Los Lagos Department: Lakes, Trails, and Culture

If you’re looking for a hotel in Los Lagos Department, you can choose where to stay based on your planned activities. Villa Traful lies on the shore of Lago Traful and is surrounded by coihue forests and the landscapes of the Andean-Patagonian mountain range. In Villa La Angostura, trails lead to Bosque de Arrayanes; you’ll also find viewpoints there and access to Parque Nacional Arrayanes.

Villa Traful: Lakeshore and Activities

Viewpoints in Villa Traful offer views of the lake, as well as volcanic landscapes and mountains. You can hike, trek, watch birds, and fly-fish locally. An easy trail also leads to Cascada del Arroyo Catarata between Ruta de los Siete Lagos and Villa Traful. Boat trips from Villa Traful go to Bosque Sumergido. Operators and schedules may change, so check the current options in advance.

Capilla Nuestra Señora de Traful is also part of the local landscape. Its simple architecture includes stone walls, a gabled roof, and a small bell tower. The chapel is part of Camino de la Fe Neuquino, a tourist and cultural route through Neuquén Province. Trout, salmon, pine mushrooms, lamb, and regional smoked foods are also associated with Villa Traful.

Villa La Angostura: Trails and Views

Sendero al Bosque de Arrayanes is a 12-kilometer trail for pedestrians and cyclists. It connects Villa La Angostura to Bosque de Arrayanes via Quetrihué Peninsula. Another type of trail is Sendero entablonado Bosque de Arrayanes, an easy-to-walk wooden boardwalk among arrayán trees. You can reach Miradores de Quetrihué via a stepped trail; from there, enjoy views of the Andes, Bahía Brava, Villa La Angostura, and Bahía Mansa. Near Villa La Angostura is also the hiking trail to Brazo Última Esperanza, which is suitable for birdwatchers. Villa La Angostura is considered a gateway to Parque Nacional Arrayanes. Access rules and trail conditions may change, so check the latest information before setting out.

Ski Resort and Horseback Riding

Cerro Bayo is a ski center and boutique ski resort in Villa La Angostura, focused on high performance. Ski operations are seasonal and may change; check the latest information before your trip. There are different destinations for horseback rides: the ride to Cerro Belvedere leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Andes and the lakes Nahuel Huapi and Correntoso. The ride to Cascada Inacayal follows a trail accompanied by a baqueano to a 45-meter-high waterfall. When planning, you can choose between a viewpoint and a waterfall as your destination. Guided tours and conditions may change.

Ruta de los Siete Lagos and Trip Planning

Villa La Angostura lies on National Route 40 along Camino de los Siete Lagos. The 110-kilometer Ruta de los Siete Lagos connects San Martín de los Andes with Villa La Angostura and crosses parts of Lanín and Nahuel Huapi National Parks. In the Neuquén destination, the route also connects Junín de los Andes and Villa Traful; it also passes through Villa Lago Meliquina and Piedra del Águila. You can drive Ruta de los Siete Lagos in one day. By bicycle or motorcycle, with overnight stays at various campgrounds, the trip can take three or four days. Winter conditions may affect activities; road conditions may also change. Check the latest information before setting off.

Bus services run to and from Bariloche or Villa La Angostura for visits to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes. Schedules and operators may change, so plan this connection using up-to-date information.

Discover More Destinations

Villa La Angostura, Puerto Manzano, Picunches, Ñorquín Department, Zapala Department, Collón Curá Department, Chos Malal Department, Pehuenches Department

For the main travel overview: Neuquén.