Villa La Angostura is, for many, the most beautiful village in Argentine Patagonia. Set on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and Lake Correntoso, just 80 km from Bariloche, this village of barely 15,000 residents offers an irresistible combination of pristine nature, European-style mountain architecture, first-rate gastronomy and a tranquillity that contrasts with its larger neighbour's tourist bustle. The name "angostura" ("narrows") refers to the narrow isthmus connecting the Quetrihue Peninsula to the mainland, where the legendary Arrayanes Forest is found.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires → Bariloche | 1640 km | 2 h 20 | 22 h | 18 h |
| Buenos Aires → El Calafate | 2700 km | 3 h 15 | 40 h | 35 h |
| Buenos Aires → Ushuaia | 3050 km | 3 h 35 | 50+ h | — |
| Bariloche → El Calafate | 1490 km | 1 h 45 | 28 h | 24 h |
| El Calafate → Ushuaia | 600 km | 1 h 15 | 18 h | 14 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8° / 22°C | 40 mm | High season | |
| Feb | 8° / 22°C | 40 mm | ||
| Mar | 6° / 18°C | 50 mm | ||
| Apr | 3° / 14°C | 70 mm | ||
| May | 0° / 10°C | 90 mm | ||
| Jun | -2° / 6°C | 110 mm | Ski season | |
| Jul | -2° / 6°C | 120 mm | ||
| Aug | -1° / 8°C | 90 mm | ||
| Sep | 1° / 12°C | 60 mm | ||
| Oct | 4° / 16°C | 40 mm | ||
| Nov | 6° / 19°C | 40 mm | ||
| Dec | 7° / 21°C | 40 mm |
Arrayanes Forest: a unique forest in the world
The Arrayanes Forest, on the tip of the Quetrihue Peninsula within Los Arrayanes National Park, is a forest formation unique in the world. The arrayan (Luma apiculata) is a tree with orange-cinnamon bark, smooth and cool to the touch even on warm days, growing in pure formations only in this part of the planet. The forest is about 300 years old and spans 12 hectares with specimens reaching 15 metres in height.
Legend has it this enchanted forest inspired Walt Disney for the settings of Bambi (1942). Walking among these twisted-trunk trees with their cinnamon bark has a magical, almost unreal quality.
Two ways to reach it: walking along the Quetrihue Peninsula (12 km one way, 3-4 hours on a flat, easy trail) or by boat from the Villa La Angostura port or from Puerto Panuelo in Bariloche. Park entry approximately USD 8. The most popular combination: walk one way + boat return.
Cerro Bayo: boutique skiing
Cerro Bayo is Villa La Angostura's ski resort, a more exclusive and intimate alternative to Cerro Catedral. With 20 runs between 1,050 and 1,782 metres, it offers skiing and snowboarding with direct views of Lake Nahuel Huapi from the slopes. Season: June to September. Daily passes from USD 35-55.
Lake Correntoso and lake activities
Lake Correntoso is famous for having the world's shortest river: the Correntoso River, at just 300 metres, connects this lake to Lake Nahuel Huapi. Crystal-clear waters offer kayaking, fly fishing (large rainbow and brown trout) and sandy beaches for swimming in summer.
Cascada Inacayal and treks
Villa La Angostura offers several excellent treks. Cascada Inacayal (1 hour, easy) is the most accessible. The Belvedere Viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the lake and village. For the more adventurous, the Cerro Bayo trail ascent (4-5 hours) and trails in Nahuel Huapi National Park round out a varied trekking offering.
Where to stay
Villa La Angostura trends premium. Hostels are scarce (USD 20-30). Boutique hotels dominate (USD 100-300). Cabins in Puerto Manzano (USD 120-250) offer the most Patagonian experience. Prices rise 50% in ski season and January-February.
