Mention Patagonia and most travelers picture the glaciers of the deep south — but the northern Andean Lake District tells a gentler, greener story of mirror lakes, ancient forests, and volcanoes straddling the Chilean border. This Patagonia adventure tour explores that lesser-known corner, weaving together San Martin de los Andes, Villa la Angostura, and a spectacular crossing of the Andes into Chile. It is built for travelers who want thrilling activity and serene nature without sacrificing comfort, blending hikes and kayaks with fine lodges and long lakeside evenings. Below is a route overview with the region’s best experiences, the famous Andean lake crossing, guidance on where to stay, and the best time to travel. As always, we tailor every day to your pace and appetite for adventure.
By Pablo, Senior Travel Planner at 01Argentina Travel Agency
In this guide
- A Different Side of Patagonia
- Highlights of This Lake District Route at a Glance
- The Andean Lake District: San Martin de los Andes and Villa la Angostura
- Crossing the Andes to Chile
- Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, and Wildlife
- Where Comfort Meets Wilderness
- Best Time and Practical Tips
- Why Plan This Trip with Local Experts
A Different Side of Patagonia
The Andean Lake District, spread across the provinces of Neuquen and Rio Negro, is Patagonia at its most lush and lyrical. Instead of the stark steppe of the far south, you find deep-blue lakes ringed by forest, snow-capped volcanoes, and scenic byways like the Seven Lakes Route. It rewards travelers who want a slower, softer adventure, with world-class activity always within reach but never at the expense of comfort. Our guide to the Seven Lakes Route tour captures why this drive is one of Argentina’s most beautiful.
Highlights of This Lake District Route at a Glance
If you are short on time, here is what this route delivers at a glance:
- The elegant mountain town of San Martin de los Andes on Lake Lacar.
- The enchanting Arrayanes forest near Villa la Angostura.
- The spectacular Andean Lake Crossing into Chile.
- World-class fly-fishing on the rivers around Junin de los Andes.
- Kayaking and hiking in Lanin and Nahuel Huapi national parks.
- Refined lodges and lakeside retreats to return to each night.
The Andean Lake District: San Martin de los Andes and Villa la Angostura
Two charming towns anchor this region, each a base for exploring the surrounding lakes and forests.
- San Martin de los Andes: an elegant mountain town on the shore of Lake Lacar, gateway to Lanin National Park and its perfect volcanic cone.
- Villa la Angostura: a village of alpine charm beside Lake Nahuel Huapi, home to the enchanting Arrayanes forest of cinnamon-barked trees.
- Junin de los Andes: nearby and renowned for some of the finest fly-fishing rivers in the country.
For a base at the district’s hub, our Bariloche travel guide covers the gateway city that ties the region together.
Crossing the Andes to Chile
One of the great journeys in South America, the Andean Lake Crossing links Bariloche and Villa la Angostura with Chile’s Puerto Varas through a series of catamaran hops and forest drives. Over the course of a day, you glide across pristine lakes, pass thundering waterfalls, and watch the Osorno volcano rise ahead. It is travel as spectacle — a highlight that turns a border crossing into an adventure in its own right, and a natural way to combine both sides of Patagonia in one trip.
Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, and Wildlife
This is a region built for the outdoors, with options for every energy level.
- Hike forest trails to hidden waterfalls and volcano viewpoints in Lanin and Nahuel Huapi national parks.
- Kayak or paddleboard the calm, clear lakes at sunrise, when the water turns to glass.
- Try world-class fly-fishing for trout, or a scenic horseback ride through the forest.
- Watch for Andean wildlife, from condors overhead to native deer in the woodland.
Our Bariloche and Lake District tours bundle these activities with guides and transfers.
Where Comfort Meets Wilderness
What sets this route apart is that the adventure never means roughing it. The Lake District is dotted with refined lodges, boutique hotels, and lakeside retreats where you return each evening to a warm fire, fine Patagonian cuisine, and a glass of Argentine wine. For travelers who want the wild by day and genuine comfort by night, our luxury Patagonia tours pair the region’s best activities with its finest places to stay.
Best Time and Practical Tips
The Lake District is at its best in the southern spring through autumn — roughly November to April — when trails are open, lakes are inviting, and the weather is mildest. Autumn is especially beautiful as the native forests turn crimson and gold. Winter transforms the area into a ski destination around Cerro Chapelco and Cerro Catedral. A few practical notes:
- Pack layers and a waterproof shell; mountain weather shifts quickly even in summer.
- The Andean lake crossing to Chile should be booked ahead in high season.
- Allow relaxed days — the scenery here rewards a slower pace.
Coordinating lodges, activities, and the cross-border journey is exactly where a local agency proves invaluable.
Why Plan This Trip with Local Experts
The Lake District rewards insider knowledge: which lodge sits on the quietest bay, which trail suits your fitness, and how to time the cross-border lake crossing so nothing is missed. With more than two decades arranging journeys across Argentina, our team handles the logistics, selects the right lodges, and pairs you with professional bilingual guides. You get a best-price guarantee focused on value, fast booking confirmation typically within 24 hours, and direct support by WhatsApp throughout your trip — so your days stay full of forest, water, and mountain air.
Plan Your Patagonia Adventure Tour
Serene lakes, forest trails, and a spectacular Andes crossing, all wrapped in genuine comfort — this is Patagonia’s gentler, greener side at its best. Tell us your interests and preferred pace, and we will design the adventure around you.
Plan your Lake District adventure with our local team and explore tailor-made Argentina tours and itineraries at www.01argentina.com — WhatsApp available for a fast response, typically within 24 hours.
