Bariloche and the Argentine Lake District
In the northern reaches of Patagonia, the landscape softens into something unexpectedly alpine — glacier-fed lakes ringed by forest, snow-dusted peaks, and a rhythm shaped by nature and season. This is Argentina’s Lake District: a region of deep stillness and dramatic scale, where the outdoors takes quiet precedence and time moves a little more slowly.
Bariloche is the region’s best-known hub, a town with Swiss-influenced architecture, artisan chocolate shops, and easy access to surrounding trails, ski slopes, and boat excursions. But it’s what lies beyond the town — on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi, or tucked into a remote arm of the forest — that makes the experience special.
Whether walking, riding, kayaking or simply taking in the view, the Lake District offers space to breathe. It works equally well as a standalone destination or as part of a wider Patagonian journey — a few days to slow down, take to the trails, and watch the light shift across the water.
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Our Favourite Camps & Lodges
Set just outside the historic town of San Antonio de Areco, La Bamba de Areco is one of Argentina’s oldest and most elegantly restored estancias. With roots as a 19th-century post house on the Camino Real, the property has been reimagined as a refined country retreat, offering a peaceful bridge between the traditions of gaucho culture and the comforts of understated luxury.
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On the northern shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Las Balsas has quietly held its place as one of Patagonia’s most timeless small hotels. With its blue-shuttered façade and privileged lakeside setting, this Relais & Châteaux property balances elegance with a deep connection to the landscape around it — forested hills, glacier-fed waters, and the ever-changing skies of the Lake District.
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Standing on a natural promontory between Lakes Nahuel Huapi and Moreno, Llao Llao is the most iconic hotel in Argentine Patagonia — a grand mountain lodge with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, deep blue waters, and native forest. Built in the 1940s and restored to its former glory, it remains one of South America’s most renowned resorts, with a sense of scale and drama matched by few others.
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Set right on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, just a short walk from the centre of Bariloche, Cacique Inacayal offers an easygoing balance of comfort, convenience, and natural beauty. While it’s not trying to be a wilderness lodge, its location makes it feel connected to the surrounding landscape — with big lake views, warm wooden interiors, and a laid-back atmosphere that suits both couples and families.
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On a quiet stretch of Lake Nahuel Huapi, around 15 minutes from central Bariloche, El Casco Art Hotel offers a distinctive blend of Patagonian landscape and Argentine culture. More than just a lakeside retreat, this is a working art space, with over 400 original pieces by some of the country’s most respected artists integrated throughout the property.
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Tucked away on the San Pedro Peninsula, a short drive from Bariloche but a world apart in pace, Aldebarán is a small lakeside hotel that feels more like a private home. With just ten rooms, warm wood interiors, and wide-open views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the Andes beyond, the hotel offers an intimate, unpretentious base for exploring the northern Lake District.
Learn MoreBest Time To Visit Bariloche and the Argentine Lake District
The Lake District is best visited during the spring and summer months from October to April, when hiking trails are open, the lakes are navigable, and the forest is at its most vibrant. December to February is warmest, with long days ideal for walking, kayaking, and al fresco lunches.
From June to September, the region shifts into winter mode — a quiet time for snowshoeing, skiing, and stillness. Some lodges remain open year-round, but activities and access may be more limited outside of summer.
Best Time To Visit Bariloche and the Argentine Lake District
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A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.