Founded in 1934, Nahuel Huapi is Argentina’s oldest national park, and still one of its most spectacular. Stretching across the provinces of Río Negro and Neuquén, it embraces a diverse range of environments: from jagged Andean peaks and glacial lakes to temperate forests and steppe.
The park’s centerpiece is Lake Nahuel Huapi, a sprawling, deep-blue glacial lake dotted with islands and framed by mountains. Around its shores lie some of Patagonia’s most iconic towns—Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, and San Martín de los Andes—each offering their own mix of nature, culture, and adventure.
A Playground for Nature and Outdoor Lovers
Nahuel Huapi is vast—over 700,000 hectares—and offers something for every kind of traveler.
Popular Activities:
- Hiking: From easy forest trails to demanding ascents like Cerro Catedral or Refugio Frey
- Kayaking & boating: Paddle along the lake’s intricate shoreline or take a boat tour to Isla Victoria and the Arrayanes Forest
- Skiing: Winter sports hub at Cerro Catedral, one of South America’s top ski resorts
- Climbing & mountaineering: Classic peaks include Cerro Tronador, a glacier-clad giant on the Chilean border
Unique Attractions:
- Bosque de Arrayanes: A fairytale forest of cinnamon-colored trees, unique in the world
- Puerto Blest & Cascada de los Cántaros: Reached by boat, this lush area is one of the park’s greenest and rainiest corners
- Refugios: Mountain huts accessible by trail, offering overnight stays for trekkers
How to Explore It
Nahuel Huapi is extremely road-trip friendly, especially when traveling along Ruta Nacional 40 and its spurs.
Main Gateways:
- Bariloche (Río Negro): The main hub with full services, airport, and a wide range of lodging
- Villa La Angostura (Neuquén): A charming lakeside village perfect for a quieter base
- San Martín de los Andes: Gateway to Ruta de los Siete Lagos, north of the park
Ideal Scenic Drives:
- Circuito Chico: A classic half-day loop near Bariloche with panoramic viewpoints
- Ruta de los Siete Lagos: One of Argentina’s most famous road trips, connecting Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes
- Camino al Tronador: Gravel road to the base of this impressive glaciated peak
Combine With
- Los Arrayanes National Park (technically separate, but part of the same ecosystem)
- Lanin National Park (to the north, for volcano hikes and deep Mapuche culture)
- Villa Traful: A scenic detour off the beaten path
Nahuel Huapi National Park is a Patagonian classic—dynamic, diverse, and endlessly explorable. Whether you’re hiking in the high mountains or enjoying a lakeside café, it’s the kind of place that draws travelers back again and again.
We’re a local tour operator based in Buenos Aires, which offers custom tours in Patagonia and other regions of Argentina and Chile. We invite you to contact us, and start planning your next incredible journey to South America!
Get inspired by some of our travel ideas, listed below:
Mendoza to Bariloche Self Drive
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