Nahuel Huapi National Park Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Pablo Beheran/Argentina Travel
Photo provided by Francisco Bedeschi/Argentina Travel
Photo provided by Leonardo Olmi/Argentina Travel
Photo provided by Leonardo Olmi/Argentina Travel
Photo provided by Leonardo Olmi/Argentina Travel

Trek around a vast lake and marvel at the inspiring natural scenery in the first national park set up in Argentina.

Nahuel Huapi National Park is based around imposing Andean mountains and a scenic lake of the same name. It is the oldest national park in Argentina, having been established in 1934. The park is also the largest in the region, with an area of 2,720 square miles (7,050 square kilometers). Take part in many outdoor activities, from rafting and kayaking to paragliding and mountain biking.

Take your family or friends on a scenic trek through the forests and valleys of the park. The quickest trails include the Cerro Llao Llao, which should take only 2 or 3 hours to reach the summit. It offers splendid views of Nahuel Huapi Lake. For shorter walks, climb Cerro Campanario or visit Los Duendes Waterfall. Experienced hikers may prefer a route that covers the entire park from Pampa Linda to Colonia Suiza, which takes around 5 days.

Admire the region’s intriguing vegetation in the rainforests of the western section. Note the lenga and coihue trees that are typical of the region, along with xerophyte Patagonian bushes that dominate the eastern part of the park. As for animals, spot the foxes, cougars and many other species that live here. Look for the legendary lake monster called Nahuelito.

The park has several activity hubs, such as Cerro Catedral with skiing and rafting. In Pura Vida enjoy rock climbing, mountain biking and golf. Camp at one of the sites with basic amenities, such as Refugio Frey or Refugio Italia.

The site has an entrance fee, payable at several points. Access to the camping refuges is free. Use the walking trails between December and March. They are closed at other times, as snow blocks the way during the rest of the year.

The Nahuel Huapi Nation Park is just north of the charming city of San Carlos de Bariloche in western Argentina. Use one of the regular buses from the city to parts of the park. The vast site, which borders Chile, stretches across the provinces of Neuquen and Rio Negro.

Where to stay in Nahuel Huapi National Park

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Villa Arelauquen

If you're spending some time in Villa Arelauquen, Gutiérrez Lake and Gutiérrez Lake are top sights worth seeing.

Villa Arelauquen
NH Edelweiss Bariloche

NH Edelweiss Bariloche

4 out of 5
San Martin 202, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro
The price is AU$224 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
AU$224
30 Sept - 1 Oct
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
NH Edelweiss Bariloche
Llao Llao Resort Golf & Spa

Llao Llao Resort Golf & Spa

5 out of 5
Av.Bustillo KM 25, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro
The price is AU$307 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$307
8 Sept - 9 Sept
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy free breakfast, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Llao Llao Resort Golf & Spa
Sheraton Bariloche Hotel

Sheraton Bariloche Hotel

4 out of 5
Av San Martin 536/70, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro
The price is AU$251 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
AU$251
13 Sept - 14 Sept
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Civic Center Bariloche ...
Sheraton Bariloche Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Casa del Lago

Casa del Lago

3 out of 5
Ruta 40 Km 2020, Nahuel Huapi National Park, Rio Negro
Stay at this 3-star ski aparthotel in Nahuel Huapi National Park. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Catedral Alta Patagonia ...
Casa del Lago
Acqua Apartments Bariloche

Acqua Apartments Bariloche

3.5 out of 5
San Martín 585, San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Civic Center Bariloche and Bariloche Casino are located nearby.
Acqua Apartments Bariloche
Aguila Mora Suites & Spa

Aguila Mora Suites & Spa

4 out of 5
Av. Exequiel Bustillo 4790, San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in San Carlos de Bariloche. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
Aguila Mora Suites & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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