Top 15 Attractions in Villa La Angostura, Argentina

Known as the “Garden of Patagonia,” Villa La Angostura has historically been a favored getaway for affluent Argentines. In recent times, it has also drawn international visitors seeking a more tranquil experience beyond Bariloche. This picturesque destination features charming, snug accommodations set against a backdrop of mountains, alongside stunning lakefront beaches and an abundance of captivating wooden and stone architecture, as well as the relatively compact but breathtaking Los Arrayanes National Park.

Ideally located along Nahuel Huapi Lake, guests are presented with numerous choices for boat excursions, sailing, and kayaking. While the town embodies a serene and scenic atmosphere, it caters to tourists through diverse culinary offerings, spa resorts, and tour operators providing an array of outdoor pursuits such as horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and biking.

Here are the top activities to experience in Villa La Angostura:

1. Ruta de Los Siete Lagos

Numerous travelers pass through Villa La Angostura while journeying along Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Route of the Seven Lakes), rendering it an excellent base for exploring the Lake District.

Visitors may opt to join a guided excursion or navigate the scenic route independently, which stretches from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes, granting access to each of the seven stunning lakes—Machónic, Hermoso, Falkner, Escondido, Correntoso, Espejo Chico, and Villarino.

Allocate time to disembark and capture photographs or enjoy a picnic beside the water throughout your day’s exploration.

Adventurous individuals might even consider cycling a segment of this pathway, as reaching both Lake Espejo and Correntoso is feasible within a day of biking from Villa La Angostura.

2. Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes

This national park was established to protect the unique arrayán trees, a variety of Chilean myrtle. Despite being one of the smallest national parks in Argentina, it is certainly worth visiting for an enjoyable stroll through its primordial wilderness.

Many visitors opt for the 12-kilometer trail starting from the port of Villa la Angostura, leading them to a forest populated by arrayán trees that are between 300 and 600 years old.

Others may utilize mountain bikes or board tourist boats navigating Nahuel Huapi Lake.

Explore the Quetrihué Peninsula, home to these slender myrtles, where the pedestrian path is constructed of wooden planks to preserve the surrounding soil.

After exploring the forests, consider stopping by the rustic cabin on-site for refreshments or relaxing on the rocky shore of Patagua Lagoon.

3. Shop at the Artisan Fair

Villa La Angostura offers a variety of upscale boutiques and local handicrafts catering to discerning visitors in search of unique souvenirs.

In Bahia Mansa, you can explore the artisan fair, where artisans gather daily at the port to showcase their creations.

Here, you will find leather, silver, wood, clay, and wool products, while artisans demonstrate their techniques and discuss their crafts.

Original pottery, knives, ponchos, hats, and candles coexist with traditional Mapuche items such as handwoven clothing.

Additionally, regional delicacies are available, including locally smoked venison, trout, boar, and homemade jams and pastries.

The most upscale shopping areas can be found along Avenida Arrayanes.

4. Cerro Bayo

If your visit coincides with the ski season, consider a trip to Cerro Bayo, a smaller boutique ski resort offering 20 miles of slopes and ski lifts, along with warm dining establishments, coffee shops, and bars suitable for families.

Activities include skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, sledding, and cross-country skiing, with options for all levels of experience.

Compared to larger nearby ski resorts, Cerro Bayo attracts fewer crowds, yet it is only a 15-minute drive from Villa La Angostura.

A ski and snowboard school caters to beginners, while advanced skiers can explore off-piste options and terrain parks.

During summer, the resort remains accessible for visitors interested in chairlift rides offering panoramic views or numerous hiking trails, including one that leads to a waterfall.

5. Go Sailing on Lake Nahuel Huapi

Sailing stands out as one of the most popular activities among visitors to Villa La Angostura.

Local guides can facilitate arrangements for a sailboat journey across Lago Nahuel Huapi from Puerto La Mansa, making stops at notable locations including Los Arrayanes National Park, Victoria Island, and various beaches.

Many excursions incorporate gourmet lunches featuring smoked trout, venison, and cheeses, or even traditional asado (barbecue) paired with fine Argentine wines.

Patagonia Sailing is recognized as one of the oldest sailing charter companies in Argentina, providing tailored itineraries that can span from a few hours up to several days, depending on one’s affinity for the sailing lifestyle.

For those preferring motorboat excursions, Bahia Brava is another established company offering excellent tours, picnics, and exemplary customer service.

6. Cascada del Río Bonito

Situated just a leisurely hour and a half walk from the Río Bonito, this picturesque hike is ideal for individuals seeking a less strenuous outdoor experience.

A steep trail off the road to Cerro Bayo leads to a viewpoint overlooking a spectacular waterfall.

Continue on to explore more of the forests, as you navigate trails enveloped by nature, ultimately arriving at a beach of gray volcanic sand along Bahia San Patricio.

This excursion provides an effortless (and complimentary!) opportunity to delve into the natural area surrounding the town.

It is common to see local families enjoying the day alongside their children and pets at the water’s edge.

7. Hit the Spa

As a favored destination for Argentina’s affluent, Villa La Angostura offers a wealth of luxurious accommodations complete with spa facilities for visitors seeking a rejuvenating experience amidst pristine natural beauty.

Consider establishments such as La Escondida Casa, Don El Faro, Sol Arrayan, or Las Balsas for upscale lodging and spa services.

These accommodations include both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, saunas, and jacuzzis, as well as a variety of treatments encompassing massages, facials, body wraps, and mud baths.

Many of these luxurious treatments can be enhanced with local ingredients such as essential oils and even chocolate.

A typical spa day often affords access to relaxation rooms, gyms, dining options, and outdoor terraces.

8. Go Horseback Riding

Experience the breathtaking scenery of lakes and snow-capped Andes mountains from the back of a well-trained horse while you traverse the hills surrounding Villa La Angostura.

Various companies can provide horses suitable for riders of all experience levels, including complete novices.

Some trail rides venture into the adjacent Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, while others ascend the winding paths around Cerro Bayo and Cerro Belvedere during the warmer months.

Explore dense forests and cross rivers with a gaucho guide, perhaps pausing for a snack as you admire the surroundings.

Several outfitters are available in the town, but Cabalgatas del Tero enjoys notable popularity among riders.

9. Laguna Verde

Escape the crowds by embarking on a hike to this tranquil sanctuary nestled in nature.

Along the trail, you will traverse beneath lush canopies, sensing the mild microclimate that fosters a diverse array of wildlife, including numerous species of birds and trees.

Take a leisurely stroll around the freshwater lagoon, framed by the towering snow-capped mountains, enjoying the tranquility as you retreat into the woods, away from the urban hustle.

Many visitors opt to cycle the trails or bring along books to read in solitude.

10. Hike to the Mirador Belvedere and Cascada Inacayal

For those seeking a more challenging hike with rewarding views, pack sufficient water and snacks for a day trip and venture uphill through the picturesque Mapuche territory.

The Belvedere Viewpoint and Inacayal Waterfall are within close proximity, provided you are prepared to navigate through the forested paths and conquer some steep areas.

From the viewpoint, you will be rewarded with expansive views of Lake Nahuel Huapi below, as well as segments of Lake Correntoso and the mountains delineating the Chilean border.

Subsequently, follow the signs leading to Cascada Inacayal, where a walk alongside the Las Piedritas stream takes you through thick ferns and vegetation, leading to the impressive waterfall.

11. Go Kayaking

Engage with nature by exploring one of the area’s many beautiful lakes through kayaking.

Guided excursions are available for Lago Espejo, renowned for its mirror-like qualities and situated along the Chilean border, or you may choose to explore the nearby Nahuel Huapi.

These outings typically involve several hours of paddling across the pristine waters, with stops for snacks or lunch, and occasionally some snorkeling or hiking.

All the necessary equipment will be provided, and novice kayakers will find it easy to learn the basics.

Consider booking a highly rated half-day excursion with Patagonia Infinita or custom multi-day experiences through Endurance Kayak & Mountain Expeditions.

12. Beaches, Watersports, and Fishing

Between the recreational opportunities offered by Nahuel Huapi and Correntoso Lakes, there is an abundance of activities to enjoy.

Whether you prefer lounging by the water and swimming or engaging in windsurfing or fishing, Villa La Angostura has it all.

Nahuel Huapi is well-known for watersports and sport fishing, particularly for brown, fontinalis, and rainbow trout.

For those simply looking to spend a day at the beach, the shores of Correntoso are ideal, frequented by locals for swimming and equipped with camping amenities, bathrooms, and relatively warm waters.

This location is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and offers additional activities such as motorboat tours and horseback riding.

Other nearby beaches include Playa Mansa, Playa Brava, and the resort-filled Bahia Manzano.

13. Day Trip to Bariloche and Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi

You may have begun your Patagonian adventure in Bariloche or arrived via airport, yet if you haven’t had the opportunity to visit this picturesque mountain town, it is worthwhile to make the trip.

Stroll through streets adorned with architecture reminiscent of a Swiss ski resort and stop at numerous chocolate shops and craft breweries to taste local specialties.

Spend some time at the lakefront, appreciate the local church, and venture into the national park.

Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi provides a backdrop for walking, driving, boating, or camping in proximity to its dramatic mountains, forests, waterfalls, and lakes.

Consider hiking the Circuito Chico for wildlife viewing or taking a boat to Isla Victoria, a reserve located in the heart of the lake.

14. Check Out the Scene at El Mercado

El Mercado represents a vibrant location for dining, socializing, and shopping—a carefully designed “social space” where both visitors and locals converge.

Spanning four city blocks, this artistic and commercial hub combines contemporary design with antique elements, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Its wooden façade and stained-glass windows pay homage to the traditional building practices found in Villa La Angostura, while the interiors are enhanced with modern comforts.

Should you feel hungry, there are variety of options including a pub, pizza parlor, burger joint, and tea house.

For entertainment and shopping, explore the art gallery, clothing boutiques, ski equipment stores, paintball arena, and even an ice skating rink.

15. Try the Local Dishes

With a significant presence of wealthy Argentines, Villa La Angostura attracts an array of exceptional chefs.

Fortuitously, they have access to high-quality local ingredients such as venison, trout, wild boar, Patagonian lamb, and forest mushrooms.

Indulge in regional specialties, and consider fine dining experiences, traditional parillas (steakhouses), or even indulging in fondue.

For elevated culinary experiences featuring lake views, visit Mirador Social Club or Delfina, while those seeking hearty grilled dishes can reserve a table at La Caballeriza.

Nicoletto is renowned for its homemade pasta, and Gran Nevada is a budget-friendly favorite offering traditional fare.

If you crave that quintessential post-ski melted cheese experience, make sure to explore La Encantada for a delightful fondue.