Villa La Angostura
Itinerary
Day 1 BARILOCHE - VILLA LA ANGOSTURA
Day 2 FULL DAY HIKING
Day 3 HALF DAY KAYAKING – HALF DAY HIKING
Day 4 VILLA LA ANGOSTURA - BARILOCHE
Be Inspired
Itinerary
- Day 1 BARILOCHE - VILLA LA ANGOSTURA
- After breakfast, you will fly to Bariloche, Argentina and travel fifty miles north to Villa La Angostura. This charming city is surrounded by dense forest and snow-capped peaks. It is a popular ski resort in winter and a hiker's summer paradise. Villa la Angostura is set on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi at the foot of Mount Bayo, Icayal and Belvedere. Overnight at El Establo or similar. (B)
- Day 2 FULL DAY HIKING
- Depending on what interests you, today you'll enjoy one of the following activities:
SANTA ANA AND DORA WATERFALLS
Difficulty: Medium
In between the Argentine and Chilean customs station is a scenic trail that takes you to the Santa Ana and Dora’s waterfalls. You’ll trek into the rainforest and after hiking for about an hour you’ll arrive at the wonderful Dora’s waterfall. Continuing on you will get to the River Pireco where you’ll enjoy a nice break and stop for lunch. After crossing the river and another hour of hiking you’ll arrive at the impressive Santa Ana waterfall (70m). You’ll be able to cross behind it and contemplate this unique formation. Return to Villa La Angostura in the later afternoon. (B,L)
HIKE INACAYAL WATERFALL
Difficulty: Medium
Today will be spent hiking to the Inacayal Waterfall. From just outside of downtown Villa La Angostura, you start your hike through a coihue cane forest that will lead us to the Inacayal waterfall. You'll have time to admire the falls before continuing the trail up through Cajon Negron (Black Box) and around to Belvedere Point. You ascend to 4,000 ft above sea level to enter a beautiful lenga forest that ends in the famous glacier valley called “Cajon Negro,” where we will stop for lunch. On your way back, you follow a different path which will takes you to Belvedere Viewpoint to observe the incredible panoramic view of the Nahuel Huapi and Correntoso lakes together with the Correntoso river (the shortest in the world), and great part of the Andean range. Return to Villa La Angostura. (B,L)
MOUNT THE MONKS
Difficulty: medium-high
Just 15 miles at the end of Huemul`s bay (Nahuel Huapi Lake) starts a wonderful trek which will get you into a beautiful mix forest of coihues, cypress, radales, lengas and maitenes trees. After 2 hours and a half hours of a steady uphill hike you’ll find yourself right next to some impressive volcanic walls, an excellent place for sightseeing condors. Once you reach the top, you’lll stop for lunch and dazzle with the impressive view of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, Victoria Island and the Andes with the spectacular Mount Tronador. (B,L)
CERRO BAYO SKI RESORT – INACAYAL
Difficulty: Medium-High
The excursion starts at the base of the ski resort, Mount Bayo. Here you will board the ski lift for the ride to the top. (5000 ft) From here you will trek to the top and contemplate the view of Nahuel Huapi Lake and the Andes with the Impressive mount Tronador. As you continue through the crest of the mountain, you’ll reach the summit of Mount Inacayal where you’ll have a nice lunch and relax with the panoramic view. In the afternoon you’ll start the descent to the Inacayal Waterfall. You’ll finish the trek in a native forest after having seen incredible views of the region. (B,L)
- Day 3 HALF DAY KAYAKING – HALF DAY HIKING
- LAKE ESPEJO KAYAKING
Today your excursion starts at Lake Espejo (Mirror Lake), where you will gently kayak to enjoy the magnificent lakes. You paddle close to the coast and in a relaxed way will be able to appreciate the exuberant vegetation and learn about the incredible environment. After an hour and a half paddling, you will stop at a secluded beach to relax and enjoy some snorkeling to observe trout, perches, clam beds and sunken forests. A rewarding box lunch will follow and some time to rest prior to returning to your starting point. (B,L)
GRANDFATHER COIHUE – LAST HOPE BAY
Difficulty: Easy
A few miles from town there is a trail that takes you to the famous tree called “The Grandfather.” Here you will trek through native forest for about 1 hour until you arrive at the magnificent tree of more than 500 years old. On your way back you’ll take another path which will lead you to a beautiful bay of the Nahuel Huapi called “Last Hope” where you will stop for a mate tasting (Argentine tea). (B,L)
Upgrade: SAN MARTIN DE LOS ANDES – SEVEN LAKES ROAD
Difficulty: medium-high
This scenic trip – a landmark in the region – follows Route 234 and links some of the most beautiful lakes such as Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Falkner, Villarino, Machonico, and then enters the town of San Martin for a short and panoramic visit. The way back will be driving along a different road (Paso Cordoba), a beautiful road which will take us all the way to Confluencia and from there to the Valle Encantado (Enchanted valley), an incredible place due to its capricious formations of volcanic origin. Return to Villa La Angostura and Las Balsas. (B,L)
- Day 4 VILLA LA ANGOSTURA - BARILOCHE
- Transfer from your hotel at the appropriate time to travel south along the shores of Nahuel Huapi to the Bariloche airport for your flight to your next destination. (B)
Weather (Argentina)
When to Visit- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Due to the country's geography and location, Argentina & Patagonia offers a wide variety of climates. The Argentine mainland is mostly temperate, with seasons reversed from those in the northern hemisphere. The northern areas of Salta and around Iguazú are tropical, while southern Patagonia's weather is often cold and windy and always unpredictable.
Winter (from the end of June to the beginning of October) may be cold with some rain in certain areas of Argentina, while the Northwest enjoys sunny days and warm temperatures.
Summer (from December to March) is hot and sometimes humid in Buenos Aires; warm and dry in the Northwest with intermittent summer rains; and cold but sunny and sometimes windy in Patagonia.
BUENOS AIRES | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 69-83 | 3.9 |
| FEB | 67-81 | 4.2 |
| MAR | 67-78 | 4.9 |
| APR | 58-71 | 3.5 |
| MAY | 53-65 | 2.8 |
| JUN | 47-58 | 2.2 |
| JUL | 47-58 | 2.4 |
| AUG | 48-61 | 2.6 |
| SEP | 51-64 | 2.6 |
| OCT | 56-70 | 4.4 |
| NOV | 61-76 | 4.1 |
| DEC | 66-81 | 3.8 |
*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
EL CALAFATE | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 45-65 | 0.5 |
| FEB | 42-65 | 0.3 |
| MAR | 37-61 | 0.5 |
| APR | 32-54 | 1.0 |
| MAY | 28-45 | 1.2 |
| JUN | 27-41 | 0.8 |
| JUL | 29-39 | 1.0 |
| AUG | 33-43 | 0.8 |
| SEP | 44-50 | 0.6 |
| OCT | 37-56 | 0.5 |
| NOV | 41-61 | 0.4 |
| DEC | 44-64 | 0.6 |
*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
USHUAIA | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 41-57 | 1.5 |
| FEB | 51-56 | 1.8 |
| MAR | 39-54 | 2.1 |
| APR | 36-49 | 2.2 |
| MAY | 32-43 | 2.1 |
| JUN | 29-40 | 1.9 |
| JUL | 28-39 | 1.4 |
| AUG | 30-42 | 1.8 |
| SEP | 32-46 | 1.6 |
| OCT | 36-50 | 1.4 |
| NOV | 38-53 | 1.4 |
| DEC | 40-56 | 1.7 |
*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
BARILOCHE | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 43-70 | 0.9 |
| FEB | 42-71 | 0.9 |
| MAR | 39-66 | 1.2 |
| APR | 35-58 | 2.1 |
| MAY | 33-50 | 5.3 |
| JUN | 30-44 | 5.5 |
| JUL | 29-43 | 5.1 |
| AUG | 30-46 | 4.6 |
| SEPT | 31-51 | 2.3 |
| OCT | 34-57 | 1.5 |
| NOV | 38-63 | 1.0 |
| DEC | 41-67 | 1.3 |
*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
MENDOZA | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 64-90 | 1.4 |
| FEB | 62-87 | 1.3 |
| MAR | 57-81 | 1.1 |
| APR | 50-74 | 0.5 |
| MAY | 42-66 | 0.2 |
| JUN | 35-60 | 0.2 |
| JUL | 35-59 | 0.3 |
| AUG | 38-65 | 0.1 |
| SEP | 70-43 | 0.3 |
| OCT | 51-77 | 0.4 |
| NOV | 57-84 | 0.6 |
| DEC | 63-88 | 1.0 |
*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
SALTA | Min-Max Air Temp | Avg Rainfall |
| JAN | 61-81 | 7.0 |
| FEB | 61-79 | 6.4 |
| MAR | 59-77 | 4.6 |
| APR | 54-73 | 1.4 |
| MAY | 46-70 | 0.3 |
| JUN | 39-66 | 0.1 |
| JUL | 37-68 | 0.2 |
| AUG | 39-72 | 0.2 |
| SEP | 45-75 | 0.8 |
| OCT | 52-79 | 1.0 |
| NOV | 57-81 | 2.5 |
| DEC | 61-82 | 5.4 |
*Temperatures in °F, Rainfall in Inches
Villa La Angostura
- Pricing
- Per Person$995
- Included in tour cost
- All airport/hotel transfers
- All hotel accommodations
- All listed activities
- English-speaking certified guides
- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
- Meals as indicated
- Southern Explorations pre-departure services
- Excluded from tour cost
- Airport taxes, international and local
- Domestic airfare within South America
- International airfare to and from Central & South America
- Tips and gratuities
- Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
Villa La Angostura
- Trip Dates
- Weekly Departures. Contact us for details.Available
Our trip was marvelous from start to finish. Southern Explorations is the only way to really enjoy Patagonia. Because the territory is so vast, having everything planned maximized our experience and minimized the logistical aspects and associated worry. This was our second trip with Southern Explorations and will definitely take another one. - Anne Whitehair (Private Patagonia Lakes & Glaciers)
Luxury Patagonia’ exceeded our every expectation. The arrangements, the accommodations, the guides, the food as well as every location visited were as close to perfect as one could hope. The care and assistance from Southern Explorations prior to our departure was meticulous and informative. We will never forget this trip – one of the best in our lives. - Rosemary and Geoff Pierson, Massachusetts (Patagonia)
This was a trip of a lifetime. The highlight was the Explora Lodge with unbelievable hikes and horseback riding. Also, the Perito Moreno Glacier was fantastic. I wouldn't change a thing. - Kyle Craig, Colorado (Patagonia)
Everyone at the SE office was helpful and returned calls promptly. We just cannot say enough about how enjoyable our entire trip was. - Kathy & Peter Brackett (Argentina)
My father and I really loved Luis. He is just a super dependable, humble, smart and kind person. We invited him to dinner with us twice at Los Cerros because we enjoyed his company so much. My father and Luis spent most of dinner sharing stories about their passion for the mountains and discussing all the same books they’ve read about climbers who’ve climbed thee highest peaks around the world. I even had lunch with Luis in Buenos Aires while he was home for the holidays. Please make sure that Luis knows how much we appreciated him as a person as well as his skills as a guide. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. We enjoyed all the hotels. The staff at the Sheheun in El Calafate were very attentive and kind. I liked the fact that it was a few blocks out of the main street. We had a lovely view from our room. I cannot say enough about Los Cerros. The hotel was lovely. Everyone on staff was so friendly - the airport transfer driver, the wait staff, the receptionists, and the manager. They treated both my father and I like royalty and yet like family. I really hope to return. I thought the entire staff with whom I had contact at Southern Explorations - Jonathan, Justin, Eric and Marisa - were incredibly competent, communicative and genuinely enthusiastic about what they do. I felt from the very beginning that I could trust you folks. I just had a good feeling about you all. Thanks so much. It was an unforgettable trip with my dad. - Virginia Roberson (Patagonia)
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The Hosteria del Fuego in Ushuaia was our best experience. I have never slept so well while on a trip. All accommodations exceeded my expectations, however. We especially enjoyed the picnic lunch in Ushuaia. Also, the tea in Gaiman was outstanding. We would definitely consider Southern Explorations again if they offered a trip to a desired destination. We have a lot of other places we want to go, though, so wouldn’t know when we might go back to South America. - The Rambow Family, Houston (Patagonia)We just returned from our South American adventure this morning, but I wanted to write you to thank you for helping us put together a fantastic vacation. Our friends called it the 'trip of a lifetime', that included the 'hike of a lifetime' and the 'kayak paddling day of a lifetime' for them. You made it so easy to have a great adventure. Thanks again for all your help. - Heidi and Michael Rotberg (Argentina Mountains & Wineries)
Thank you for planning an amazing trip for us. Everything was beyond wonderful... and ran so smoothly. We so enjoyed our guides...who took us on harder hikes, just like we wanted. We especially loved El Chalten... and of course the Eolo Hotel. I think the glacial hike was one of the most beautiful walks we have ever taken. So appreciate all the effort your agency put into our trip. I WILL definetely travel with you again. - Lisa Goldman (Luxury Patagonia)
It was a wonderful trip and Southern Explorations really did a marvelous job of putting everything together for us. Thank You. We have had nothing but fantastic memories and have spoken to many people about Southern explorations and what a nice job you guys did putting everything together. Peru and other South America ventures will happen. I will be in touch. - Steve Andryk (Wisconsin) (Luxury Patagonia)
We were extremely pleased with the services provided by Southern Explorations...not only the extensive itinerary for Patagonia, but also the care and attention to detail that was delivered at every step of the way. It sure made this trip easy for us...everything was extremely well organized. We enjoyed the variety of activities and loved the guides....they were truly outstanding. - Joyce & Garry Mammel, Canada (Patagonia)
Southern Explorations created an amazing custom trip to one of the most beautiful places on earth. They worked with us to fine tune the details of what our perfect vacation to Patagonia would be. The reservations, the accommodations, the transfers and the guides were spot on, very informative and professional. Will we use Southern Explorations for our next trip to the southern hemisphere? You can be certain of that. - Jim Balsitis and Kathy Kalp (Patagonia)
I chose Southern Explorations for the combination of interesting itineraries and your high rating on customer satisfaction. I made the right choice. I will gladly recommend you to others. - Pat Harding, Texas (Iguazu, Lakes District, Mendoza & Santiago)
From arrival to departure this trip, from an organizational stand point, felt like a ballet… seamless and fluid. We couldn’t have done it without you – Thanks Southern Explorations! - Lori Schrader, New York (Patagonia)
Our experience planning a trip to Patagonia in South America with Southern Explorations exceeded my highest expectations! Everything was incredibly well organized, the hotels they booked for us were very nice, the guides and people who transported us all spoke our language (English). When my husband got very sick and we had to alter our plans, they were on top of rebooking flights and canceling excursions, and handled all of the logistics for us. I would highly recommend the services provided by Southern Explorations, and will certainly use them for all future travel planning that we do!! - Kristi Holland, Alabama (Patagonia)
Our words to describe our trip are Spectacular, Exciting, and Remote! We got to see basically everything we had hoped for, and more! - Ann Huston, California (Patagonia)
My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed all the activities in Patagonia and Southern Explorations made the trip smooth and easy. From the hotels, to the food, to the guides, and the outings, we loved it all. We would recommend it to all our friends and family! - Miriam Derman, Illinois (Patagonia)
- Argentina - Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do I choose an itinerary?A: We offer a variety of pre-planned tours online and we’d love to design a custom trip just for you. Take a look at what we have online, then call an Adventure Travel Coordinator to discuss the trip that best fits your timeframe, budget and interests.Q: Can I make changes or additions to these tours?A: Yes! We are happy to modify any tour to meet your needs and also add pre and post-excursion extensions. If you sign up for a group departure we cannot change the group portion, but we can add extensions before and after.Q: When is the best time to go to Argentina?A: Argentina’s large size and geographic orientation means it covers many climatic zone and different areas are better to visit during different times of the year. In the south, Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego are best visited from October through April. In the north, the season is inversed and your best time to travel is from April through November. Buenos Aires and the wine country around Mendoza can be visited year round.Q: What is the weather like in Argentina?A: The weather ranges from temperate summers and cold, snowy winters in the south to rainy summers and dry, warm winters in the north. You will find a detailed weather chart on the Overview page of each trip. You can also call your Adventure Travel Coordinator to discuss the weather trends for your trip.Q: What is a typical day like in Argentina?A: The typical day varies widely from trip to trip, but all tours will have full days with guided exploration. There will be time for rest and relaxation, as well as independent exploration of the cities and towns we visit. Due to the remote nature of Argentina’s most scenic areas, some long travel days will be required.Q: How physically fit do I need to be to enjoy a trip to Argentina?A: As long as you are able to walk a couple of miles at a leisurely pace and comfortably navigate uneven terrain, you will be able to enjoy most of our tours. Some of our more adventurous tours include activities like kayaking, ice climbing and hikes up to 12 miles. Please check the physical ratings on our trip pages or contact your Adventure Travel Coordinator to see if a particular itinerary is a good fit for you.Q: How much time do we need to visit Argentina?A: Because of the vast size of Argentina we recommend at least seven days. If you wish to visit multiple regions within Argentina we recommend 12 days or more.Q: How far in advance should I book?A: As a rule, the further in advance you can plan, the more options you will have. We recommend planning a trip at three to nine months in advance, but if you want to stay at very specific luxury hotels or travel over a holiday then we recommend planning nine months to a year in advance.Q: What are your booking and cancellation policies?A: Click here to see our booking and cancellation policies.Q: Do you use certified guides?A: The guides on all of our tours are experienced, fluent in English and hold a degree in a related field. The guides are experienced in the outdoors and trained in basic first aid. We tend to use the same guides as they are accustomed to the trips we offer and understand the Southern Explorations commitment to quality.Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect?A: We primarily work with 4-star hotels in Argentina and the occasional 3-star property, provided they meet our standards. We also work with several amazing 5-star properties. All of our hotels are clean, comfortable, well-located, offer en suite bathrooms and have been personally vetted by a Southern Explorations staff member.Q: Do tours include airfare?A: We will confirm all airfare within South America and this price is listed separately from our base tour costs. You are responsible for booking international flights to/from Argentina.Q: How many people are on your tours?A: Our Argentina trips are generally limited to 8 travelers, although some areas (all-inclusive lodge stays and cruises) may require that we form larger groups with other travelers.Q: Will I get more information on packing, vaccines, currency, electricity, etc.?A: After booking you will receive a link to our online trip portal, which includes all of the need-to-know information that is specific to your itinerary. This includes packing lists, restaurant recommendations, tipping guides, FAQs, vaccine recommendations and currency information. Your Adventure Travel Coordinator will also be a great resource for any other information you may need.Q: I read about a “Reciprocity Fee” to enter Argentina, do I need to pay that?A:
There is no longer a “Reciprocity Fee” required for travelers carrying US, Canadian or Australian Passports. If you carry a passport from a different country please check with your nearest Argentine consulate for more information.
