Caviahue: Lagoons, Waterfalls and Seasonal Trails

Caviahue lies on the western shore of Lago Caviahue and is the closest town to Parque Provincial Copahue. Lakes, lagoons, streams, waterfalls and the volcano shape the area’s natural attractions, and local trails showcase this diversity. Trail lengths and the shift between summer and winter activities offer practical guidance for planning your trip.

Trails to Cascada and Laguna Escondida

Cascada Escondida is west of Caviahue; the trailhead is on the road toward the ski center. The 1,800-meter-long trail passes through a forest of lengas, araucarias and ñires. In summer, it can be hiked; in winter, it can be traversed on snowshoes. This means the route can be experienced using different modes of travel depending on the season.

Laguna Escondida lies beyond the town and is a small natural lagoon. From there, you can see Caviahue, Lago Caviahue and the Copahue volcano. From the tourist information office, the trailhead can be reached by taking 8 de Abril Street to Volcán Copahue Street. In summer, the trail can be hiked; in winter, it can be traversed on snowshoes or traveled on touring skis or snowmobiles. Compared with Cascada Escondida, the winter options here also include touring skis and snowmobiles.

Waterfalls and Trails on Lago Caviahue

Cascadas del Agrio is near Caviahue, 500 meters from the tourist information office; its loop trail is about 1.5 kilometers long. The signposted trail can be hiked in summer and traversed in winter on snowshoes or cross-country or touring skis, with a guide. Volcanic processes and glaciation shaped the waterfalls over millions of years.

The loop trail at Cascadas del Agrio is about 1.5 kilometers long; the trail to Cascada Escondida is 1,800 meters. The routes differ not only in length but also in character: a loop is described at Cascadas del Agrio, while the trail to Cascada Escondida passes through a forest of lengas, araucarias and ñires.

On the trail to 7 Cascadas, the route begins where the Río Agrio flows into Lago Caviahue. From there, it heads southwest and climbs through basalt formations. The river mouth, basalt and ascent give this trail a different character from the forest and lagoon trails.

Nearby, Parque Provincial Copahue protects the headwaters of the Río Agrio and its tributaries; several waterfalls lie between the river courses. Caviahue’s local trails highlight natural attractions such as lakes, lagoons, streams, waterfalls and the volcano. Lago Caviahue also features among the activities available: kayaking and windsurfing are offered as water sports in the protected area.

Skiing in Caviahue

Cerro Caviahue Ski Resort has 22 ski runs across 325 hectares of skiable terrain. The Escuela de Ski & Snowboard de Caviahue Ski Resort offers private and group ski and snowboard lessons throughout the season. Lessons are open to all ages and skill levels; group lessons are available for groups of five or more. This provides a dedicated skiing and snowboarding option alongside the seasonal trails.

For the broader travel overview: Departamento Ñorquín.