This picturesque village on the outskirts of Bariloche enjoys a dreamlike setting. Ready to pack your bags and enjoy the things to do in Villa La Angostura in summer?
To visit Patagonia Argentina is to encounter landscapes of mountains, lakes and forests. This small town has gained national and international notoriety thanks to its location near the Arrayanes forest and the Seven Lakes route.
In addition, its small and beautiful center on Arrayanes Avenue, with the typical wooden architecture of the south, is a delight for the senses. Here, ice cream parlors and artisan chocolate shops coexist with restaurants serving local cuisine.
If you visit in summer, there are multiple activities to do in Villa La Angostura, which we list below:
Table of Contents
1) Visiting the Arrayanes forests
The great jewel to see in Villa La Angostura at any time of the year. Located on the tip of the Quetrihué peninsula, it can be reached either by catamaran from Bahía Brava or by trekking 12 kilometers through the interior of the peninsula surrounded by tall trees. We recommend both experiences, going by catamaran on the lake and walking back.
The myrtle is a shrub that is characterized by its cinnamon-colored trunk. It has the ability to coexist with other trees native to the area such as cypress. The tour through the Arrayanes forest is guided by a guide and along wooden walkways. It is a must to visit Villa La Angostura in summer!
2) Trekking surrounded by forests
Beyond the trail that goes to the Arrayanes forest, there are other short trails at the access to the national park that can be done perfectly with children and that reach the viewpoints of Bahia Mansa or Bahia Brava.
Another option is to follow the Correntoso River trail, the shortest in the world, which connects the Correntoso and Nahuel Huapi lakes. It is only a half hour maximum walk along this beautiful turquoise water river where you will even spot trout in the water. Don’t forget to climb the bridge to admire the scenery from above!
3) Enjoying the beaches of Villa La Angostura in summertime
Although the water temperature is not warm, the beaches of the lakes of Villa La Angostura are a place to breathe fresh air and contemplate the landscape of high mountains that surrounds you.
In all cases, the water of the lake is completely crystal clear with a pebble floor, so if you dare you can take a dip. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Villa La Angostura are the following:
- Bahia Brava and Bahía Mansa: the closest to downtown Villa La Angostura. It is only separated by the Quetrihué isthmus, where Los Arrayanes National Park is located. From here the catamarans leave for the Arrayanes forest.
- Correntoso Lake beach: it is the one with the warmest water. The surrounding landscape is spectacular. It is not far from the city center.
- Lake Espejo Beach: further away from the city and ideal for a stop on the Seven Lakes route, it is a site with fewer tourists in summer.
- Beaches of Bahía Manzano: on the area of Puerto Manzano, there are many public beaches to visit. These include La Escondida or Aguas Calientes.
📷 Book here the panoramic tour of Villa La Angostura to know with a guide the main attractions of the so-called garden of Patagonia.
4) Going up Cerro Bayo by chairlift.
One of the main ski centers in Patagonia Argentina also has many activities during the summer.
Just by going up the chairlift to 1,500 meters and seeing the Nahuel Huapi Lake and the mountains of the Cordillera in the background you will be impressed.
During the summer, there are guided hikes to the Nahuel Huapi viewpoint or the Rio Bonito waterfall, along a beautiful trail surrounded by forests. For the more sporty, you can go mountain biking on the circuits provided, canopy on the Bonito River or go down a slide on the mountain in an inflatable. More information on Cerro Bayo’s official website.
📷 Book here your transfer from Villa La Angostura to Cerro Bayo to enjoy the mountain at your own pace.
5) Visit the waterfalls around Villa La Angostura.
To get to some waterfalls it is necessary to go by car and in some cases it is necessary to take precautions since it is not suitable for children. The main waterfalls to see near Villa La Angostura are the following:
- Ñivinco: after an hour’s walk through a lenga forest, you reach the waterfall. The beginning of the trail to reach the waterfall is located on Route 40 on the way to San Martín de los Andes.
- Río Bonito: we already mentioned it in the previous point and it is a good option to do it in a day from Cerro Bayo. The walk along the trail takes only half an hour to reach the 30-meter waterfall.
- Santa Ana and Dora: the farthest because they are on route 231 on the way to the border crossing with Chile. Not suitable for everyone, you must be in good physical condition and be cautious, the trail has many ups and downs. The prize? A 50-meter waterfall.
- Inacayal: the most accessible from downtown Villa La Angostura. It is small, next to the viewpoint.
6) Do the Seven Lakes route by car.
It is time to get in the car and take a scenic route along seven beautiful lakes until you reach the town of San Martín de los Andes. The seven lakes are Lácar, Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Correntoso and Espejo.
Although it is about 100 kilometers, we recommend taking the whole day to stop at the viewpoints of each of the sites, take pictures, enjoy the scenery and even have lunch with a view.
📷 Book here the excursion along the seven lakes road from Villa La Angostura. Includes transfers, guide and stops at the viewpoints of the different lakes.
🔎 More information in this article on the Seven Lakes Route.
7) Tours in the surroundings of Villa La Angostura
There are many places of interest to go on a day trip:
- Villa Traful: this small town is on the shore of the lake of the same name and to get there you have to travel a stretch of gravel road. It is a total of 50 kilometers from Villa La Angostura. Its main attraction is the submerged forest. You can book from here the day trip to Villa Traful from Villa La Angostura.
🔎 Want to know what else there is to see in this location? See the article about things to do in Villa Traful. If you’re just looking for a getaway, check out our article on Villa Traful in a day.
- Bariloche: the main city on the side of the Cordillera in Patagonia with many attractions: Circuito Chico, Cerro Catedral, sailing on the lake and much more. You can book from here the excursion to Bariloche from Villa La Angostura in the day.
- Crossing to Chile through the Samore Pass: only 42 kilometers separate the city from the border with Chile, so it is a good alternative to visit the trans-Andean country. The closest on the Chilean side is a visit to the Puyehue National Park with volcanoes, waterfalls and hiking trails, Lake Puyehue and the towns of Osorno and Frutillar.
- San Martín de los Andes: only 100 kilometers away, this city on the shores of Lake Lácar is worth a visit. Its waterfront and downtown are of great beauty.
Where to stay in Villa La Angostura
The hotels in Villa La Angostura are scattered along Bahía Mansa and Bahía Brava, the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi towards the town of Bariloche and Puerto Manzano. In the city there are hostels and cabins to five-star accommodations with lake views and heated swimming pool.
🏨 See here where to stay in Villa La Angostura and get your ideal accommodation.
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