and prehistoric marine life specimens.
Visit website →Lanín National Park Visitor Center and Museum
San Martín de los Andes
An educational discovery hub showcasing the volcanic geology, diverse wildlife, and indigenous history of the northern Patagonian forests.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Cerro Viejo Eco-Park
San Carlos de Bariloche
An amusement attraction featuring a chairlift and a famous stainless steel alpine slide that winds down the mountainside.
Visit website →EUCA Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche
A high-altitude aerial adventure park offering dozens of challenges including rope bridges, nets, and zip lines in the Patagonian forest.
Visit website →Nahuelito Prehistoric Park
San Carlos de Bariloche
An outdoor dinosaur theme park featuring life-sized replicas of prehistoric creatures set along a guided forest trail.
Visit website →Piedras Blancas
San Carlos de Bariloche
A mountain adventure park on Cerro Otto famous for its extensive network of sledding tracks and ziplining through the forest.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
MAC - Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Conrad Meier
Villa La Angostura
This charming municipal gallery offers a modern space for rotating contemporary art exhibitions and cultural workshops nestled in a beautiful mountain forest setting.
Sala Municipal de Exposiciones Lidaura Sepúlveda
San Martín de los Andes
A key cultural venue in the town center that hosts regular art exhibitions, photography displays, and creative works by regional Patagonian artists.
El Bosque Tallado (The Carved Forest)
El Bolsón
A unique open-air museum on Mount Piltriquitrón featuring over 50 monumental sculptures carved from the trunks of fallen lenga trees by national and international artists.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Termas de Queñi
San Martín de los Andes
35°C natural thermal pools located in a remote section of Lanín National Park. These rustic, stone-lined pools are set within a dense Valdivian rainforest and are accessible only by 4x4 vehicle or a combination of boat and hiking. The site is purely natural with no commercial development.
Termas de Epulafquen
San Martín de los Andes
A natural geothermal field featuring several thermal wells and mineral-rich pools with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 45°C. Located near the 'Escorial' lava river in Lanín National Park, the site offers public access to therapeutic waters containing sulfur and calcium, surrounded by native Patagonian forests.
