NORTHERN PATAGONIA
This is Argentina’s stunning Lake District, a landscape of crystalline waters, towering mountains, and deep forests. This guide takes you through the region’s alpine towns, famous for their chocolate, skiing, and breathtaking scenic routes.
Why Visit Northern Patagonia?
World-Class Scenery: Explore an idyllic landscape of pristine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and extensive national parks like Nahuel Huapi.
Outdoor Adventure: Perfect for hiking, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking in summer, and Argentina’s best skiing in winter.
Alpine Charm: Discover charming, German-influenced towns like Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes, famous for their ambiance and chocolate.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (March–April, October–November): This is the ideal time for hiking and scenic drives. Enjoy mild weather, autumn colors, or spring blooms with lower prices and fewer crowds.
Peak Season (December–February, July–August): Summer brings the best weather for trekking and water sports. Winter is the prime season for skiing and snowboarding (especially at Cerro Catedral). Book well in advance.
Deep Off-Season (May–June, September): Expect rain and colder temperatures, with some businesses closed. This is the quietest time, offering the best value for accommodation.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
San Carlos de Bariloche
The region’s main hub, famous for its chocolate, neo-alpine architecture, and its setting on Lake Nahuel Huapi. It offers easy access to skiing at Cerro Catedral, stunning panoramic views from Circuito Chico, and national park exploration.
Your Smart Tip: To truly appreciate the view, take the chairlift up Cerro Campanario as part of the Circuito Chico drive. Travel there early in the morning for the clearest views and to beat the crowds.
Route of the Seven Lakes (Siete Lagos)
A stunning scenic drive connecting Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes. The route passes seven picturesque lakes, lush forests, and is a must-do for photographers and nature lovers. It is the core of the region’s beauty.
Your Smart Tip: Drive this route from San Martín de los Andes to Bariloche (or vice-versa), spending at least two days with an overnight stop. This allows time for short hikes and lake views without rushing.
San Martín de los Andes & Lanín National Park
A more tranquil and upscale town on Lake Lácar, offering a relaxed alternative to Bariloche. It’s the gateway to the vast Lanín National Park, home to the iconic Lanín Volcano and excellent trekking trails.
Your Smart Tip: From San Martín, visit the Quila Quina area within Lanín National Park. It’s a gorgeous lakeside beach with a small Mapuche community, perfect for a peaceful day trip.
El Bolsón & Puelo Valley
South of Bariloche, this area is known for its bohemian, artisanal community, craft breweries, and an ecological vibe. It provides access to the pristine nature of Lago Puelo National Park and excellent hiking.
Your Smart Tip: Visit the Feria Artesanal (Artisan Market) in El Bolsón, held several days a week. It’s the best place to find unique local crafts, organic produce, and sample the region’s popular craft beers.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is generally temperate with significant variations. Summers (Dec-Feb) are mild and dry (avg. 16ºC or 61ºF) , perfect for hiking. Winters (Jun-Aug) are cold, wet, and snowy (avg. 3ºC or 37ºF), ideal for skiing. Expect unpredictable weather changes year-round.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Siesta: While less common than in the north, some smaller businesses, particularly in smaller towns, may close during the early afternoon.
The Cordillera: Locals highly value the natural environment. Always stay on marked trails and practice Leave No Trace principles in the national parks.
Language: Spanish is the official language. While English is spoken in tourist hubs like Bariloche, knowing some Spanish will enhance your experience, especially in smaller towns.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($25–$50), mid-range hotels/cabins ($80–$150), luxury ($180+). Prices double during peak ski season (July/August) and summer (Jan/Feb).
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$55 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Bus between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes ($15–$30), rental car ($40–$70/day).
Activities: Ski pass at Cerro Catedral ($60–$100), national park entrance fee ($5–$15), lake excursions ($40+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$120 (hostels, small meals, public transport/hitchhiking).
- Mid-range: $130–$200 (hotels, restaurants, attractions, car rental).
- Luxury: $250+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A car is the ideal way to explore, offering freedom to stop along scenic routes like the Siete Lagos and access more remote hiking spots. Roads are generally well-maintained.
By Bus: An efficient and affordable bus network connects the main towns (Bariloche, San Martín, El Bolsón). Local buses (like those for Circuito Chico) use a rechargeable SUBE card.
By Boat: Lake excursions are a popular way to see the national parks, such as the trips to Puerto Blest or Isla Victoria.
Must-Try Food
Cordero Patagónico al Asador: Whole Patagonian lamb roasted over an open fire, a quintessential regional specialty.
Trucha: Locally sourced freshwater trout, often served grilled or smoked.
Ciervo Ahumado: Smoked venison, often served as a cold cut with a cheese board.
Curanto: A traditional Mapuche cooking method (especially around Puelo) where food is cooked in a pit covered by hot stones.
Guiso de Lentejas: A hearty lentil stew, perfect for warming up after a cold day.
Fondue de Queso: Due to the Swiss-German influence, cheese fondue is a popular cold-weather dish in Bariloche.
Rabas: Fried calamari rings, a common appetizer served at lakeside restaurants.
Chocolate: Bariloche is the National Capital of Chocolate. Try the different varieties and stop by an heladería for ice cream.
Alfajores de Chocolate: Shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche and coated in Bariloche chocolate.
Frutos del Bosque: Berries (like raspberries, blueberries, and cassis) used in jams, pastries, and ice cream.
Strudel de Manzana: Apple strudel, a dessert inherited from the Central European settlers.
Must-Try Drinks
Craft Beer (Cerveza Artesanal): The region is famous for its craft breweries, especially in Bariloche and El Bolsón. Try a robust Stout or a hoppy IPA.
Vino Patagónico: While wine is mainly from Cuyo, the cooler climate of Northern Patagonia produces excellent Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine is particularly successful in the Patagonian climate.
Licor de Huesillo: A unique liqueur made from the pits of peaches.
Gin: A growing number of local producers are making high-quality craft gins, often infused with native Patagonian botanicals.
Submarino: A classic hot chocolate drink: a piece of dark chocolate is dropped into a glass of hot milk, and you stir it until it melts.
Mate (Yerba Mate): The national infusion. While not unique to Patagonia, sharing mate is a vital social ritual you will see everywhere.
Té de Frutos Rojos: A warm, comforting tea made with the local wild berries.
Agua de la Montaña: The tap water in this region is famously clean and pure, coming straight from the mountain springs.