Calm Patagonian resort town on Nahuel Huapi Lake. Known for wooden alpine-style buildings, nearby Arrayanes Forest, and winter skiing at Cerro Bayo.
Villa La Angostura is a calm town in Argentina's Neuquén Province, situated on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake. The Andes Mountains and dense forests surround this Patagonian destination. You can explore the cinnamon-barked arrayán trees in Los Arrayanes National Park, ski at Cerro Bayo in winter, or paddle on the clear waters of Nahuel Huapi and Correntoso lakes during summer.
Location and Natural Setting
Villa La Angostura is in the Los Lagos Department of Neuquén Province, northwestern Patagonia. The town sits between Nahuel Huapi Lake and Correntoso Lake, with the Andes Mountains rising in the background. Its position within Nahuel Huapi National Park gives you access to forests, lakes, and mountains. Many call the area the "Garden of Patagonia" due to its lush landscape.
Activities in Villa La Angostura
You can engage in various recreational pursuits in and around Villa La Angostura. In summer, hiking trails lead to viewpoints and waterfalls. The Cascada Inacayal trail rewards you with views after a steep climb. For a different perspective of the landscape, try kayaking on Nahuel Huapi or Correntoso Lake. In winter, head to the Cerro Bayo ski resort, just 9 km from town, with 20 miles of ski runs overlooking the lake.
Los Arrayanes National Park
Near Villa La Angostura, you'll find Los Arrayanes National Park. This compact but important park protects a rare forest of arrayán trees, known for their cinnamon-colored bark and twisted shapes. You can reach the park by boat from Puerto Villa or by hiking a 12 km trail. The forest's distinctive appearance has inspired legends and even influenced Walt Disney's "Bambi."
Local Cuisine and Dining
Villa La Angostura's food scene aligns with its status as a high-end resort town. Many restaurants serve local specialties using regional ingredients like trout, wild boar, and deer. On Avenida Arrayanes, the main street, you'll find artisanal chocolate shops. For a casual dining experience, visit El Mercado, a modern food hall with various options.
Accommodation
You can find accommodations for different budgets and preferences in Villa La Angostura. High-end hotels like Correntoso Lake & River Hotel have lake views and spa facilities. For a more intimate experience, consider smaller properties such as Luma Casa de Montana. If you're on a budget, you can stay at hostels in town or camping sites in the surrounding national park.
Getting There and Best Time to Visit
The nearest airport is in Bariloche, about 80 km south of Villa La Angostura. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to reach the town. The best time to visit depends on your interests. Summer (December to February) is suitable for hiking and water activities, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C. Winter (June to September) is ideal for skiing, while spring and fall have mild weather and fewer visitors.
The Seven Lakes Route
Villa La Angostura marks the starting point of the Seven Lakes Route (Ruta de los Siete Lagos). This 110 km scenic drive connects Villa La Angostura to San MartÃn de los Andes, passing by seven lakes. As you travel through forests and alongside clear lakes, you'll find numerous stops for photos and short walks.
